Big Bear Today Magazine November 2020

Volume 32, No. 5 November 2020
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
• Finally! Zoo Opens at New Location
• Hike, Bike New Maple Hill Trails Complex
• What's New at Summit, Bear, Snow Play
• Fall Colors on Pine Knot Trail Not New

Page 2—November 2020
From the Publisher
Sculpting Kun statue
shows Ron Pekar has
the bronze touch
For a half-century Dick Kun looked
out over Snow Summit as a largerthan-life
figure, and now he’s doing
so again.
A life-size bronze sculpture of Kun
dedicated last month greets skiers and
snowboarders at Snow Summit, the resort
he built into a powerhouse, at the base area.
Fittingly Kun, who orchestrated the sale
of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain to
Mammoth Resorts in 2014 and passed
away two years later, is depicted on skis,
flying off a jump seemingly suspended in
air, the way he spent much of his life.
Kun wouldn’t have signed off on a
statue of anyone, let alone himself. Evidenced
by the fact that he never saw fit to
put one up for his stepdad, resort founder
Tommi Tyndall. Or his own mother Jo for
that matter, who took over operations of
the resort with Dick in 1964 when Tyndall
was killed in a tragic tractor accident.
Still the idea of a lasting tribute to the
man most responsible for making Big Bear
what it is today was a good one and Loren
Hafen, one of the committee members
making it happen, knew just the artist for
the job. One of his customers at Holloway’s
Marina just happens to be one of the
nation’s preeminent sculptors with the
credits to prove it.
Ron Pekar is a sculptor, painter,
teacher and lecturer with thousands of his
works displayed in corporate, museum,
university and private collections worldwide.
Like at the University of Southern
California where he was commissioned to
craft a bronze display of Traveler, the
school’s hard-charging mascot. The iconic
bronze football scene at the Rose Bowl in
Pasadena. Will Rogers in action with rope,
lasso suspended in air. Among others.
Hafen already had firsthand experience
with Pekar’s work after he designed
a steel entry sign of people fishing at
Holloway’s. And Pekar, who has had a second
home in Big Bear for years, was happy
to do the work, even offering a hometown
discount, though he never met Kun.
“It helps immensely to have known
and seen the person,” Pekar said. “I relied
on a barrage of photos provided by many
people who did know him, (wife) Jennifer,
(daughter) Dominique, (son) Alex,
(friend) Simeon Prophet, from about the
mid-1960’s to the time of his passing.”
Hafen, Prophet and Rick Herrick, also
a committee member, wanted an action
design rather than posed. “We wanted to
put Dick in a dynamic ski position in air
so he’s not just standing there,” Hafen said.
“I did three sketches and they picked
one,” Pekar said. “It became the basis for
the final with Dick jumping.
“The question became how to make a
half-ton sculpture in bronze be suspended
in air,” he added. “I took it as a real artistic
challenge.”
The answer was to run stainless steel
through the body, down the feet and out
the back of the skis to two vertical posts
behind the image that provide support.
“Eyes focus on Dick and the skis,” Pekar
said. “People don’t really notice the posts
and it seems like he’s in air.”
Once the design was settled on Pekar
created the armature, steel and clay skeleton
with fiberglass and wire inside acting
as support for the structure. A clay model
was crafted before the piece was sent to
foundry in Utah where individual sections
of the design were fired at 2,200 degrees.
The lost-wax bronze casting process
was used, which has been around at least
6,000 years and hasn’t changed much.
Early sculptures were solid till about 2,000
years ago when artists learned how to cast
hollow designs. Good thing because a solid
Kun could never have gone airborne!
Eighteen pieces of casting meticulously
created through a multistage process
that includes layers of wax and molten
bronze that’s sandblasted were welded together.
Seams were ground away for a
smooth finish and combinations of acid and
wax then applied for coloring.
After a nearly yearlong process from
design to completion, more than that counting
fundraising, the statue was unveiled to
an invitation-only group.
“Ron did a phenomenal job on the
face,” Hafen said. “You look at some statues
and it’s not the same person you knew.
When I first saw it I was like wow, it has a
lot of Dick in it.”
“I’ve been told he looks like Dick,”
Pekar said. “People didn’t want to see just
a skier in the air doing a jump. They wanted
to see Dick.”
They’ll do so for eons, since bronze
sculptures literally last forever. Long after
the rest of us are gone, Kun will be there,
skiing his resort. “Many bronzes from
Greek times are still around,” Pekar said.
Pekar is on to the next project, a piece
for the Nixon Library commemorating the
EPA that the late president created. The
artist has already left his mark on Big Bear.
Have a good one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: Be sure to check out the new bronze sculpture of late Snow Summit
president Dick Kun at the resort as winter season arrives.
Volume 32, Number 5 November 2020
4
6
8
9
16
Publisher
Marcus G. Dietz
Associate Publisher
Sandra L. Dietz
Publishing Consultant
Bret Colson
Technical Consultant
Charles Dietz
Photography/Distribution
Steve Dietz
John Daskam
Mark Gauger
In This Issue...
Big Bear Today
New Zoo Opens with Creature Comforts
After two decades Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s long-awaited move to
its new home is really happening. Honest, and there’s a grand
opening on Nov. 5 to prove it. The animals enjoy more room
and new furniture—grizzly and black bears have their own
pools!—while guests will discover a state-of-the-art facility
that opens with fireplace in front and kid playground inside.
Ready for Winter at BBSP, BBMR
Big Bear Snow Play has been itching to show off its expanded
base lodge with huge snack bar and it just might get to do so
as snowmaking begins and inner tubing season arrives. Bear
Mountain didn’t get to finish the second phase of its deck
expansion but the first installment was impressive enough.
And don’t miss the bronze statue of Dick Kun either...
Get Away Close at Maple Hill Trails Complex
Steps from Big Bear Blvd. there’s an urban hiking and biking
oasis. Brand-new Maple Hill Trails Complex in Big Bear City is
the latest system to open with miles of low intermediate paths
that disappear from civilization in just steps with sprawling
vistas to boot.
Speed, Soar, Slide, Snow at Alpine Slide
There’s more ways to play at Alpine Slide than you can shake
a stick at, from the new Mountain Coaster to the longtime
favorite bobsleds, both rides where guests control their own
speed. Soar in the sky or spin on the snow aboard an inner
tube as nightly snowmaking gets winter going.
Oaks Put On Color Show on Pine Knot Trail
Each fall the oak trees put on a great color display and this
year’s show is especially nice on this longtime favorite hike.
Get ready for a few lake views and lots of yellow and orange
and if you go far enough you’ll reach Grandview Point. If not,
autumn is reason enough to hit the trail.
Explore Big Bear on guided horseback
rides at Baldwin Lake Stables. Page 15
DEPARTMENTS
2
3
13
14
From the Publisher
Potpourri
Area Map/
Calendar of Events
The Almanac
Big Bear's most complete
listings for recreation,
dining, and more.
Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation,
dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any
material, without the express written consent of the Publisher,
is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909)
585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA,
92314. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. Member, Big Bear
Visitor Bureau and Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Internet
Address: bigbeartodaymag.com
Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc.
Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio.
Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big
Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited
manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned.
© Copyright 2020 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today November 2020—Page 3

Page 4—November 2020
ourtyard-style entrance with pavers
and gas fireplace. Expanded
gift shop and interior displays.
Even exterior landscaping lining the street
up Clubview.
Most importantly, expanded living
space for the residents.
After two decades of starts and stops,
location changes and seemingly endless
delays, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is set to open
the doors at its new facility with a soft
grand opening on November 5 with presentations
at 9 a.m., ribbon cutting 9:30.
Soft may be the operative phrase as
work on interior buildings including the
main entrance still was not complete at
press time. Then again, current conditions
don’t allow much to happen indoors anyway.
But otherwise the new zoo is ready is
strut its stuff with nearly 100 animals relocated
during the past several weeks after
the old location across from Bear Mountain
closed.
There’s a lot to like about the new zoo,
as the animals enjoy more room and guests
are closer to them for viewing. A pathway
essentially circles the 5.6 developed acre
facility that’s more than double the previous
size. Animal enclosures are essentially
on the inside of the loop, with the black
bears the first residents guests encounter
after arriving, with great views through
glass windows.
The bears even enjoy their own pri-
Big Bear Today
With bigger enclosures, fire pit new zoo worth waiting for
C
vate rock-lined swimming pool that’s already
proven a favorite since they were relocated.
Even three-legged Hucklebeary,
missing his right front limb, is getting in
on the fun after its entry slope was modified
to accommodate him. Other black
bears Zuni and Holly have been splashing
in the water though the pools likely will
be drained for winter till warmer weather.
At the other end of the park, the wellpublicized
grizzly bears also enjoy their
own pools and even stream. Mama Tutu
and offspring Ayla and Harley, who arrived
in Big Bear two decades ago after raiding
one campground too many in Yellowstone,
were the first animals to be moved
Which was not a simple task. In fact
keepers had to train the bears to go into
different areas separately just so they could
be sedated. Now their larger enclosure sees
them lounging in a mulch-filled dig pit
when they’re not in the water. Big Bear
Alpine Zoo is still one of only two parks
in California where the state’s symbol, the
grizzly bear, can be seen. See them at rest
or play through extra-thick glass viewing.
Relocating one-eyed Himalayan snow
leopard sisters Asha and Shanti was another
challenge. Before the move exams
under sedation showed both cats have suffered
significant deterioration in their remaining
eyes so while they had memorized
every inch of their old space, no one knew
how they’d fare in a new one.
For a
few days after
they were
moved the
snow leopards
barely
stuck their
heads outside.
Fears
were they
wouldn’t be
able to take
advantage of
Daily pool parties for grizzlies, black bears at new Big Bear Alpine Zoo (left)
the special 15-foot structure built just for
them. After a couple weeks they were spotted
on top of it and have since been exploring
their surroundings.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo’s resident timber
wolves also have more room to roam
with double enclosure that allows them
more trotting space than before. Raccoons,
bobcats, mountain lions and other animals
have been adjusting to their new digs. Reptile
room and nocturnal animal buildings
are other highlights.
For popular animal presentations by
staff there’s a new stage and benches.
Brand new picnic area and kid’s playground
with equipment donated by the
Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are
other amenities, even a climbing wall!
There’s also a donor wall for recognition.
To continue its behind-the-scenes
work—80% of the animals that arrive are
returned to the wild during rescue and rehabilitation
efforts—the new zoo has expanded
medical and rehab facilities plus
food preparation room. In all the property
sits on about 10 acres with the eastern end
left as empty space for flood mitigation.
Guests will find a new parking lot at
the zoo on the property’s east side next to
Rathbun Creek. There’s a path and bridge
leading to the new welcome center.
The zoo’s price tag, once thought to
be around $8 million, soared to over $18
million after several years of delays. Plans
were drawn by renowned firm PGAV Designers,
same company that created the famous
Georgia Aquarium.
The zoo is open daily starting Nov. 5
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $15, $10
ages 3-10/60 and over, under three free.
The zoo is at 747 Clubview Dr. at
Moonridge Rd. Call (909) 584-1299.
Creature comforts for residents including snow leopards (left), plus people at
new Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Big Bear Today November 2020—Page 5
Tree lights go on, maybe without show
In a “normal” year this is when Big
Bear would be gearing up to celebrate the
holiday season, starting with a smattering
of events leading up to Chirstmas in the
Village and Santa’s Grand Entrance the
evening after Thanksgiving.
Obviously 2020 isn’t normal.
As November arrives the fate of the
season’s most popular event with holiday
music and tree lighting is still up in the air,
to be decided by City Council early in the
month. Given that Halloween in the Village
was canceled it’s likely this will be
too.
Even so Big Bear Village remains a
popular shopping destination and plans still
call for decorations to be hung and the tow-
Seed collection days
Join the Southern California Mountains
Foundation restoration team in collecting
seed Thursdays and Saturdays in
November from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
No experience is needed to be a big
help in the program as native seed is collected
to be grown in Forest Service greenhouses
and replanted later. This
contactless, outdoor activity requires all
participants to social distance and wear a
mask. Workdays are on Nov. 5 and 7, 12
and 14, 19 and 21, and 28.
Participants must sign up in advance
to comply with the Covid-19 safety plan
and will meet near Big Bear Ranger Station
on the north shore. Email for location
at lunderwood@mountainsfoundation.org.
ering Christmas tree on the corner to be
brilliantly decorated. Illuminated at night
the decorated Village is truly a sight to behold,
especially if there’s snow on the
streets.
There’s fine dining, quick eats and
places to wet the whistle, three outdoor
fireplaces to warm up by and seven carved
bears and other woodland critters up and
down the streets in a variety of poses, perfect
for photo ops with some large enough
to sit on. Ideal for quick posts to Facebook
or Instagram!
Beautiful outdoor lighting, ice melting
sidewalks, curbs with pavers and lighting,
even bicycle racks make shopping an
experience to be enjoyed instead of just
acquiring stuff online. Take a horse-drawn
carriage ride, explore the adjacent paved
Knickerbocker walking path or enjoy live
music at several venues. With so much to
do it’s no wonder that Big Bear Village,
which received a $3.6 million makeover
several years ago, is so popular.
Pine Knot Ave. and Village Dr. form
an “L” with Christmas tree in the middle
that leads to a mountain of shopping experiences.
Discover hidden treasures and
cozy cabin furnishings, fine art, Big Bear
souvenirs galore, gifts for man’s best friend
and much more. Like Chirp Nature Center
with birdhouses and feeders, seed and gifts,
and information for beginner to advanced
birders (story page 12).
When hunger strikes the Village is
home to authentic Mexican, Himalayan,
Warm up by outdoor fireplaces
and enjoy the Christmas tree in
Big Bear Village
Italian, traditional California cuisine,
smokehouse, sandwiches and pizza, you
name it. Enjoy locally brewed beer and
gourmet pub grub at Big Bear Lake Brewing
Co. or the new outdoor patio at the
Bone Yard (story page 10) with barbecue
specialties, 44 beers on tap and hundreds
of wine selections.
New Rockin’ Burritos is open inside
The Cave with huge chicken, pork and
carne asada burritos for $8.50, tacos and
salads, street corn, stuffed baked potatoes
and loaded nachos, and more. Plus full bar
service including craft cocktails.
From Segway Tours to marina boat
rentals, lodging to specialty services, Big
Bear Village has it all at 7,000 feet. Discover
why it’s the “Heart of Big
Bear!”www.BigBearLakeVillage.com.

Page 6—November 2020
BBSP eager to debut deck, snack bar
Early season snowmaking may mean
that Big Bear Snow Play can finally
debut its new snack bar and expanded
base lodge.
Winter at Southern California’s largest
inner tubing area is getting underway
and Big Bear Snow Play has plenty to be
excited about. The new expanded snack bar
or in the air at Big Bear Snow Play and
Ropes Course
www.CaptainsAnchorage.com
Est. 1947 by Andy Devine
as the Sportsmans Tavern
Open Nightly 4:30 p.m.
"Still haunted by our Ghost George"
offers 3,000 sq. ft. of seating with goodies
like burgers and pizza on the menu.
Just part of an enlarged, renovated
base lodge that more than doubled in size
and is now two stories featuring a 6,700
sq. ft. observation deck that serves up great
views of snow play action. The project literally
required the roof to be raised! The
deck is amazing too with radiant
heat and wrapping
around the entire building.
All of which enhances an
already top shelf snow play
experience. At one time the
old Rebel Ridge ski area, Big
Bear Snow Play sports by far
the longest inner tubing runs
in the region. With ski areaquality
fan snow guns roaring
to life in late October, the
2020-21 winter snow play
season is getting going.
Several machines lining
the slopes allow Big Bear
Snow Play to take full advantage
of good snowmaking
conditions. As the season
progresses snow is made
whenever possible so depths
reach 30 feet or more—three
stories high—ensuring tubing
through Easter. Sessions are
held daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
So much product allows
Big Bear Snow Play to build
Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt
Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster
Welcome Back!
Enjoy Great Food
in a Historic Setting
Outdoor Dining
Under our Pine Trees!
Seating is Limited for your Safety
Molekule Air Purifiers
for Safety of Customers & Staff
Rare Photos, Memorabilia,
and More!
Advance Reservations
Highly Recommended
Play on perfectly-groomed snow...
its own signature snow features in addition
to traditional downhill runs. Features
like whoop-di-doos, bumps and berms that
really add to the tubing experience are built
as the season progresses. Nightly grooming
means tubers enjoy perfect surface conditions
each morning with corduroy snow.
Getting to the top of all the snow
would be a real chore if not for two Magic
Carpet uphill lifts. Just step on and step
off! No uphill climb to tucker parents and
kids out so they save energy for downhill
fun and get all the runs they can handle.
For a special treat try after dark Glow
Tubing sessions at Big Bear Snow Play
from 5-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays,
expected to begin Thanksgiving
weekend. The slopes already looked like a
Christmas tree for night tubing when 11
RGB strobes that change sequences from
color to color and 1,500 LED lights were
installed and then even more lighting was
put in two years. Now the slopes are a virtual
kaleidoscope of colors with all the
shades of the rainbow reflecting off snow.
Enhancing the experience even more
are colored inner tubes instead of tradition
black tires. Red, white and blue camo
tubes—the area went to colorful inner
tubes instead of the black tire-look several
years ago which really light up after dark,
especially when the black light comes
around. Even the Magic Carpet uphill lift,
enclosed for guest comfort, is lit up.
All inner tubing sessions at Big Bear
Snow Play are $35 which includes tube
Earn your Thanksgiving Day dinner—and
burn those Oktoberfest calories
at the same time—with a run beforehand
during the 8th annual Big Bear Turkey
Trot on Thursday, November 26 at
Meadow Park, still on at press time.
Burn the calories to come later in the
day with three, six and nine mile road
runs. Turkey Trot is family friend—strollers
welcome—with the course a relatively
flat three-mile loop through Eagle Point.
Runners do two or three laps for the
longer races. The nine mile race begins
at 9 a.m., followed by the six mile at 9:15
and the three mile at 9:30. Three-milers
are treated to a yoga warm up routine with
Colin Schour before the race.
Registration fees are $50, $45 and
Big Bear Today
rental and Magic Carpet lift ticket.
The 6,400 sq. ft. Big Bear Ropes
Course adjacent to the lodge is open yearround,
weather permitting with 37 challenging
elements including suspension
bridges, ropes, spinning log, curved bars
and more. The state-of-the-art ropes
course, only one in Big Bear, is two stories
high with an engaging mix of obstacles
and challenges that bring out your inner
Ninja warrior.
Unlike Ninjas, guests are wearing
five-point, full-body safety harnesses that
are tethered into the structure, so there’s
zero chance of falling as they navigate obstacles
like spinning log or a variety of rope
challenges. The advanced safety system
is unique. A slider “puck” attached to the
safety harness that can only be inserted or
removed by a certified operator is locked
into a continuous belay track system that
follows participants through every station.
There’s curved bars that adventurers
must wind their way around and swinging
steps. Along with a variety of suspension
bridges, some with wide-open gaps and
others dangling ropes to grasp onto. Even
an 80-foot descent on the Sky Rail zipline
with automatic braking.
Twenty-minute sessions are $12 and
guests. All users must be at least 42” tall
and under 48” must be accompanied by an
adult. Maximum weight 300 lbs.
Big Bear Snow Play/ Ropes Course is
at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.
Earn dinner at Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
$40 respectively; youth $25 any distance
(add $10 after Nov. 20). Preregister for
Turkey Trot shirt and event ornament. In
true Turkey Trot tradition a turkey prize
is awarded to the winners for the family
feast.
Races start and finish at Meadow
Park (41220 Park Ave., Big Bear Lake)
where there’s finish festival and family
activities. Run in bear or turkey costumes
to compete for prizes then hang around
for raffles. Last year was cancelled with
the Thanksgiving weekend snow storm.
Proceeds benefit local food pantries
and Open Air Big Bear, which celebrates
and supports outdoor events in the valley.
www.bigbearturkeytrot.com..

Big Bear Today November 2020—Page 7
Kun statue, virus protocol at resorts
The resorts may look the same but the
experience will be different when the 2020-
21 Big Bear winter season gets underway,
typically in November.
Covid-compliant protocols are the
dominant theme when the lifts crank up.
Which means that no one without a valid
lift ticket, season pass or reservation will
be allowed into the base areas at Snow
Summit and Bear Mountain. Nor will they
be allowed on the free shuttles to the resorts
either. Reservations are not required
to secure a spot on the mountain but you
won’t get onto the base areas without a
valid lift ticket or season pass.
All parking is paid on Fridays through
Sundays during peak winter months at $20
per car even at remote lots like Brownie
and Garstin. Parking can be purchased
online in advance or from on-site attendants.
Remote parking is still free for
BBMR and Ikon season pass holders.
Other virus-related protocols include
obvious wearing of masks in public areas
and social distancing. Chairlifts will be
loaded to just partial capacity and groups
are advised to only ride with those they
traveled with.
Other than procedural stuff there’s not
a lot to report from the resorts, save for the
new statue of late Snow Summit icon Dick
Kun in the resort’s courtyard unveiled last
month (cover photo, story page 2). Bear
Mountain’s $5 million base renovation
highlighted by the tripling of its sun deck
remains half-finished as the scheduled second
phase was halted by the virus.
Still, guests who didn’t make it to Bear
before the resort was shut down in mid-
March will be amazed at how much the
project’s first phase changed the deck. The
legendary 13,000 sq. ft. deck, already the
envy of the ski world, doubled in size last
year and when complete will be some
36,000 feet, extending 350 feet from endto-end,
roughly the size of a football field.
It’s not just big either. Custom benches
were built into the slope edge of the sun
deck and there’s a new outdoor dining location
on the west end. Three new fire pits
and $250,000 in outdoor furniture make
the best apres spot around even nicer.
Laybacks Bar sports a posh mountain look.
Other highlights include ADA ramps and
pathways to provide expanded access and
plaza along with updated paint scheme to
existing base area.
“All capital projects have been postponed
till further notice,” said the resort’s
Justin Kanton. “We’re hoping to revisit
before (next) season.”
The deck project at Bear comes on the
heels of major renovations at Snow Summit
in recent years. The outdoor Meadow
courtyard is awesome, paved with woodburning
Big Horn Smokehouse right below
the chairlifts, a great spot to grab a
bite or beer apres ski, with built-in fire pit
plus two portable ones, tables, heat lamps,
charging stations and more.
The virus may be an uncertainty, but
snow conditions shouldn’t be. Huge compressors
were installed at both Bear Mountain
and Snow Summit two years ago to
increase air pressure capacity to run the
massive snowmaking systems at the resorts,
some of the largest in the world. In
fact Snow Summit has its own power generating
system to make sure there’s enough
juice to run its share of the 150 fan guns
between the two resorts plus traditional
nozzle guns.
A virtually unlimited water supply
courtesy of Big Bear Lake guarantees
plenty of ammo for those guns, so winter
is on in Big Bear whether the forecast calls
for La Nina or El Nino. Fleets of snowcats
manicure the runs at both resorts nightly,
creating perfect corduroy for the next day’s
guests. At Bear Mountain Piston Bully Park
Pros sculpt and shape Southern
California’s only halfpipes including competition-quality
Superpipe.
There’s some 20 different food and
beverage venues between Snow Summit
and Bear Mountain, some outdoors and
Last year’s deck renovation at Bear
Mountain, this year’s statue of ski pioneer
Dick Kun at Snow Summit notable
improvements for the 2020-21 winter
others in, and all are expected to operate
in 2020-21 at limited capacity and with enhanced
safety procedures. Additional graband-go
opportunities will be introduced as
well—will the famous burrito snowcat at
Mammoth be introduced to the Big Bear
slopes?
Resort guests will continue to enjoy
the free shuttle running between Snow
Summit and Bear Mountain every halfhour
with their tickets and passes valid at
both resorts.
Visit bigbearmountainresorts.com for
tickets and information.
CLOSE TO VILLAGE,
LAKE, DINNING
CLOSE to SLOPES!
Deluxe
Spa Rooms
$125
with Cozy
Fireplace
Standard
Motel Rooms
$75
with Fireplace
& Queen Bed
Non-Holiday / Midweek
Weekends Slightly Higher
Subject to change without notice.
(800) 255-4378
local (909) 866-2166
41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA
www.BlackForestLodge.com

Page 8—November 2020
Maple Hills Trail Complex now open
Big Bear Today
After a decades-long drought that
saw no new trails in Big Bear, now
they seem to be springing up everywhere,
like Sawmill Pebble Plains Ecological
Preserve (October 2020 Big Bear
Today) and Rathbun Creek (story page 9)
among others.
The newest trail is actually an entire
network of paths winding up and down
Maple Hill next to the high school in Big
Bear City. And this is just the first of three
trails that will comprise the Maple Hills
Trails Complex, open for hiking and biking
with multiple trailheads accessing 213
acres of forest land immediately next to
Big Bear Blvd.
School Loop is the primary path in the
complex, about 3.2 miles long as it essen-
tially circles the property’s perimeter. Yet
there are multiple connectors and variations
that lead to the different access points
plus other variations so there’s a lot of ways
to vary your route.
The property was donated by RCK
Properties in 2018 and title is now held by
BVUSD Education Foundation, so Maple
Hills Trails Complex is on private property.
Southern California Mountains Foundation
and its Big Bear Trails program cut
miles of trail by hand and with machinery
in creating the trail system.
One access point to School Loop,
aptly named since it traverses right below
the high school for a stretch, is at the top
of the ridge. There’s a little dirt parking lot
just north of the high school parking lot
and like at the
other trailheads
there’s awesome
signage with full
map detailing the
many options.
Each junction is
well marked with
distances between
points. In short
this is a trail complex
done right.
Head west on
School Loop paralleling
the high
school and at first
the trail feels
pretty urban with
Wilderness-worthy hiking, biking on new Maple Hill Trails, between Big Bear
Blvd. and the high school west of Maple, but a world apart
traffic noise in the distance. But it doesn’t
take long to transform from city as the
double and triple wide track twists and
turns along the ridge, descending slowly
as it goes downhill. The only hint of civilization
is the fence above the trail as sprawling
views emerge and sounds dissipate.
As it traverses ridge lines School Loop
wanders through pine forest, exposed manzanita
and more. The trail doesn’t feel like
it’s close to town even though it is. Signposts
mark junctions with routes that lead
directly to trailheads and access points on
Shore Rd. or the boulevard, or just stay on
School Loop as it passes both.
Plus there’s more challenging variations
that go straight up and down Maple
Hill. Amazing that there’s so much hiking
and biking in just a couple hundred acres
right above the highway!
After reaching the boulevard School
Loop works its way back uphill, winding
back and forth on the complex’s east side.
Trail junctions are spread out every third
to half a mile so users remain engaged and
connected.
Just as incredible, on a Saturday in late
October as I hiked School Loop, there were
only two others using it, both mountain
bikers. One was a girl who was looping
the loop, riding three or four circumnavi-
gations of the property, and then another
guy. That’s it. Pristine new trail that has
just opened, all to ourselves. It won’t take
long for the word to get out, especially after
Mountains Foundation held its “Treats
and Trails” event on Halloween showcasing
the area, introducing the new terrain
in hopes of luring volunteers to work on
future sections.
That’s because more’s coming. School
Loop passes a marker showing where trail
coming down from near Baldwin Lane Elementary
with another trail network and a
third is in the plans too. Not just hikers and
bikers will benefit either; it’s ideal terrain
for high school cross country runners and
bike team members to train on and will
afford field-based learning opportunities
galore.
“We are excited to participate in building
this trail, said Stacy Gorin of Southern
California Mountains Foundation. “Our
team of Urban Conservation Corps members
and volunteers worked alongside staff
to create a safe and picturesque trail in the
urban Big Bear center.”
Maple Hill Trails is located between
Big Bear Blvd. and the high school west
of Maple in Big Bear City.
—by Marcus Dietz
Visit bigbeartrails.org for information.

Big Bear Today November 2020—Page 9
Rathbun trail done, Stanfield almost
New trails keep coming to Big Bear,
like Maple Hill Trails Complex (story page
8) and still more are on the horizon.
Stanfield Cutoff Trail is nearing
completion, with the installation of decorative
railings and other park amenities
expected to be completed in November.
The project along the existing west shoulder
of Stanfield Cutoff is creating segregated
trail for hikers and bikers from Big
Bear Blvd. to the North Shore, a safe way
to connect to the popular Alpine Pedal Path
next to the lake.
Stanfield Cutoff has been completely
resurfaced, a new protective guardrail has
been installed, and new pavement mark-
Veteran’s Day service
Honor American heroes during Veterans
Day ceremonies open to the public
on Wednesday, November 11.
Ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. at Veterans
Park, just east of Pine Knot on Big Bear
Blvd. The national anthem will be sung by
Voice Male and Chick-A-Pells, Big Bear
students of Diane Kubeja, who have performed
at the Veterans Day ceremony for
many years.Speaking will be Ed Morgan,
2019 Veteran of the Year.
American Legion Riders Chapter 584
is hosting the event along with the City.
It’s the fastest growing group within the
American Legion and promotes programs
through service to the community, including
motorcycle safety.
Just completed section of Rathbun Creek Trail winds through forest beauty
ings have been installed. The City of Big
Bear Lake's contractor has also paved new
public parking areas near the intersection
of Stanfield Cutoff and Big Bear Blvd.
The total project budget is approximately
$1.3 million, and is funded by State
grants and dedicated Measure Y (transient
occupancy tax) funding. S. Porter, Inc., a
local business, is the contractor.
In addition the City continues to expand
Rathbun Creek bicycle and pedestrian
trail, recently paving an additional
1,200 linear ft. of the trail. The newest segment
extends an existing 1,800 ft. segment
that runs along Rathbun Creek (from Elm
Street to Best Western) all the way to Sizzler
Restaurant on Big Bear Blvd.
The sections combine to create great
bike rides, walks or runs along the creek
in a wooded area. Paved and fenced, the
level path is scenic as it traverses past willows,
towering pines and a few aspens.
Once complete, bicyclists and pedestrians
will be able to travel on a dedicated asphalt
path all the way from Moonridge
commercial area to Big Bear Blvd.
The City is committed to expanding
the bicycle and pedestrian trail network,
with future plans to extend Rathbun Creek
trail north past Kmart and behind CVS and
Interlaken Shopping Center. Future plans
also include the extension of the Rathbun
Creek trail south to the new Big Bear Alpine
Zoo set to open November 5 and
northwest to the lake. There’s two-hour
parking at the trailhead on Elm near Cougar,
below Bear Mountain’s lower lot (turn
at Bear Belly Deli).
Eventually, Rathbun Creek will connect
with another new trail along Sandalwood
Dr. and Big Bear Blvd. (between
Sandalwood and Stanfield Cutoff) that will
be constructed in Spring 2021, the new bicycle
and pedestrian trail along Stanfield
Cutoff that is currently under construction
and will be complete in the coming weeks,
and the existing Alpine Pedal Path on the
North Shore.
The ADA-accessible Happy Hills
Trail opened three years ago with trailhead
at City Hall (39707 Big Bear Blvd.) with
10 foot wide asphalt path. It’s lined with
Full Hot & Cold Deli
Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto
Try Our Famous
Rotisserie Chicken
& Kabobs!
We cut the highest
Quality Meats
Daily
gravel to capture precipitation. The quarter-mile
trail runs through a beautiful, treed
area following a seasonal stream before
ending at the National Forest boundary.
Along the way Happy Hills passes historical
log cabins and there’s picnic tables
and bear-proof trash bins. Plenty of parking
and restrooms are at the trailhead along
with cool renovated rustic chalet. While
not long the trail may eventually become
an access route to longer hikes.
Click Us Up!
bigbeartodaymag.com
Award
Winners:
1st
Liquor
2nd
Groceries
2017
Chamber of
Commerce
Excellence
in Business!
Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip,
Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too!
(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days
Community Market
100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City
1 mile east of The Convention Center

Page 10—November 2020
Brews, beef, bird at Bone Yard
Fourty four beers on tap. Not to mention
18 whiskeys...just from America! A
refrigerated wine cellar with vintages from
around the world.
Better allow a little extra time to wade
through the beverage offerings at The Bone
Yard Bar & Grill in the Village. Fortunately
there’s a terrific new patio with outdoor
games like cornhole to look the drink menu
over on, and indoors, when that’s allowed
again, has beautiful handpainted custom
murals that include a nod to Bugs Bunny
plus televised sports including NFL games.
Everything is big at the Bone Yard,
whether it be selection or portions. Kid and
dog-friendly, there’s a half-dozen burgers,
five flat bread pizzas, and a smoker that
pumps out delights like ribs, both baby
back and beef, tri tip, pulled pork and
chicken. There’s steak, shrimp tacos and
wraps, six salads...you get the idea.
Talk about timing. The Bone Yard began
building its beautiful 4,200 sq. ft. patio
before the shutdown orders as a way to
introduce outdoor dining and it’s a great
place to hang out, covered with sun canopy
and lined with astroturf. Play a game of
HORSEBACK RIDING
Baldwin Lake Stables
Pony Rides & Petting Zoo
909-585-6482 • Big Bear City
Big Bear Blvd. east through stop sign at Hwy. 38,
veer left on Shay Rd. and follow the signs
46475 Pioneertown Rd.
www.baldwinlakestables.com
Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour
1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested
Specialty Rides
•Majestic Sunset Ride
•1/2 Day Ride along the
famous Pacific Crest Trail
Please Make Reservations
for Specialty Rides
Under Permit USDA Forest Service
tic-tac-toe, connect 4 or jenga and at dusk
the patio’s string lights come on.
Order drinks first though. Tap handles
obviously include domestics—you don’t
have to choose between Budweiser and
Coors here—and popular favorites from
Stone Brewing and Lagunitas among others
but also microbrews. Like offerings
from Pizza Port in Solana Beach, and Boulevard
Brewing in Kansas City. Russian
River beers are very popular.
There’s brews from Boulder, Denver,
Maui, Temecula, many more, all categorized
by type to make deciding on one a
little easier. Mother Earth Cali Creamin’
from Vista is a full-bodied light that was
my recent choice. Can’t decide? Order a
flight and sample several.
Spirits are as well-represented at the
Bone Yard as suds. There’s more Scotch
whiskey to choose from than there is the
dozen-and-a-half American spirits and
about as many ryes. Outnumbering them
both are the bourbons, nearly 30 on the
menu! Equally impressive is the wine cellar,
well over 200 selections with 30
chardonnays, two dozen cabernets, a variety
of pinot noirs, chenin blanc and more
plus champagne selections. The Bone Yard
also pours craft cocktails including signature
mules and martinis.
Big Bear Today
44 beers on tap, couple hundred wine selections, spirits and meat at the Bone Yard
Dine-Out Cinema
Enjoy an evening of Covid-compliant
family fun when Big Bear Film Summit
and Big Bear Bar and Grill team to host
“Dine-Out Cinema.”
Classic movies and gourmet food are
on tap with the final weekend of showings
set for November 6-7. Friday night features
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with
Saturday’s movie School of Rock.
Films are presented socially distanced
under the stars at the restaurant located at
42164 Moonridge Rd. Bring your own
chair and blankets to enjoy the films on
the lmassive 30 ft. outdoor movie theater
screen, largest on the mountain. The weekend
is the third of a three-event series.
Gourmet food and beverages are
available for purchase during the event and
be sure to dress warm. Tickets are $15 per
person or reserve a table and chairs for an
additional $25 (maximum six pr table).
www.bigbearfilmsummit.com or call
(909) 878-0802.
The menu is an inspired blend of barbecue
and gourmet pub grub. Meat is the
star, seasoned and smoked slowly and tantalizingly
till tender and tasty. Big beef ribs
and baby backs are specialties, slathered
in house barbecue sauce, and pulled pork
shoulder is another, along with smoked half
chicken. Can’t choose? Combo plates mix
two together and are a great value, priced
around $21 including two sides like homemade
beans, garlic mash potatoes, sweet
potato or flat fries, and mac and cheese.
Pulled pork and tri tip come in sandwich
form along with carved smoked turkey.
Burgers are half-pound beasts,
jalapeno cheddar and bacon mushroom
Swiss favorite options. The Bone Yard is
carnivore-heavy but burgers do come in
portebello and seared ahi tuna varieties.
Appetizers include famous pulled
pork Irish nachos. Flat fries are topped with
pulled pork, two kinds of cheese, sour
cream, tomatoes, onions, pickle jalapenos
and barbecue sauce .
The Bone Yard; 560 Pine Knot. (909)
878-0401 or theboneyardbarandgrill.com
18

Big Bear Today November 2020—Page 11
New coaster, old favorites at Slide
New coaster that’s the only one of its
kind in California. Longtime favorite Alpine
Slide and high-flying Soaring Eagle.
Plus longtime favorite snow play area.
There’s a plethora of ways to play at
Alpine Slide, which in the past couple
years has introduced new one-of-a-kind
rides to go along with its traditional standbys.
The hard part is choosing which adventure
to explore first!
Mineshaft Coaster is the latest attraction
drawing all the attention after opening
in summer. No wonder: riders on carts
they control encounter three complete 360°
corkscrew turns, steep descents, two 100-
foot tunnels, dips and drops galore, all during
a mile-long gravity-fueled adventure
that can reach speeds of up to 27 mph at
multiple points during the ride. Or slower,
if that’s what you prefer, because you’re
in control of the cart.
Two up tracks on a motorized
bullwheel pulley system provide the uphill
lift, including a long one out of a cool new
start house built at the bottom. The real fun
is on two downhill tracks, as carts cross
three 200-foot bridges, shoot through S-
turns and catch a few whoop-di-doos.
The entire ride is elevated above the
ground, at times two dozen feet up and a
minimum four feet, really giving riders a
sense of speed as surroundings blur by. It’s
a roughly nine minute ride—faster drivers
can get closer to seven minutes— that left
Liana Martinez breathless.
“It’s really fun, I wasn’t expecting it
to be really fast but it was,” the Bakersfield
resident said. “There were a ton of twists
and turns too. It’s like a roller coaster
except we were able to brake along the
way. We’re definitely going to go again.”
Guests are secured by multipoint
safety belts at the start house. Rider in back
controls the cart’s braking mechanism and
is required to keep at least 80 feet from the
sled in front. But Mineshaft Coaster
features “Smart Cart” technology with a
computer controlled, fail-safe magnetic
braking system that gently applies brakes
if a cart approaches too close to another.
Plus each ride is equipped with speed
governor and centrifugal brake to control
top speed.
Each cart features specially designed,
lockable seat belts and shoulder restraints
to assure rider comfort at all times. Plus
carts have energy absorbing front and rear
buffers. Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20
per person, children $10. The ride is open
seven days a week, all year long. Cool
videos of your ride will soon be available.
Alpine Slide had already begun
making snow at press time and with
continued cold, dry weather will be
offering family inner tubing. The area’s ski
resort quality Lenko snowguns can blanket
the slopes in just a couple good nights,
providing winter when storms don’t arrive.
There’s an enclosed 210-foot long
Magic Carpet uphill lift to take guests and
their tubes to the top of all the snow—just
step on and step off! Nightly grooming just
like at the ski resorts ensures smooth tubing
on perfect corduroy snow.
Tubing under the stars was introduced
at Alpine Slide years ago and has become
wildly popular. Guests love sliding on
snow that gets another fresh groom after
the day session. There’s new glow lighting
and the snow gets faster and faster as
the evening progresses.
Tubing is offered daily from 10 a.m.-
4 p.m. with night sessions Fridays, Saturdays
and holidays from 5-9 p.m. Passes are
$35 and include inner tube rental.
The new Soaring Eagle is a ziplinelike
experience with a couple notable differences.
Riders sit instead of lie down and
ride up to the top tower backwards. Plus
guests don’t have to apply any brake or
use any skill set, since it’s an amusement
park ride rather than zipline, so they’re just
along for the ride.
What a ride it is! Between the two towers
riders soar 500 feet—close to two football
fields!—and reach speeds up to 26
mph, with a vertical drop of about 125 feet.
It’s the first ride of its kind in California
with the nearest other one atop the Rio
Hotel in Las Vegas. There’s no bulky shoulder
harness to wear so guests feel, well, as
free as birds while they fly.
Double seat belts secure up to two riders
and they shoot to the top tower facing
the ground, almost as fast as when they’re
coming down, in an experience that’s as
Watch the snow pile up at Alpine Slide for inner tubing thanks to snowmaking
A mile of drops, dips and turns await riders on Mineshaft Coaster
exhilarating as the descent. Soaring Eagle
costs $12 per rider.
Unleash your inner Olympian while
navigating sleds you control down two
quarter-mile long cement tracks on the famous
Alpine Slide, only one west of Utah..
The sleds sport ball-bearing wheels and
teflon runners so snow and ice aren’t necessary,
but otherwise the ride is the same
as drivers whip through turns and down
long straightaways. It’s a ride so real
bobsledders could train at Alpine Slide and
lets everyday folks get a taste of the Games’
exciting event.
Riders control how fast—or slow—
they go down the track in the most unique
ride around.
Year-Round
Christmas Room!
Our rooms are
filled with gifts
and treasures
from nearly
20 artists!
Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel
• Bear-ly Used
Books
• Jerky
• Pottery
• Aprons
• Sports
Memorabilia
• Everything
Bears & More
Each sled carries one or two guests—
typically parent with a young child. Pulling
the control handle toward you applies
brake and slows the sled down; pushing
forward releases it and allows the sled to
roll freely. Far from an amusement park
attraction where there’s little or no guest
interaction, Alpine Slide offers an experience
that’s different every time down, since
riders control their own speed. Bobsled
rides cost $7 each, $30 for five-ride book.
Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln.
Call (909) 866-4626, open daily.
Click Us Up!
bigbeartodaymag.com
Open 7 Days
a week
Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m.
Shopping Experience
There is not “Anything” we do not have!
Village Faire
40794 Village Dr.
(909) 866-8220
Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village

Page 12—November 2020
Support birds with houses, feeders
Big Bear Today
Along-term study released earlier
this year and based on decades of
research revealed that the world’s
population of birds has decreased by over
three million in the last half-century.
That’s a decline of some 30%. “People
are worried about what it means,” said
Randall Putz of Chirp Nature Center in the
Village. “Birds are the canary in the coal
mine so to speak—as birds go, we go.
People are recognizing that we need to pay
attention and support birds.” Western wildfires
have also afffected bird populations.
During the pandemic people have
definitely been paying attention, with more
time at home to look out windows and see
the wonders of nature. “More people watch
birds than NASCAR,” Putz said. “It’s the
second most popular hobby after gardening.
Birds provide enjoyment and beauty.”
Birding takes flight for enthusiasts of
all levels at Chirp Nature Center in the Village,
just east of the Christmas Tree Lot.
There’s feeders, houses, baths, binoculars,
books, seed, scarves and birds-eye cam
views of nests around the country.
Everything new and old birders alike
need to give our feathered friends a helping
hand—er, wing. “Feeding and providing
housing for birds is the least we can
do,” Putz said. “Estimates are that almost
half of all households feed birds.”
Chirp also plants the seed for birding
by hosting monthly walks and talks, in person
and online (story page 10). Just as important,
Chirp offers solutions as well as
product. When nuthatches were pounding
the sides of a house, alternative housing
distracted the birds.
“On our first live walk of the season
in July we had a whole family of mountain
quail pass right in front of us,” Putz
said. “Another time a redheaded sapsucker
looked like he was posing just for us.” He
added that recently he spotted a Clark’s
nutcracker, “always a thrill.”
When it comes to promoting birds Big
Bear has plenty to work with. Well over
200 different types of birds can be found
here, obviously the well-publicized bald
eagles but also tanagers, finches and even
orioles among many others. Chirp has free
checklists birders can use to identify up to
248 different Big Bear birds.
“Big Bear is along the Pacific Flyway
and at altitude so lots of birds migrate
through here,” Putz said. “Bluff Lake has
the widest variety of birds in the Valley.”
Williamson’s sapsucker is one of several
species in the area that entice birders.
When you can’t go to them use bathes
and houses to bring the birds to you, and
Chirp has plenty to choose from. Some
feeders mount on windows to allow for up
close viewing from inside the house. Others
have a cage built around them to let
only song birds in and keep pigeons and
squirrels out. Still others are bear-proof.
Bluebird houses are popular and
there’s also homes for kestrels and screech
owls. Along with squirrel feeders that let
the fuzzy friends perform aerobatics that
Feeders in all shapes, sizes and prices, birdhouses and more at Chirp Nature Center
are fun to watch. Birdhouses covered in
seed are an easy way to get into feeding;
as birds eat seed you’re left with the house.
Feeders and bathes made of recycled
water bottles can stand up to Big Bear’s
intense sun, rain and snow. “They’re guaranteed
to never crack, split, fade or peel,”
Putz said. “Bird bathes are just as important
as feeders since they need the water in
our dry climate. We even have heated baths
that won’t ice over in winter.”
Chirp has the seed that goes into the
feeders including it’s own custom Big Bear
mix. “It has lots of black oil sunflowers,”
Putz said. “Western and more rare mountain
bluebirds especially like meal worms.”
Join Chirp’s seed club to save up to
20% on all food purchases. Buy seed by
the bucket with lid that safely stores it and
when it’s empty just return to get a full
bucket, thus eliminating the plastic bag.
Gift items are also available at Chirp,
from custom design T-shirts and stickers
to puzzles, games and art. Plates, mugs,
door knockers, toys, calls and more are
found, all dedicated to birds.
The store makes bird watching easy
by streaming 30 live nest cams on four
screens. The images continuously rotate
and feature a variety of locations including
Big Bear’s own bald eagle nest.
Chirp is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Chirp Nature Center is at 40850 Village
Dr. (888) 412-4477.
909.878.4FUN
at North Shore Landing
& Holloway’s Marina
• Waverunners • Jet Skis
• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP
• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides
• Poontoon Boats
and Fishing Boats!
Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun
with Big Bear Today!
Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’
Narrated lake tours aboard
1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon
seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’
• Pirate Booty for the Kids
• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours
Time to Push Play!
www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com
COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS...
LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA...
JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS!
Also Available
Lakeside RV Park
with
Full Hookups!
Remodeled Bathrooms and Store
www.800BigBear.com
Packed with all the ways to get out and just have FUN,
from the lake to the trails.
Social Distance on a bike, take a hike, drop a line,
make time for nine (holes, that is).
Keep your distance, and your sanity, with Big Bear Today!
And when you can't
PICK US UP,
then CLICK US UP
for online adventure!
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
www.BigBearTodayMag.com

Big Bear Today
HOMESTYLE
QUALITY...
Steaks
East
Seafood
Valley's
Pasta
Only
Chicken
Bakery!
Voted Big Bear's
Best Breakfast!
DAILY Breakfast Special!
Every Saturday Night
All-You-Can-Eat
Beef Ribs!
NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS
WED—PRIME RIB
THURS—CLOSED
FRIDAY—HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIES
OR SURF & TURF
SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS
CHICKEN POT PIES IF AVAILABLE
SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB
FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT
After lunch or dinner...
treat yourself from our
Bakery!
Caramel-topped apple
dumplings...cheesecakes...
apple streudel...fresh-baked pies
of the season!
Also Available to Go!
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy
Fireplaces or Under Trees on
Our Outdoor Patio!
337 W. Big Bear Blvd.
(2 miles east of the Convention
Center in Big Bear City)
(909) 585-7005
...FAMILY
PRICES!
To To Los Angeles
and Orange County
Captain John’s
S
Marina
CAPT. JOHN’S GROUT BAY
West Boat Ramp
MARINA WINDY POINT
W E
North Shore
Landing
Castle Rock
Trail
Holcomb
Valley
BOULDER
BAY
1989 25 YEARS 2014
The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine
GILNER POINT
All Phone Numbers are area code
(909) unless otherwise noted
November
4-5
South Taurids meteor showers
from late Wednesday night till
dawn Thursday, peak just after
midnight.
5
Big Bear Alpine Zoo Grand Opening
at new location (747
Clubview Dr.) with ceremony
at 9 a.m., ribbon cutting 9:30,
zoo opens to public 10 a.m.-4
p.m. $15, $10 ages 60+/10
and under. 584-1299.
5-8
50th Annual Oktoberfest outdoors
at Wyatt’s at the Convention
Center continues with
live music and German revelry.
585-3000.
5, 7
Seed Collection restoration
project from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., email
for location, required advance
registration at lunderwood@
mountainsfoundation.org.
6-7
Dine-Out Cinema presented at
7 p.m. by Big Bear Film Summit
at BB Bar and Grill (42164
METCALF
Holloway
BAY Marina
Big Bear and Vicinity
Pleasure
Point
Performing Arts
Center (PAC)
Polique Canyon
Trail
Solar Observatory
BIG BEAR LAKE
Mill Creek
Mill Creek
Alpine Slide
at Magic Mtn.
Pine Knot
Trail
Cougar Crest
Trail
Woodland
Trail
Discovery Center
Serranno
Campground
East Boat
Ramp
EAGLE POINT
Swim
Beach
Big Bear
Pine Knot
Marina
Marina
Meadow Park
Town Trail
Moonridge Rd.); Harry Potter
and the Sorcerer’s Stone, School
of Rock. $15. 878-0802.
11
Veterans Day Ceremony 11
a.m. at Veterans Park; presentations,
dignitaries, 2019 Veteran
of the Year Ed Morgan is
speaker. 866-5831.
11-12
North Taurids meteor showers
from late Wednesday night till
dawn Thursday, peak just after
midnight.
12, 14
Seed Collection restoration
project from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., email
for location, required advance
registration at lunderwood@
mountainsfoundation.org.
12-14
50th Annual Oktoberfest outdoors
at Wyatt’s at the Convention
Center concludes with live
music and German revelry. 585-
3000.
14
Tree of Lights 5 p.m. at the
hospital (41870 Garstin Dr.);
refreshments follow. 683-0335.
19, 21
Seed Collection restoration
project from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., email
for location, required advance
registration at lunderwood@
mountainsfoundation.org.
26
Big Bear Turkey Trot starts and
finishes at Meadow Park (41220
Big Bear Blvd.) with 9-mile race
at 8:30 a.m,, 6-mile at 9, 3-mile
at 9:30. 866-8555.
27-29
Mountain Christmas Boutique
at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon at the
Convention Center; holiday
shopping, music from 10 a.m.-
5 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 10-3 Sun.
585-3000.
Walk
Board
November 2020—Page 13
Big Bear City
Moonridge
For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
CC
Club View Drive
Big Bear Mountain
28
Seed Collection restoration
project from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., email
for location, required advance
registration at lunderwood@
mountainsfoundation.org.
Push Play
with
Big Bear
Today!
bigbeartodaymag.com
To Victorville, Barstow
& Las Vegas
Museum
Big Bear
Alpine Zoo
To Angelus Oaks
and Redlands
E
V
E
N
T
C
A
L
E
N
D
A
R

Page 14—November 2020
Recreation
Guide
Action Tours
Zip through the trees on nine ziplines.
Segway along Village streets, discovering
Big Bear history at the same time on a most
unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing
skills like rappelling from certified
instructors or seasonally snowshoe through
the forest. (909) 866-0390.
Alpine Slide
Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic
Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to
control the speed. After an exhilerating
run, ride the chairlift back to the top for
more fun. $7/ride, 5-ride books $30. There’s
also snowplay area with Magic Carpet
uphill ride, miniature golf, Go-Karts, Soaring
Eagle, family-priced snack bar, video
games. Open daily. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4
mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
Bike Rentals
Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine
Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front
suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all
day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours,
$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/
hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 Big
Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000.
Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop
has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071
Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728.
NEW
WEBSITE
Live weather!
Photo Gallery!
PDF Reader!
THE ALMANAC
Bingo
The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games
each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome
ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd.
west of the Village, across from Lakeview.
(909) 866-3557. Closed at deadline, call
Bowling
The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with
automated scoring for bowling enjoyment.
Also arcade games and full-service cocktail
lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after
dark with black lights, sounds. Bowl 3
games for the price of 2 with coupon in this
issue. Open daily. 40625 Big Bear Blvd.
(enter on Bonanza).(909) 878-BOWL.
Closed at deadline, call first
Cross Country Skiing
All the great hiking trails in Big Bear make
great destinations for winter cross country
skiing, provided there’s enough snow.
Holcomb Valley is especially popular with
skinny plankers.
Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has waxless,
steel edge all-mountain wide touring skis,
boots and poles for small child to large
adult, $15/day. Also telemark skis, $22/
ski-boot-pole. 42071 Big Bear Blvd. (909)
866-2728.
Discovery Center
The Discovery Center on the north shore,
two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a
breathtaking facility overlooking the lake
and offering informational galleries, self
and naturalist guided tours, Adventure
passes and wilderness permits, and recreation
programs. Open daily (closed Tues-
If you can’t pick us up ... then click us up!
Monthly!
Your Best Source for activities and happenings in the Big Bear Lake Area
Summer!
Fall!
Winter!
Big Bear Today
Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More
Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Not even the largest cut of prime rib at Captains Anchorage! New outdoor
patio too; call (909) 866-3997
days and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437.
Closed at deadline, call first
Fishing
Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter
Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable
boat with afriendly, expert guide
Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters
for individuals or groups of all ages.
All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures,
drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard
a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina;
(909) 866-2240.
Gold Rush Mining Adv.
The adventures are real and so are the
treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils
millions of years old in the working sluice
with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal
prescious stones within, find real pearls in
oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and
poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur
theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge,
candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big
Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678.
Helicopter Tours
See Big Bear from above during aerial
tours by Helicopter Big Bear. The lake, ski
resorts, desert and surrounding mountains
can be viewed aboard a climate-controlled
Robinson R44 helicopter departing daily
out of Big Bear Airport. The helicopter
seats up to four, pilot plus three passengers,
and tours start at $35 per person based
on two passengers. (909) 585-1200.
Hiking
There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to
enjoy the rugged beauty of the San
Bernardino National Forest. From easy
strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs
into the mountains, there are trails for all
abilities, including families, within a short
drive of Big Bear. For information on all
trails in the Valley and the required
Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center
on North Shore Dr., about two miles west
of Stanfield Cutoff. (909) 866-3437.
Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile
(each way) paved trek following the lake
on the north shore. Popular with hikers,
bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs
as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat
Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano
campground, Solar Observatory and more.
Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous
hike, that ends with a panoramic view of
Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful
Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her
life by leaping from this towering 100 ft.
monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill,
.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring
beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18
between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on
the lake side of the road.
Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile
(each way) hike. As it winds above the
lake’s north shore, it offers up great views
of water and the surrounding mountains.
Continued on page 15
Lake Activities
Boating • Fishing • Hiking
Biking & Special Events
Follow Us
On Facebook!
All Things Oktoberfest!
Join the Two Month long Celebration
with all the insider information.
Essential Information about the
#1 Ski Resorts in Southern California
for All Skiers, Snowboarders
& Snowplayers
Big Bear's Best Calendar of Events
• Lodging • Attractions • Much More!
All Available On-line: www.BigBearTodayMag.com
Thousands of gifts at the historic Vilage Faire inside the old Navajo Hotel at
40794 Village Dr. Call (909) 866-8220.

Big Bear Today November 2020—Page 15
Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two
miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile
from the Discovery Center where you can
park without an Adventure Pass.
Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,
scenic family stroll with minimal elevation
gain, located on the north shore near Cougar
Crest. Free trail maps (available at the
trailhead or Discovery Center) identify
markers along the route noting local
vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.
Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big
Bear from Onyx Summit through the East
Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb
Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through
Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638
mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call
the Discovery Center to find out where to
catch this famous international trail.
Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic
area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine
Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.
2N10, through lush meadow and stands of
white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another
1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular
180-degree vistas.
Holcomb Valley
At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving
gold country. The last remaining signs of
this historic chapter in Big Bear history are
featured in a driving tour through what is
known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6
miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops
at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s
Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and
more. Free maps available at the Big Bear
Discovery Center on the North Shore—
call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the
drive.
Horseback Riding
Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round
for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,
offering one, two, three and four-hour rides
with longer rides heading along the famous
Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A
variety of spectacular mountain trails with
horses for all riding abilities. For little
buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and
petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all
rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at
Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left
on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,
Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.
Mineshaft Coaster
First ride of its kind in California! Ride
carts you control on a mile-long track with
steep drops and climbs, 360-degree
corkscrew turns, two mining tunnels and
more. Up to two can ride at one time. Open
daily at Alpine Slide, on the boulevard 1/4
mile west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
Miniature Golf/Go Karts
Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide
at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped
18-hole miniature golf course complete
with water hazards and breaking greens.
Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track
with high-banked turns, which nine Can
Am racers—including four two-seaters—
with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and
an array of safety features zip around.
Open till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626.
Ski Reports
Current, updated ski, weather and road
condition reports are available from Snow
Summit and Bear Mountain Ski areas.
Snow Summit: toll-free (888) SUMMIT-
1 or 866-4621 locally; Bear Mountain:
toll-free (800) BEAR-MTN or 585-2519.
Snow Playing
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which
has snowmaking to ensure snow, offers
great inner tubing daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and
there’s a Magic Carpet to take riders to the
top. Night tubing (5-9 p.m.) Fridays and
Saturdays plus holidays. All sessions $35
which includes tube rental and lift. The
area also has the Southland’s only Alpine
After Dark...
Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide
ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow
Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday-
Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl
3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at
40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.
BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with favorite
local musicians, please call for schedule. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909)
585-9339.
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy
atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER.
THE BONE YARD—Over 40 beers on tap plus large selection of wines and spirits.
560 Pine Knot Ave. (909) 878-0401.
NOTTINGHAMS TAVERN— Dayton Borders Thursdays on the patio from 6-8 p.m.
40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644.
THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national
performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert
venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake
Brewing Co. CLOSED FOR COVID-19, PLEASE CALL (909) 878-0204.
THELMA’S RESTAURANT—Brad from Silver Moon on the patio every Friday and
second and fourth Saturday 5-7 p.m. 337 W. Big Bear Blvd. 585-7005.
THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays see singer Nikki Sparks in Stillwells
lounge 6-9 p.m. Brad from Silver Moon Nov. 7 and 21, Johnny Jukebox Nov. 14
and 28. 30650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.
THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin on the
outdoor patio Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400.
WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with
DJ,Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Wyatt’s at Convention Center, Big Bear
Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000.
Slide and a great outdoor deck, plus the
Putt ‘N Around go-karts and miniature
golf course. 1/4 mile west of the Village on
Big Bear Blvd. 866-4626.
Big Bear Snow Play has Southen
California’s longest tubing runs. Two
Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have
to walk back to the top and snowmaking
lets the area build features to enhance the
experience. Heated base lodge and paved
parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the boulevard
one mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions
daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. plus Glow Tubing
sessions Fridays, Saturdays, holiday
periods 5-9 p.m. All sessions $35 which
includes tube rental. (909) 585-0075.
Forget Your Snowplay Pants/Jacket?
Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has them for
rent along with helmets, wrist guards, other
gear. 42071 Big Bear Blvd. 866-2728.
Snowshoeing
No lift lines—nor lift tickets to buy—
makes snowshoeing one of the fastestgrowing
winter sports. A great way to
escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of
Big Bear’s endless hiking trails covered by
winter’s snow. Get maps, directions etc.
from the shop below or Discovery Center.
Goldsmith’s Boardhouse has Atlas
snowshoes for $15/day. 42071 Big Bear
Blvd. 866-2728.
Soaring Eagle
Zip 500' downhill on the new Soaring
Eagle attraction at Alpine Slide, only one
of its kind in California. Reach speeds up to
26 mph during the dramatic downhill
descent—only after riding backwards to
the top! Up to two can ride at one time.
Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile
west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.
Zoo
The new Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
opens November 5! Grizzly and black bears,
bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, , eagles,
and other animals now have a new state-ofthe-art
home with creatures comforts for
both animals residents and guests. Open 10
a.m.-4 p.m. with animal presentations and
special programing. 747 Clubview off
Moonridge Rd. $15 adults, $10 ages over
60 and children 3-12, two and under free.
(909) 584-1299.
BARNSTORM
Dining
Guide
Big Bear City
RESTAURANT—
Comfortable dining at the airport. Open
daily for breakfast and lunch, dinner
Thursday through Sunday with nightly
specials and Saturday night entertainment.
German food a specialty plus steaks,
seafood, chicken, burgers. Ground floor at
the airport. (909) 585-9339.
THELMA’S TWIN PINES-Homestyle
cooking at awesome prices make this a
family dining favorite. Daily breakfast,
lunch and dinner specials. All-you-can-eat
beef ribs on Saturday nights, and
homemade pot pies are big favorites. Open
daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner. 337 W.
Big Bear Blvd. Call 585-7005.
Big Bear Lake
BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING CO.—
Craft micros brewed on premises and
gourmet pub grub and appe-teasers at this
new brewery in the Village. Full bars
upstairs and down with lakeviews and all
sports all the time on big screens. 40827
Stone Rd. (909) 878-0283.
BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY—
Fresh microbrewed beer served with hot
and cold sandwiches, soups, salads and
appetizers in a cozy atmosphere. Weekend
live entertainment. 40260 Big Bear Blvd.
just west of Alpine Slide. 866-BEER.
CAPTAIN’S ANCHORAGE—Historic
and rustic, this restaurant, built in 1947 as
the Sportsman’s Tavern and once owned
by Andy Devine, is a Big Bear favorite
with specialties like prime rib, Alaskan
King Crab legs, seafood, and steaks.
Homemade soups, romantic seating, and
cocktails in the Andy Devine Room. Open
for dinner daily from 4:30 p.m. Moonridge
Rd., just off Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-
3997.
DYNASTY—Authentic Szechuan cuisine
with an array of specialty dishes. Mongolian
BBQ too and great cocktails. 40989 Big
Bear Blvd. 866-7887.

Page 16—November 2020
THE BACK PAGE
Fall colors, oaks create Pine Knot show
Aspen Grove, one of only two natural
occurring aspen stands south of the Sierras,
is open but the road to it is not, making
for difficult access. The other aspen
stand at Arrastre Creek is smaller and remote,
even harder to get to.
For my money you just can’t beat Pine
Knot Trail for fall colors, where there’s nice
Aspen Glen picnic area for trailhead and
lots of parking. The show unfolds each
year with hues of gold and yellow as abundant
oaks turn color, interspersed between
pine trees. As autumn progresses hikers
and bikers see acorns along the trail as a
further reminder of the season. Hike far
enough along Pine Knot Trail and you’ll
reach the ultimate sight, Grandview Point,
with sprawling 270-degree vistas of 11,502
ft. Mt. San Gorgonio and surrounding Wilderness
area.
The trek begins at Aspen Glen picnic
area—be sure to have an Adventure Pass
if you park—where a few oaks serve notice
of the show to come. A developed
trailhead with picnic tables, pit restrooms
and signage make for a great starting point.
The trail was rerouted a few years ago
up the picnic area’s southern ridge, a great
improvement from the previous barren,
dusty death march. A little over a half-mile
of trail was rebuilt, done entirely by Southern
California Mountains Foundation’s
Urban Conservation Crew. The reroute was
to protect the endangered Ash Grey Paint
Brush associated with Pebble Plain terrain.
As hikers climb the portal they
traverse with more gentle, gradual climbing,
punctuated by steeper sections. Along
the way Pine Knot joins with mountain
biker favorite Cabin 89 trail at a wellmarked
junction. One of the so-called “illegal”
trails lining the south shore network,
Cabin 89 also has seen rehabilitation as the
Forest Service seeks to bring such routes
up to its standards.
Usually there’s piles of acorns under
oaks along the way, a major food source
for native Serrano Indians in Big Bear Valley.
But on our late October outing acorns
were everywhere! Strewn up and down the
trail, we practically tripped over all the
acorns in different shapes and sizes,
crunching a few when we stepped on them.
Pine Knot continues across the ridge
to seamlessly connect with the old trail
above a seasonal stream. The trail skirts
neat places, like Alpine Slide and nowclosed
Snow Forest ski area with occasional
lake views. Yet the main view is the
bountiful color that occasionally serves as
canopy, creating amazing ambiance when
backlit.
After a couple miles the trail crosses
forest road 1N01, then continues up the
ridge another mile past Deer group camp—
great spot for a break with beautiful
meadow views underneath tall pine trees—
to Skyline Dr. and new worldclass
Big Bear Today
singletrack
trail of the
same name
open to hikers,
bikers and
equestrians.
Three
miles each
way plus a
half-mile spur
to Grandview
Point, Pine
Knot Trail is
practically sacred
ground
for mountain bikers. The site of many Team
Big Bear races through the years, going
up it has a nice sustainable climb and coming
down serves up top notch singletrack.
Yet on our trek we didn’t see one twowheeler.
Granted the resort Skychair is
closed for the season but still there’s usually
a few die-hards pedaling up or down.
—by Marcus Dietz
Call Discovery Center 909-866-3437.