November 2021 Big Bear Today Magazine

Volume 33, No. 5 November 2021

www.bigb eartodaymag.com

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine

Fall for Fall

on Pine Knot Trail!

• Native American Dances with Eric Runningpath

• Winter Season is On at Big Bear Snow Play

• Mountain, Village Christmas Celebrations Return

• Sandalwood Section adds to Stanfield Cutoff Trail

Page 2—November 2021

From the Publisher

White House to Red

Square, Runningpath’s

dances thrill

Jumping through hoops has taken

Eric Runningpath from

Buckingham Palace in London to

Moscow’s Red Square and The White

House. Dance, it seems, bridges cultural

and national divides.

Runningpath’s fast-flying feet have

pound ground around the world, from Italy

to Sweden to Germany. Right up to the late

Berlin Wall in Germany and to Australia

where he danced for the Aborigines.

Now Runningpath brings his myriad

of Native American dances to Chirp Nature

Center for two Nov. 26 sessions (story

page 5), second consecutive year he’s come

to Big Bear. Among the moves he’ll demonstrate

is the eagle dance, fitting since

bald eagles have garnered considerable attention

of late, but he’ll also do intertribal,

buffalo, grass, warrior and other routines

too, joined by local Laura Williams.

Runningpath is an award-winning Navajo-Yaqui

dancer who for nearly 30 years

made a full-time living showing off the customs

and ways of his ancestors. He has

been a cultural spokesman and ambassador

for decades, at the 1984 Olympics in

Los Angeles where he met Mary Lou

Retton, Edwin Moses and Carl Lewis.

His dances are minutes-long frenzies

of constant energy, often incorporating

hoops that he seamlessly picks up and

works around his body during his gyrations.

“I use up to 12 hoops, but there are

some who use 130 or more,” Runningpath

said. “It takes lots of practice. My brother

(Kim) taught me the hoops, he uses 24.”

He’ll put his leg through one hoop,

hold it like a jump rope, then rotate over

his head. “I do different patterns with each

as I pick up the second, third, fourth ones,”

the San Diego resident said. “There are

different ways to connect them and use on

the body. Hoops allow us to show different

things in nature, like eagle, snake and

buffalo with different patterns.”

Dressed in full native regalia including

feather bustles, Runningpath’s performances

are as colorful as they are energetic.

If he’s dancing to a southern drum

beat at a Pow Wow or Native gathering it’s

a fast beat; northern by contrast is more

steady and rhythmic.

“The drum represents the heartbeat,”

he said. “Navajos have traditional dances

we do, Hopis have their dances. Every reservation

has traditional dances but when

we’re all together we’ll dance the same

songs and steps.”

Toe, heel, toe, tap. All while stretching

arms like wings and with constant

movement. Each dance is intricate and

detailed, like Night of the Horse on

YouTube, seven minutes of motion. All of

which has Runningpath very much in demand,

especially in November, Native

American Month, when he has 10 shows

on tap, in Encinitas, Diamond Bar and

Palm Springs among others.

Runningpath has been dancing since

age 9 when his dad got him involved in

events at Barona and elsewhere. “I started

practicing and watched other dancers,” he

said. “Later on I worked on my regalia.”

His shows are interactive so be prepared

to learn the crow hop at Chirp. One

of the reasons his performance was so inspiring

when he was in his late 20’s and

dancing at a San Diego blind center, where

attendees couldn’t see the show but felt it.

“As I danced I had them stand up and

shared the steps,” Runningpath said. “They

heard the rhythm bells and steps and they

got into it as we did intertribal and eagle.

It was the most rewarding feeling. They

hugged me, saying thanks for sharing those

dances with us.”

His dances have international appeal

as well. The Russian government invited

him to perform in 1992 as part of a youth

cultural exchange, and then-president

Mikhail Gorbachev viewed his efforts in

Red Square. He danced for President

George H. Walker Bush in The White

House and received special recognition

from his son.

Best story came from a visit to

Tajikistan where he was invited for a visit,

all expenses paid. A coup 30 days before

the trip might have deterred some, but not

Runningpath, who said “I’ll just shoot

bows and arrows at them,” with a laugh.

One night his group came out from a

late dinner to find their car flanked by two

tanks, each crewed by eight men with machine

guns. “We have an American Indian

in the car,” the translator told the soldiers.

“They want you to ride on the tank!”

So Runningpath did, dancing in regalia

at 1 a.m on the other side of the world,

holding the machine gun while soldiers

bore his feathers. “I wish I had cameras,”

he said.

He’s buddies with Branscombe Richmond

of Renegade fame, appearing at concerts

with the actor’s band. “I would come

out to `Fly Like an Eagle,’ ” he said.

Runningpath certainly soars like one!

Have a good one.

Marcus

ON THE COVER: Fall color show is on at Pine Knot Trail, where oaks are yellow and orange

till the snow or winds strip the leaves away. Always a great hike or bike!

Volume 33, Number 5 November 2021

4

6

9

10

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

Fall Colors, Great Hiking 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 and its

180-degree vistas. If not, autumn is reason enough to hit Pine

Knot and the Aspen Glen trailhead is pretty cool too.

Winter is On at Big Bear Snow Play

Actually inner tubers started sliding down the runs at the

Southland’s largest snow play area two weeks before

Halloween! As temperatures allow more snow will pile up and

soon there will be Glow Tubing sessions as well. Check out

the expanded snack bar and base lodge and take a turn on the

Ropes Course too.

Mountain, Village Christmas Celebrations

Ring in the holiday season with two great events. First it’s

Christmas in the Village on Nov. 20 with tree lighting and

entertainment, then a week later the shopping season gets

underway with Mountain Christmas Boutique at the

Convention Center (story page 7).

Brad Riesau Man of 9,000 Songs

When guests asked to hear some Burl Ives this Silver Moon-er

dished up two songs, then transitioned into Cheap Trick! Civil

War, ballads, jazz, current hits, Brad dusts them all off during

gigs at Stillwells and Big Bear Mountain Brewery this month.

New Path Leads to Stanfield Cutoff Trail

On one side there’s the lake, the other Stanfield Marsh. Now a

new paved path leads to Stanfield Cutoff Trail which leads to

the Alpine Pedal Path. Just part of an expanding trail network

that stretches from Rathbun Creek in Moonridge and will

include a new trailhead at Castle Rock set for next year.

Explore Big Bear on horseback 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, Visit Big

Bear 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 2021 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today November 2021—Page 3

POTPOURRI

Cool drinks, live music open to the public!

• Waverunners • Jet Skis

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP

The highlight is the biscuits and gravy

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides

Biscuits and gravy

cookoff as tasty servings are prepared by

Big Bear’s best. Rules are similar to Chili 909.878.4FUN

• Poontoon Boats

star at Elks reunion Society competition for the cookoff but full

and Fishing Boats!

Who has the best biscuits and gravy bellies will be the real winners.

at North Shore Landing

around? Find out during the 4th annual Big Western costume contest and no-host & Holloway’s Marina

Bear reunion on November 6 at the Elks Bloody Mary and mimosa bar are other

Lodge.

highlights. Cool kids drinks and nonalcoholic

adult beverages also available. All are invited to attend the “Let the

Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’

Gravy Flow and the Good Times Roll” Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Admission Narrated lake tours aboard

event which features dancing to live music

is $5 for tasting, $10 for cooks.

1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon

by local favorites Terry McRaven Band. Elks Lodge is at 40611 Village Dr. Call seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’

Sing along to old standards with Karaoke (909) 866-3557.

• Pirate Booty for the Kids

Manolo too.

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours

Donate shoes too for American Legion fundraiser

Honor veterans at

Nov. 11 ceremony

Honor American heroes during Veterans

Day ceremonies open to the public

on Thursday, 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

the Unaccompanied Minors, Big Bear vocal

students of Diane Kubeja, who have

performed at the Veterans Day ceremony

for many years. The singers will perform

other patriotic songs too and Civil Air Patrol

Cadet Color Guard will bring in the

colors.

Participating dignitaries may include

the Mayor’s office and Senator Rosalie

Ochoa-Bogh. Barbecue open to the public

See the sights and sites of Big Bear

with free rides aboard the Mountain Transit

trolley.

Popular visitor destinations like the ski

resorts, Big Bear Village, restaurants, supermarkets

and more are serviced by the

trolley. Visit shopping, restaurants, lodges,

Big Bear Alpine Zoo and more as the trolley

rolls through each area every 30 minutes

so the wait is never long. Leave the

car behind and let Mountain Transit do the

driving!

The new service is offered 15 hours

each day throughout Big Bear Valley. Previously

the trolley ran only on weekends

but now the service is available daily. The

follows at American Legion Post 584

(41606 Big Bear Blvd.). Admission is free

and all military, active, reserve, retired or

past are invited to be part of it.

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.

Attendees are asked to bring at least

one pair of new or gently used shoes as

part of American Legion’s fundraiser,

which concludes Nov. 13. Post 584 earns

monies based on weight of shoes collected

and is trying to fill 50 bags with footwear

to be donated to people around the world.

There are an estimated 300 million people

who cannot afford a pair of shoes.

Call (909) 866-4845.

Ride in style to resorts, Village, restaurants, more!

See the sights with

free trolley rides

trolley runs from Boulder Bay to Big Bear

Airport, first time it has been serviced by

public transportation.

For schedules visit Mountain Transit’s

website and check out maps for the Red,

Gold and Blue Lines. Then just hop on the

trolley and ride for free! Also download

the free phone app which shows where trolleys

are in real time.

The new free trolley service is a cooperative

effort among Mountain Transit,

the City of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Airport,

San Bernardino County (Supervisor

Dawn Rowe), Big Bear Mountain Resorts,

and Visit Big Bear. It’s intended to make it

easier for residents and visitors to get

around Big Bear Valley and reduce traffic

congestion with a fun old-time ride.

Visit MountainTransit.org for details.

Three routes to choose from mean a free trolley ride is near by

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!

www.800BigBear.com

Enough Pause. Fast Forward to fun

with Big Bear Today!

Time to Push Play!

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store

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!


www.BigBearTodayMag.com


Fun hiking, fall colors on Pine Knot Trail

Big Bear Today

Aspen Grove, one of only two natural

occurring aspen stands south

of the Sierras (featured in October

2021 Big Bear Today), is open but difficult

to get to. The other aspen stand at

Arrastre Creek is smaller and remote, even

harder to reach.

So for a fall color fix right here in Big

Bear just five minutes from The Village

you just can’t beat Pine Knot Trail, 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 oaks serve notice of

the show to come. A well-treed developed

trailhead with picnic tables, restroom facilities

and signage makes for a great start-

ing point. There’s also community fire pit

and barbecues though those are currently

closed.

Even if winds and weather strip away

the color show, Aspen Glen is a great recreation

spot with picnic tables and is popular

with the snow play crowd when the

white stuff comes along. A great starting

point for snowshoe treks as well.

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 formerly socalled

“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

With or without fall color, Pine Knot Trail is a great hike or bike (left)

oaks along the way, a major food source

for native Serrano Indians in Big Bear Valley.

But on this mid October outing acorns

were everywhere! Strewn up and down the

trail, I practically tripped over all the acorns

in different shapes and sizes, crunching a

few when I 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. There’s even a recentlyinstalled

bench at a great vista overlook

for comfort. 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. (2N10) and new worldclass

singletrack trail of the same name open to

hikers, bikers and equestrians.

Three miles each way to Skyline plus

another quarter-mile spur leads to

Grandview Point, aptly-named to be sure

with sweeping 180-degree views. Vistas

fall away from your feet to the bottom of

the Santa Ana River drainage below and

stretch to the high peaks of the San Bernardino

Mountains across the way. Morning

is best time to enjoy the view before

afternoon haze rolls in.

Pine Knot Trail is practically hallowed

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. At this time of year with

Scenic Skychair closed for the season there

are fewer riders descending but still expect

to find a few diehards pedaling up or down.

In all hikers and bikers can expect to

tally over 1,200 feet of vertical climb on

their journey, most of it at a steady clip

which never seems like that much of a

grind. Or just treat Pine Knot Trail as an

out-and-back, going as far as you care to

travel, and enjoy fall colors, lake views and

more along the way.

—by Marcus Dietz

Aspen Glen/Pine Knot Trail (40105

Mill Creek Rd.) just west of Alpine Slide.

Call Discovery Center (909) 866-2790.

Views abound along Pine Knot Trail, whether it’s from aptly-named Grandview Point (left) or the lake along the three-mile (each way) route up


Chirp sets Native American dance event

Native American dance workshops

with Eric Runningpath (story page 2) highlight

a busy November full of activities at

Chirp Nature Center.

Runningpath is a Navajo-Yaqui who

has made a living demonstrating the fine

art of Native American dance, and he’ll

perform twice on Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. and 2

p.m. The entertaining and educational

mini-workshops highlight the eagle and

hoop dances among others, spotlighting

native culture and the relationship between

native peoples and nature. Traditional winter

dances are also performed, all in native

regalia.

A cultural ambassador who performed

during the opening ceremonies at the 1984

Los Angeles Olympics, Runningpath has

performed in many movies. Appointed a

Peace Ambassador by Congress,

Runningpath once danced in front of over

a thousand people in Jerusalem as part of

an Israeli-Palestinian peace gathering.

Runningpath has performed around

the country, five times at the famed Sturgis

Motorcycle Rally and at casinos. He’s traveled

the world bringing Native American

dance, to indigenous peoples in Australia,

Tahiti, Italy, Russia, Germany and more.

He’s received numerous humanitarian

awards and recognition from the Department

of Interior, Save the Children and

Buddy Jo Bojack plus Iron Eyes Cody

Peace Medal. His performances at Chirp

are free.

Other Chirp activities include the

store’s third “Hatchiversary” on Nov 5.

From 4-7 p.m. there will be nature-themed

music performed by MountainTop Strings

and “Singing for the Birds’ artists Beth

Wheat and Tori Waner, joined by Ingrid

Olsen, plus hors d’oeuvres catered locally.

There’s an exclusive conversation

with internationally acclaimed author Richard

Louv, who has appeared on nationwide

radio and television programs and is

the recipient of the National Audubon

Medal. He’s written 10 books that have

helped launch a global movement to connect

children, families and communities to

nature including “Last Child in the

Woods,” “Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit

Disorder” and “Our Wild Calling.”

He’ll discuss how connecting with

animals can transform our lives and save

theirs.

In addition Chirp debuts its new

lakeview Backyard Event Center. Reserve

your spot in advance and get a free special

gift valued at over $30, which includes an

exclusive limited edition Chirp keepsake.

Next day on Nov. 6 is a free online

presentation “Wild Birds and Wildfire”

with wildlife educator Tessa Putz. Tune in

at 10 a.m. on Chirp’s YouTube channel and

Facebook Live for an hour-long presentation

detailing the positive and negative

impacts of fire on wild birds.

Newly burnt forests provide nesting

sites for woodpeckers and attract tasty food

sources for some bird species. However

wildfire can destroy natural habitats and

Eric Runningpath demonstrates Native American dances Nov. 26

negatively impact wild bird populations.

Putz, Natural Resources Associate with the

Living With Fire Program at the University

of Nevada Reno Extension where she

works in science communication, explores

the fascinating relationship between wild

birds and wildfire.

Chirp’s new “nest” at 578 Bonanza

near the Bowling Barn is open daily from

10 a.m.-6 p.m. and carries everything

birding enthusiasts need, whether they’re

beginners or veterans. Including expanded

“Feeder Forest” with varieties of seed

mountain birds love. Plus you can test premium

bird watching optics, explore bird

houses, feeders and baths, or browse a

growing selection of educational books and

guides.

Chirp Nature Center is at 578 Bonanza

Trail. Call (888) 412-4477.

Click Us Up!

bigbeartodaymag.com


BBSP open with snow, deck, snack bar

Early season snowmaking plus a little

natural snow allowed Big Bear Snow

Play to be a jumpstart on the 2021-

22 winter season with one of its earliest

openings ever.

Families started sliding down snowcovered

runs a full two weeks before Halloween.

Winter is on at Southern

or in the air at Big Bear Snow Play and

Ropes Course

Year-Round

Christmas Room!

California’s largest inner tubing area and

Big Bear Snow Play has plenty to be excited

about, with new expanded base lodge

that features snack bar with 3,000 sq. ft. of

seating, serving goodies like burgers and

pizza. First contruction delays and then

Covid delayed showing off the new space,

but now the facilities are up and running.

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

at every opportunity snow

is piling up even as you read

these words.

Several machines lining

the slopes allow Big Bear

Snow Play to take full advantage

of good snowmaking

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

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

conditions. As the season progresses snow

is made whenever possible so depths can

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 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,

set 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

Big Bear Today

Ultimate group selfies on inner tubes at Big Bear Snow Play, now open

Earn your Thanksgiving Day dinner—and

burn those Oktoberfest calories

at the same time—with a run beforehand

during the annual Big Bear Turkey Trot

on Thursday, November 25 at Meadow

Park, back on after the pandemic.

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.

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 tubing sessions at Big Bear Snow

Play are $40, children $25, which includes

tube 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. Sessions are $12.

Big Bear Snow Play/ Ropes Course is

at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.

Earn dinner at Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Registration fees are $50, $45 and

$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 is

awarded to 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..


Mtn. Christmas, live music at Wyatt’s

51st Oktoberfest ends Nov. 6

The shopping season gets off to a roaring

start when the Convention Center at

Big Bear Lake hosts its 37th annual

Mountain Christmas Boutique arts and

crafts show over Thanksgiving Weekend.

For three big days November 26-28,

handmade arts, crafts and unique holiday

gifts will be presented by many crafters

from throughout the Western United States.

There’s wire-wrap gem jewelry, handmade

hats and scarves, personalized Christmas

ornaments, homemade jams and oils, vintage

clothing and more with one-of-a-kind

gifts for every budget.

Mountain Christmas Boutique is the

largest holiday show in the mountains and

the longest-running. Returning vendors

and new favorite crafters present holiday

items including wreaths, handmade Santas

and treats. Many vendors were at the justcompleted

51st Oktoberfest.

The whole family gets in on the fun at

Mountain Christmas Boutique. There’s

kids activities like free visits with Santa

and holiday arts and crafts. Enjoy great festival

food and a wide selection of beers including

crafts, wine and full cocktails including

holiday libations.

Doors open at 10 a.m. daily with shopping

and fun till 5 Friday and Saturday, 3

p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3, $2 seniors,

12 and under are $1, and don’t miss the 2-

for-1 coupon on page 9 valid Saturday and

Sunday. Local’s Day is Sunday with free

admission for all Big Bear residents.

With Oktoberfest over Wyatt’s Cafe

& Saloon at the Convention Center returns

to its regular schedule in November, open

Wednesdays plus Fridays, Saturdays and

Sundays beginning Nov. 10-12. Enjoy

great western grub including half-pound

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burgers, famous wings and much more, full

bar and entertainment with live bands playing

Fridays and Saturdays.

Cowboy Church under the pine trees

is each Saturday at noon. Enjoy an inspiring

nondenominational service with message

by Pastor Eric.

Sundays see Cowboy Breakfast all

day at Wyatt’s with special menu and no

waiting in line at Big Bear’s largest restaurant

inside and out. The Good Courage

Ranch Bloody Mary “bar” is a highlight

(bartenders do the work but the

fixin’s you ask for are at their disposal,

including applewood smoked bacon) plus

bottomless mimosas.

The menu features stuffed French

toast, made-to-order eggs and omelettes,

biscuits and gravy and Wyatt’s own

Brunch Burger. With other selections plus

favorites from Wyatt’s regular menu.

More shopping fun is on tap next

month during the 2nd annual

Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas

Faire, held under the pine trees for December

18-19. Join in as Wyatt’s celebrates

Christmas indoors and out with live music,

carolers, vendors, German treats and

libations and more. There’s contests for all

ages and visits with the Christkind (Christmas

Angel) and of course Santa Claus.

Kids activities include scavenger hunt,

ornament arts and crafts, find the Elf on

the shelf and nightly Christmas Wish Tree

lighting ceremony. Last year’s

Christkindlmarkt was popular despite the

pandemic with handcrafted items and

baked goods from Germany.

Wyatt’s family-friendly New Year’s

Eve party on Dec. 31 again stars the renowned

Doo Wah Riders.

The Convention Center is on the boulevard

at Division 1-1/2 miles east of the

supermarkets. Call (909) 585-3000. Coupon

for discount admission on page 9.

The 51st edition of Big Bear

Oktoberfest closes in style Saturday, November

6 with its Encore season finale.

Last call for chicken dancers as toprated

Oktoberfest concludes its nine

weekend run. Those savory bratwursts,

topped with tasty sauerkraut and German

mustard, are gone after this. And the German

bakery that provides the streudel

won’t be sending any more once the final

chickens have danced the last of

nearly 500 dances.

As an added incentive Encore is the

last of three weekends dedicated to

American Heroes. U.S. military, veterans,

law enforcement and firefighters enjoy

free admission and there’s patriotic songs

and toast to first responders.

Longtime favorites The Express

Band return to close out 2021

Oktoberfest, and as nearly 40 year veterans

of the event, the group knows how to

do it right. Signature favorites like Rookie

Zookie, Bavarian standards and today’s

hits all dot the band’s song list. Not to

mention their own unique take on each

and every chicken dance. Popular Terry

McRaven band plays on the outdoor

Wyatt’s Stage.

Oktoberfest Encore is from noonmidnight

with admission $22, $16 seniors

and $10 children 12 and under. Catch a

free bus to Oktoberfest from the Bartlett

Bus Stop in The Village plus there’s free

rides home to your door at evening’s end.

Call Convention Center at (909)

585-3000 or www.BigBearEvents.com.

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Foo Fighters, Eagles tributes at Cave

Big Bear Today

Two shows with Pennywise next

month, tributes to the Foo Fighters

and Eagles in November, plus two

restaurants open weekends await guests at

The Cave Big Bear.

Even a free show with Valley Riot on

Nov. 5!

Visitors never know quite what to expect

at Big Bear’s concert venue with a

wide variety of acts ranging from punk to

country to rock and everything in between.

One thing that is predictable is that

Pennywise will sell out anytime the group’s

shows are set, something that’s happened

during two previous Cave visits, each time

a second performance added. At press time

December 10 is sold out with tickets for

the following night selling briskly.

In the meantime November is hopping.

Valley Riot opens the month and is

a freebie. The Temecula-based alternative

rock band covers 1980’s bands like The

Cure, Smiths, Modest Mouse and more.

Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Two shows mark Nov. 12-13 weekend.

On Friday it’s a night of dancing with

The Country Club, Southern California’s

country dancing band some consider a supergroup.

That’s because the band members

are all super talented musicians who

Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt

Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster

Enjoy Great Food

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in a Historic Setting

Outdoor Dining

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Est. 1947 by Andy Devine

as the Sportsmans Tavern

Open Nightly 4:30 p.m.

Lunch Weekends

11:30 am-3 pm

"Still haunted by our Ghost George"

Open Thanksgiving Day

with our full famous menu!

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Rare Photos, Memorabilia,

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Advance Reservations

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Eagles tribute Boys of Summer at The

Cave Nov. 20, with Pennywise (left) returning

for two shows Dec. 10-11

have played or worked with Reba

McEntire, Shenandoah, Dierks Bentley,

Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Pam Tillis,

Wayne Brady, Matthew and Gunnar

Nelson and others.

The Country Club isn’t limited to just

western music either; jazz, pop, rock and

roll and more requests are often fielded by

the band. Tickets $15.

Foo Fighters tribute follows on Nov.

13. Everlong presents the famed band’s hits

like “Learn to Fly,” “My Hero,” “Best of

You,” “The Pretender” and namesake tune

“Everlong” with skill and precision.

Supersonic opens with its tribute to

Oasis, an opener-quality group itself that’s

planning an extensive 2022 tour.

“Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,”

“Whatever” and “Live Forever” are highlights.

Tickets start at $15.

Morrisey and Smiths tribute by Nowhere

Fast is on Nov. 19. This show rocked

Pala Casino and The Hangout among other

Southland hot spots and now comes to The

Cave. Moz favorites like “Suedehead,”

“The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I

Get” and “Glamorous Glue” mix in with

Smiths hits like “Panic,” “Heaven Knows

I’m Miserable Now” and “Ask” for a killer

night of music.

Dirty hands give forest a helping hand

The Cure tribute by the Krows opens

with a set of 80’s hits like “Just Like

Heaven,” Friday I’m in Love,” “Pictures

of You” and “Lovesong.” Tickets are $15.

Eagles tribute band Boys of Summer

returns Nov. 20, one of the top

zirconias to the classic band. Just ask

George Lopez: “They were so hot, I had

them piped into my dressing

room...Probably the most authentic Eagles

act out there. Definitely the busiest.” No

wonder the band has headlined at Harrah’s

Reno, El Dorado and House of Blues.

The band members are heavyweights,

having worked or been on the bill with big

names like Toto, REO, Blue Oyster Cult,

Ted Nugent, Motley Crue and many more.

Chris Turbis won an AAMA award for Best

Keyboard Player in 2004 and Darrel

Monson on vocals toured the Midwest

doing Gospel shows before he was a teenage.

Tickets $15.

Thanksgiving Weekend sees Phobia,

Since We Were Kids, No Consent and

Catalyst on Nov. 27. Tickets start at $10.

Looking ahead, don’t miss Green

River’s tribute to Creedence Clearwater

Revival on Dec. 3, with Miller Time’s tribute

to Steve Miller opening. Tickets $15.

Unless otherwise indicated, all shows

start at 8 p.m. with doors open at 7.

Call The Cave (909) 878-0204 or visit

thecavebigbear.com.

Give the forest a helping hand by getting

your hands dirty with one more

Greenthumbs volunteer day in 2021.

Greenthumbs workers will be in the

forest on November 6 for the final scheduled

outing in 2021. Greenthumbs volunteers

plant and collect seed for native

trees, shrubs and wildflowers, outplant

native species, water and restore sites,

fence sensitive areas and restore illegal

user created routes.

Volunteers learn to identify, collect

and propagate native plants in the Forest

Service’s newly renovated nursery facilities.

These efforts improve habitat for

wildlife, plants, Monarch butterfly and

other pollinators.

Big Bear Ranger Station itself has

two greenhouses, a lathe house, and seed

storage shed, and volunteers use these facilities

to grow and outplant thousands of

native plants from seed they collect, to

give the forest a hand in its regenerative

efforts. Hundreds of acres of habitat have

been enhanced in the process for wildlife,

federally listed plants and animals,

and other degraded lands in the program

since its inception in 1998.

The Covid-compliant workday is

from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring a mask plus

lunch, water, sun protection and sturdy

shoes. Gloves, tools, restrooms and hand

sanitizer provided. Confirm in advance

by calling (909) 382-2809 to pre-register

or email megan.clement@usda.gov.

Greenthumbs works in conjunction

with the Forest Service’s Restoration program

to rehabilitate and restore public

lands.


Tree lighting back with music, Santa

Ring in the holidays at Christmas in the Village with tree lighting, music

First it was a significant snow event

and then Covid. Now the annual Christmas

in the Village holiday tree lighting

ceremony is set to return, with a new date

but the same family-fun event.

2019 saw a modified celebration after

the white stuff came en masse and then

last year the event was cancelled because

of the virus. This year’s event is set for

November 20, the weekend before Thanksgiving

instead of the day after, still with

Christmas carols, local dignitaries, the traditional

fire truck arrival of Santa and Mrs.

Claus, and much more.

The 5 p.m. event culminates with the

lighting of the towering holiday tree at the

corner of Pine Knot and Village Dr. The

recently renovated business district complete

with fire pits and seating is a great

place to welcome the season and maybe

there will even be a little snow, just hopefully

not as much as 2019.

The outdoor celebration features the

arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on their

traditional Big Bear sleigh—a City of Big

Bear Lake fire engine—which delivers the

couple right to the holiday house they’ll

inhabit all season at 5:30 p.m. The Clauses

then head to their little house on the corner

for pictures and to pass out candy 6-9

p.m.

Holiday entertainment again features

Big Bear’s Mountain Marvelettes, talented

performers who reunite for the event, singing

holiday classics like “Rockin’ Around

the Christmas Tree,” “Deck the Halls” and

others to go with their standard song list

of hits from the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.

Don’t let their youth fool you; the

Mountain Marvelettes have become a Big

Bear phenomenon, appearing at events for

the Arts Council and Discovery Center

singing classic standards like “Lollipop”

and “Sugartime.” The girls all starred in

Community Arts Theater Society (CATS)

shows, and some were selected to join

young singers from around the country in

performing at Carnegie Hall.

Also performing is singer Nikki

Sparks, a favorite at Big Bear venues including

The Cave, 572 Social and others.

“She’s a little bit country, a little bit rock

and roll” with a terrific voice and playlist

that covers everything from Shania Twain

to Bon Jovi.

Sparks released her first CD three

years ago with the ballad “Misunderstood”

getting airplay on country stations. Her rendition

of “O Holy Night” is absolutely

spine-chilling as she nails the high notes

with precision and she’s released a holiday

album, A Big Bear Christmas.

The tree lighting ceremony illuminates

an enormous and beautiful Village pine.

Warm up with hot beverages offered by

Big Bear Lion’s Club on the corner of Pine

Knot and Village Dr. and huddle in front

of outdoor fire pits in front of Copper Q,

Amangela’s and The Cave.

Big Bear Lake dignitaries cruise up

the street at 5 p.m. in Nottingham’s 1920

white touring bus. Arrive early to shop the

60-plus unique stores and restaurants in the

Village before streets are closed to traffic

at 4 p.m.

Festivities also include Voices of

Christmas, strolling carolers dressed in

Dickens-style attire singing traditional and

contemporary songs a cappella till about

8:15 p.m. Professional singers—each a soloist

in his or her own right—present over

100 songs and have been seen on the hit

television show “Modern Family.” The

group is affiliated with The Wonderelles

who entertained at Christmas in the Village

a few years ago.

The Village will be festively decorated

for the holidays with lots of activities on

tap each weekend. Enjoy the brick-paved

sidewalks and brilliant holiday lights that

are so impressive each winter.

And don’t miss seven carved bears and

other woodland critters in a variety of poses

scattered throughout the Village for amazing

mountain selfies, some large enough

to sit on. Post to Facebook or Instagram.

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Civil War to Ives, Brad plays 9,000 songs

Rare indeed is the listener who can

stump Brad Riesau from Silver Moon with

a song request. That’s because he estimates

that he’s played over 9,000 tunes since

coming to Big Bear in 2006!

But even he was a little surprised when

a group from out of town came up to request

Burl Ives. From the depths of Brad’s

playlist came “Wayfaring Stranger” and

“Mr. Froggie Went A-Courtin.”

“Nailed it,” he said with a chuckle.

Rock, blues, country, standards,

reggae, even songs from the Civil War are

part of his playlist, gleaned from working

Join Big Bear Historical Society on

Thursday, November 11 at 7 p.m. for a fascinating

look at the many movies filmed

in Big Bear.

The group’s monthly meeting is open

to the public and is the second of a twopart

program. Mark Durban and Richard

Graham, historical researchers for Big Bear

Valley Historical Society, will present rare

clips of films shot in the Valley that afford

a glimpse into Big Bear’s past.

Highlights include the short silent

movie “Lucky Bob” featuring great scenes

of the 1911 dam as it was being constructed.

There will also be video clips of

advertising used at the old drive-in movie

theater to set the mood.

Don’t miss seeing footage of

McDougal Fox Farm and the old Doble

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and playing in the music industry for decades

in a variety of capacities. With longtime

Big Bear bass player Hank Kalvin the

duo forms popular Silver Moon. Regularly

sitting in with Brad the last few years has

been Emmy nominated engineer Rusty

Smith and 8-string picker Randy Boswell.

Brad plays his wide variety of music

to Stillwells restaurant every Saturday from

6-9 p.m. He’s also at Big Bear Mountain

Brewery on Red Ant Hill near Alpine Slide

from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays Nov. 4 and 18

plus Fridays Nov. 12 and 26, so there’s lots

of opportunities to hear Brad this month

Pair present rare Big Bear films at meeting

stamp mill. Plus rare footage of Village Dr.

from 1933 which includes a never-beforeseen

look at Big Bear Pavilion.

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will be

shown with remarkable findings on his involvement

with the Yellow Jacket Boat

Company, a premium brand at the time. A

star from one of the movies filmed in Big

Bear is even rumored to be attending!

As always there’s tasty refreshments

including lavish desserts and fun opportunity

drawing with terrific prizes and all proceeds

going to the museum.

Admission is free.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Bridges

Presbyterian Church, 579 Knickerbocker

Rd. in Big Bear Village.

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Big Bear Today

Man of 9,000 songs Brd Riesau, at Stillwells and Big Bear Mountain Brewery

and see if you can stump him.

“People love to request their favorite

tunes and I love to play all kinds of music

and have a decent memory for melodies

and lyrics,” Riesau said. “Having an iPad

full of so many great songs, I can usually

get close to something they request.” Some

nights see him play 60-80% requests.

Fullfilled courtesy of Brad’s guitar,

harmonica and musical memory that’s

Animal Sanctuary tours

Learn the stories of rescued critters

during one-hour tours of Grateful Heart

Animal Sanctuary in Big Bear City.

Horses, burros, chickens, ducks, roosters,

bunnies, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, even

a steer have found forever homes at the

nonprofit, volunteer-run facility. Enjoy upclose

personal experiences with goats and

pigs while touring the property.

Tours are set for November 6, 9, 13,

23, 27 and 30. Admission is $10, $5 under

18, with proceeds going to feed and care

for the animals. Ticket sales end two days

prior to each tour so book in advance by

calling (909) 979-9333, or visit

BigBear.com

catalouged so many songs he’s come

across through the years. He’s worked in

concert and music promotion for people

like Willie Nelson, with whom he spent

four years, along with Derek Trucks,

Herbie Hancock, Bruce Hornsby, members

of the Rolling Stones, Dave Brubeck and

many others. He also owned a Delaware

music store in the 1980’s and 90’s.

Brad has written over 400 originals

and released 15 of his own group and solo

projects and produced, arranged, co-wrote

and/or coordinated albums/sessions for a

variety of artists. Plus recorded as sideman

on sessions for still more artists. Before Big

Bear he founded popular Delaware bands

Porch Chops and Love Minus Zero, and

Goldrush in San Diego.

Song notes course through Brad’s

veins and he’ll do anything the music businesses

offers. As a journalist he’s written

nationally for Jazziz, Relix, Dupree’s Diamond

News magazines and local for Big

Bear Today. For two years he served as

musical director for Bear Valley Center for

Spiritual Enrichment.

Call Stillwells (909) 866-3121 or

Brewery (909) 878-0616

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18


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 family-favorite snow play area.

There’s a plethora of ways to play at

Alpine Slide, which in the past couple

years has introduced 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 attraction

drawing all the attention after opening in

2020. 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 slow, 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 at

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 are your ride will soon be available..

Alpine Slide makes its own snow

when conditions allow to offer family

inner tubing. The area’s ski resort quality

Lenko snowguns blanket the slopes in just

a couple good nights, providing winter

even 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. starting

Thanksgiving weekend. Sessions are $40,

$25 small child, and include tube rental.

Soaring Eagle is a zipline-like 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

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

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ride around.

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 $9 each, $40 for five-ride book.

Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln.

Call (909) 866-4626, open daily.

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Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip,

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(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


To-go food that’s to-die-for, filets too

T

o-go food that’s to-die-for, like

roasted triangle tip seasoned just

right, tangy kahlua pork with barbecue

sauce and more. Including thick, expertly

trimmed cuts of filet mignon.

If you’ve got a microwave or barbecue,

dinner is on at locals favorite Community

Market in Big Bear City. Like

homestyle meat loaf like mother makes and

enchiladas so authentic they taste like

they’re from the local cantina. Indeed Big

Bear’s best fast food doesn’t come from a

restaurant.

Microwaveable fully-cooked entrees

and side dishes are the ultimate in convenience,

definitely not the TV dinners you

grew up with. Prepared in Community

Market’s convection oven and commercial

smoker and then vacuum-sealed air tight

for freshness, the meals have become

wildly popular and for good reason...just

grab and zap for a real homestyle meal.

“We put out heartland comfort food

that’s preservative-free and cooked the way

you would do it at home,” Doucette said.

“Most items are portioned for two people

or servings. Everything we do is fresh,

done right here and handmade. It’s cold

fast food.”

Like enchiladas, rolled by hand in

chicken, pork or cheese varieties. “Pork is

always topped with green sauce, cheese is

usually red, and the staff goes back and

forth on which sauce chicken should get,”

Doucette said. Either way just 90 seconds

or so in the microwave delivers a delicious

Mexican meal right at home.

Filet mignon ready for your

grill; chicken ready for your

mouth!

Roasted triangle tip is another highlight.

It’s perfectly seasoned and cooked

before spending time in the store’s sousvide

oven that utilizes precise temperature

control to deliver consistent, restaurant

quality results. “It’s still pink edge to edge,

medium rare tri-tip that’s perfect every

time,” Doucette said. Roasted pepper pork

loin is prepared the same way.

Kahlua pork comes from a recipe an

employee raised in Hawaii provided whose

uncle roasted pigs in the ground. Community

Market simulates the process in its

pressure cooker and duplicates it amazingly

well. Especially with its homemade

barbecue sauce, Doucette’s own recipe,

that adds tangy sweet, tangy flavor.

Side dishes create full meals, such as

baked potato stuffed with cheese and all

the fixings or potatoes O’Brien, vegetable

medleys, savory mac and cheese and more.

“There’s even smoked tofu for vegetarians

that’s very popular,” Doucette said. All of

the take-home items are dynamite, usually

priced around five bucks or less, which is

why Community Market added a second

refrigerator case to meet demand.

Then there’s Community Market’s famous

filet mignon, ready for the barbecue.

Typically sold in packages of two expertlytrimmed

half-pound cuts, the steaks have

virtually no fat or grisle on the filets and

that’s not by accident.

“Filet mignon comes with a strip of

grisle in the middle that we take off every

time,” Community Market’s Mark

Doucette said. “It takes five seconds to remove

it, but most places don’t

bother.”

Community Market has

long been known for hot foods

like chicken kabobs, which

started from humble beginnings

a quarter-century ago.

Each kabob boasts a coop’s

worth of bird, succulent pieces

of skinless, boneless chicken

first rolled in Community

Market’s own barbecue sauce,

then breaded in special seasonings

and flour, and cooked and

assembled onto a skewer.

Community Market goes

through 250 pounds of kabobs

each week. Yet they’re only

cooked in small batches, 12-15

kabobs at a time, so they’re always

fresh and tender.

There’s so much more to

Community Market too. Like

oven-ready chicken cordon

bleu, made fresh with Black Forest ham.

Fresh produce, nice selection of reasonably-priced

wines, coffee beans, Thrifty ice

cream, liquor, propane tanks and much

Big Bear Today

more. Naturally there’s lottery tickets too.

Community Market is at 100 E. Big Bear

Blvd. in Big Bear City.. (909) 585-2641

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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 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


Nikki Sparks to perform at

Christmas in the Village Nov 20

Must dial area code (909) with all

number unless otherwise noted

November

5

Chirp’s 3rd `Hatchiversary’ celebration

4-7 p.m. with entertainment,

hors d’oeuvres, author

Richard Louv. Free. 578

Bonanza Trail. (888) 412-4477.

6

Elks Lodge Reunion with Biscuits

and gravy cookoff, music,

more at 10:30 a.m. $5. 40611

Big Bear Blvd. 866-3557.

6

Greenthumbs Native Plant Restoration

Program with volunteers

scheduled to work with

virus protocols from 9 a.m.-3

p.m.; meet at the Ranger Station.

RSVP at

megan.clement@USDA.gov.

6

51st Annual Oktoberfest concludes

at the Convention Center

with American Heroes weekend

with The Express Band (1-

11 p.m.) $22, senior $16, child

$10. 585-3000.

11

Veterans Day Ceremony 11

GILNER POINT

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

a.m. at Veterans Park; presentations,

dignitaries, Diane

Kubeja’s Unaccompanied Minors

sing National Anthem, patriotic

songs. BBQ follows at

American Legion Post 584

(41606 Big Bear Blvd.) open to

public. 866-5831.

11

Historical Society Meeting 7

p.m. at Presbyterian Church

(579 Knickerbocker); Richard

Graham and Mark Durban

present part 2 on older movies

filmed in Big Bear. Free, refreshments,

drawing.

12-13

The Country Club Dance Night

Friday, Foo Fighters, Oasis tribute

Saturday 8 p.m. at The

Cave. $15. 878-0204.

19-20

Tributes to Smiths/Morrisey/

The Cure Friday, Boys of Summer

Eagles tribute Saturday 8

p.m. at The Cave. $15. 878-

0204.

20

Christmas in the Village featuring

Santa’s Grand Entrance &

Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5

p.m. kicks off the holiday season

with entertainment in the

Village. Free. 866-6190.

25

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.

26

Native American Eagle Dances

and interactive workshops led

by Eric Runningpath at 11 a.m.

and 2 p.m. at Chirp Nature

Center (578 Bonanza Trail).

Free. (888) 412-4477.

26-28

Mountain Christmas Boutique

at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon at the

Walk

Board

November 2021—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

Convention Center; holiday

shopping, music from 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 10-3 Sun.

585-3000.

27

Phobia, Since We Were Kids,

The Hated Inc., No Consent,

Catalyst 8 p.m. at The Cave.

$10. 878-0204.

December

10-12

`A Winter Showcase ’ with

excerpts from The Nutcracker

Ballet, Grinch and more by

Moonridge School of Dance at

the PAC 7 p.m., 2:30 Sunday

matinee. $22, senior/student

$20. 866-4970.

17-19

`A Christmas Carol...Askew’

presented in panto form by Big

Bear Theatre Project at the PAC

7:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Sunday

matinee. 866-4970.

18-19

Santa Claus Visits Big Bear

Snow Play for tubing and photos

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday,

Sunday at Alpine Slide. 585-

0075,866-4626.

18-19

Big Bear Christkindlmarkt Christmas

Faire at Wyatt’s at the

Convention Center with live

music, carolers, vendors, German

treats, more. 585-3000.

31

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade

at Snow Summit at 7 p.m.,

followed by free party in the

base area with DJ. 866-5766.

31

Wyatt’s Family New Year’s Eve

Party 5 p.m. at the Convention

Center with live music by Doo

Wah Riders, family activities.

585-3000.

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


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. $9/ride, 5-ride books $40. Also

a snowplay area with Magic Carpet uphill

ride, plus 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.

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.

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.

Discovery Center

Discovery Center on the north shore, two

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, open outdoors

with information, self and naturalist

guided tours, Adventure passes and wilderness

permits. Open daily (closed Tuesdays

and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437.

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

Big Bear Today

Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Screens separate guests at the Bowling Barn, which lights up for Glow Bowling

plus has Laser Maze, video games, sports bar. Call (909) 878-BOWL.

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.

Continued on page 15

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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.

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.

Other Popular Big Bear Hikes: Champion

Lodgepole Trail (.3 mile, easy), Bluff Mesa

Trail (.4 mile, easy), Camp Creek National

Recreation Trail (3.6 miles, difficult),

Sugarloaf Trail ( 10 miles, strenuous),

Gray’s Peak (7 miles, moderate), and

Siberia Creek Trail (7 miles, difficult). For

information on other trails, call or visit

theDiscovery Center on the North Shore at

866-3437.

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 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.

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

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. $40, small child $25. (909)

866-4626.

After Dark...

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Full cocktail service in Alley Oops Sports Bar at the

Bowling Barn. Watch the big game on big screen TVs, pool tables, good food,

40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.

BIG BEAR BAR & GRILL—Live music weekends and midweek karaoke, horseshoe

pit, great food and drinks. 42164 Moonridge Rd. (909) 878-0802

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy

atmosphere. Live music weekends including Brad Riesau from Silver Moon Nov.

4, 12, 18 and 26. 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.

THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Brad Riesau from Silver Moon at Stillwells 6-9

p.m.every Saturday. 40650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.

THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Live music on the outdoor patio Saturdays

with Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin 1-4 p.m. Mike Cross on the piano Fridays,

joined by top bass players on Saturdays. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 878--0506.

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Wednesdays see country dancing. Open Fridays and

Saturdays with live bands, Sundays with Cowboy Brunch, starting Nov. 10-12.

Cowboy Church Saturdays at noon.Wyatt’s is at Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd.

at Division. (909) 585-3000.

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 $40, small

child $25, which includes tube rental. (909)

585-0075.

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.

Dining

Guide

Big Bear City

BARNSTORM 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 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. Allyou-can-eat

homemade soup and salad bar,

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.

OLD COUNTRY INN-Family-style home

cooking at this local’s favorite with

breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Steaks,

German and Italian specialties and much

more with great weekday specials. 41126

Big Bear Blvd., east of Pine Knot. Call

866-5600.

STILLWELLS—In Northwoods Resort,

open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with

fresh seafood and pasta dishes, gourmet

steaks, homemade soups and scrumptious

desserts. Sunday champagne brunch. 40650

Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.


THE BACK PAGE

New path to scenic Stanfield Cutoff trail

On one side there’s beautiful Big

Bear Lake, a terrific spot to view

sunset. On the other is Stanfield

Marsh, a great place for sunrise.

If not for the road in between this

would be a pretty idyllic spot. Attractive

railing with mountain design lines the path

and there’s other nice park-like amenities

like including benches, picnic tables and

bike racks. Even with the road, the dedicated

bicycle and pedestrian trail across

Stanfield Cutoff serves up great strolls and

views, linking with Alpine Pedal Path to

offer miles of paved lakeshore walking.

And now a new half-mile paved path

accesses Stanfield Cutoff, providing a safe,

convenient route to the North Shore from

City limits for bicyclists, walkers and runners.

The asphalt path starts at Rathbun

Creek on Sandalwood Dr. and is just part

of additional trail segments along Rathbun

Creek planned for future years. The

$946,000 project was funded largely by a

State grant.

Last year Stanfield Cutoff was completely

resurfaced and a new protective

guardrail installed, along with pavement

markings. The City of Big Bear Lake's contractor

also paved public parking areas near

the intersection of Stanfield Cutoff and Big

Bear Blvd. The total project budget was

approximately $1.3 million, funded by

State grants and dedicated Measure Y transient

occupancy tax.

In some ways the new section is really

an extension of Alpine Pedal Path, the

3.2 mile paved route along the north shore

that runs from Stanfield Cutoff to the Solar

Observatory. Combined they make for

a great walk next to the water and through

forest, passing Carol

Morrison boat launch,

Meadows Edge, Juniper

Point and the still-closed

Discovery Center along

the way.

The City continues to

expand Rathbun Creek bicycle

and pedestrian trail,

last year paving an additional

1,200 linear ft. of

the trail. The segment extends

an existing 1,800 ft.

stretch that runs along

Big Bear Today

Great views, access to Alpine Pedal Path on Stanfield Cutoff Trail;

forest walking on Rathbun Creek

Rathbun Creek (from Elm Street to Best

Western) all the way to Sizzler Restaurant

on the boulevard.

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.

Eventually users will be able to walk a trail

network from the Moonridge area to the

North Shore and Division Dr.

The City is expanding the bicycle and

pedestrian trail network, with future plans

to extend Rathbun Creek Trail north behind

CVS and Interlaken Shopping Center.

Eventually it will run south all the way

to the new zoo. There’s two-hour parking

at the trailhead on Elm near Cougar, below

Bear Mountain’s lower lot (turn at Bear

Belly Deli).

The City is also preparing for next

year’s planned construction of a new 3.2

acre Castle Rock trailhead. The future

dedicated parking area is beyond the wide

spot in the road that’s currently used. Expected

to accommodate 30 or more vehicles

when completed, plans include installation

of park facilities and restrooms

on the property, on the southwest corner

of Talbot Dr. and Big Bear Blvd. Directly

adjacent to Castle Rock Trail, the location

offers beautiful views of the lake and

mountains and access to the popular trail.

The $600,000 land purchase was

funded exclusively by transient occupancy

tax revenues, and construction of the new

parking area will be primarily paid for by

a $741,000 Federal grant and TOT revenues.

Construction is expected to begin

in Spring 2022.

November 2021 Big Bear Today Magazine

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