June 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

Volume 33, No. 12 June 2022

www.bigb eartodaymag.com

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine

So Many Ways ...

...to Play on the Lake!

• Fish for $50K, Hunt Beasts

• Holcomb Valley Tales and Legends

• Make Music Day, Sunset Concerts,

in the Mountains!

• New Hiking, with Signs, on Maple Hills Trails

Page 2—June 2022

From the Publisher

Belleville was never

close to County Seat

but true story better

Belleville, one of the small mining

towns that sprang up in Holcomb

Valley during the gold rush, missed

out on becoming San Bernardino County

seat by a scant two votes.

Just to make sure the vote went

Belleville’s way, one “Hell Roaring

Johnson” decided to take control of the

election papers by killing Constable St.

John. Only the tables were turned on

Johnson, who was shot dead by St. John.

And even the two vote razor-thin margin

of defeat was suspicious. Seems ballots

in the 1861 election were being tallied

around a bonfire when one container was

“accidentally” kicked into the flames, resulting

in the loss of who-knows-howmany

votes that could have swung the

matter Belleville’s way. Instead San Bernardino

came out on top.

It’s one of Big Bear’s most enduring

tales, one I’ve heard since I moved here in

1989. It’s a story that’s featured in wellrespected

books by reputable authors, relayed

so many times it’s become etched in

the historical fabric. Only thing is, like so

much lore there’s not a shred of truth to it.

Instead, the real story is even better.

The truth is mixed with elements of

slavery and the Confederacy, secret meetings

and oaths, even a rogue duel a la

Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. All

based on fact, details diligently unearthed

by historians Richard Graham, Mark

Durban and Anne Roark and presented at

an April Historical Society meeting.

Respected historians like John

Robinson, Austin Drake and even late Big

Bear icon Tom Core included the fable in

their writings. Core repeated it on many

occasions including during a “California

Gold” segment with Huell Howser. Yet

there’s no mention of Belleville losing the

County seat in writings by William

Holcomb or Sidney Waite who were there.

Nor is there any mention of any such

ballot measure in official records. “Reviewing

County Supervisors records,

there’s no such proposal in 1860, 61 or 62,”

Graham noted. “There’s no missing pages.

It’s just not there. Nor were there legal

notices printed in the Los Angeles Star

newspaper indicating a ballot measure

which would have been required.”

As a practical matter, San Bernardino

was by far the more logical choice for

County Seat. It already had a Court House,

Post Office, County offices and road system,

none of which were found in

Belleville, which like so many gold rush

towns was here today, gone tomorrow.

About the only thing Belleville had that

San Bernardino didn’t was winter snow,

hardly an enticement to moving the County

Seat.

It seems the 1861 election was hotly

contested in Holcomb Valley, but changing

the County Seat wasn’t the issue. As

the Civil War ignited back east, debate

about secession stirred in California too.

Mariposa miner and State Assemblyman

Dan Showalter wanted the state to join

the Confederacy, or at least split into two

regions. Debate about the issue turned into

a duel with fellow Assemblyman Charles

Piercy with rifles, on May 25, 1861.

Both missed with their first shots.

Piercy missed again but Showalter’s second

shot killed Piercy on the spot. Given

that dueling was illegal, Showalter “went

on the run,” Graham said, joined by about

20 other men, Southern sympathizers all.

Eventually the group made their way

to Holcomb Valley, known to have secessionist

leanings. “Showalter came to recruit

more men,” Graham said. “He didn’t get

any but did get gold for funding. He eventually

went to Arizona then Texas and was

killed in a bar fight in Mazatlan.”

Meanwhile politics remained a hot

button in Holcomb Valley. The Sacramento

Daily Alta ran a story in September 1861

that secessionists were holding “secret

meetings two or three times a week” while

Union loyalists were meeting Saturday

nights. One report by a Major Carleton

noted that in Holcomb and Bear Valley

mines there were “a thousand men, two

hundred of whom favor secession.”

All of which attracted the attention of

Clarence Bennett, who wrote Secretary of

War Seward, calling Holcomb Valley a

“rendezvous for secessionists planning to

take Fort Yuma then capture the Mexican

state of Sonora for the Confederacy.”

It all fizzled like a faulty firecracker.

“The gold petered out very quickly,” Graham

said, noting that while there were 547

votes cast in Belleville in 1861, just 51 a

year later as miners drifted away.

“The story would make a great movie

script,” Graham said. “Am I going to

change what goes around? I don’t think

so. The legend will continue.”

Graham, Durban and Roark will be at

the June 9 meeting again with still more

tales and legends of Big Bear’s past (story

page 3). Fascinating stuff, to be sure!

Have a good one.

Marcus

ON THE COVER: Cruzer lake tours at last year’s prices, pontoon boats, kayaks, waverunners,

Big Bear Marina has got your way to play on the lake.

Volume 33, Number 12 June 2022

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

Cruzer, New Pontoons at Big Bear Marina

Boats are a great way for families to social distance while

having fun and Big Bear Marina has a lot of them to choose

from. Like three dozen pontoons including four new ones, tour

boat sailing at last year’s prices despite inflation, a variety of

fishing boats, even water bikes that riders pedal instead of

paddle. SUP, canoes, kayaks and more mean summer is on!

Gold Fever Trail Visits Historical Holcomb

Holcomb Valley is where it all started and the Gold Fever Trail

is a fun drive if your vehicle is up to dirt road adventure. See

where Belleville was, the remnants of a couple real mines and

a hanging tree and cabin that’s not so real. The area is full of

legend and lore; find out what’s real and what’s not with

stories on this page along with page 3.

Gibson, XA get Free Sunset Concerts Rolling

The three-event Sunset Concert series gets underway with a

heavyweight lineup that includes X Ambassadors, pop star

Debbie Gibson and country star Drake White three consecutive

Fridays starting June 17. Enjoy the show and the sunset at

Veteran’s Park, free admission!

Music in Mountains Back, Bands at Wyatt’s

Discovery Center’s popular Music in the Mountains outdoor

concert series returns after its pandemic-driven hiatus. The

stars come out under the stars starting with the music of John

Denver presented by Jim Curry. Bands at Wyatt’s too!

2nd Phase Maple Hills Trails Now Open

213 acres of hiking bliss just got better with the introduction

of second phase paths at Maple Hills Trails Complex in Big

Bear City. Open to hikers and bikers, the treks are fun and

East Valley views sprawling; hard to believe such amazing

hiking is right off the boulevard! In color on The Back Page.

Nikki Sparks, one of many performers on

Make Music Day. See page 3.

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 2022 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today June 2022—Page 3

POTPOURRI

Trail work, trash pick up on Woodland Interpretive Path

Woodland work on

June 4 Trails Day

Celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday,

June 4 by giving Woodland Interpretive

Trail on the North Shore some love.

Southern California Mountain Foundation

is holding a volunteer day event

from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There’s guided beginner-friendly

trail work on tap, trash pick

up and information on the Trails Program.

Snacks and beverages will be provided and

there’s activities for the kids too.

Hell Roaring Johnson. Fixed Fourth

of July bull and bear fight with resulting

shoot outs. Creek George and Charlie the

Chink. Belleville in Holcomb Valley missing

out on becoming County Seat by just

two votes.

These legends and more will be addressed

by local historians Richard Graham,

Mark Durban and Anne Roark at the

June 9 meeting of Big Bear Valley Historical

Society. Their program, complete with

slide show, is the second of a two-part series

as the presenters confirm or dispel

some of Big Bear’s best yarns and stories.

While there was never a vote to make

Belleville the County Seat (story page 2),

Hell Roaring Johnson seems to be a real

character who met his end while trying to

rig an election. Graham and Durban dig

deep for the truth behind these stories, pro-

7 venues, over a dozen performers, free admission

Sounds abound at

Make Music Day

Spend the longest day of the year enjoying

the sounds of music from 2-8 p.m.

at seven Big Bear Village locations.

Make Music Day is a worldwide celebration

of sounds marked in Big Bear on

June 21, at locations on Bartlett Rd., Village

Dr. and Pine Knot Ave. At least 16

bands and performers are expected to participate.

There will even be street musicians

who will be “busking.”

Venues include Oakside Restaurant,

Chamber of Commerce, Copper Q, 572

Social, Sotherby’s Real Estate and the

Bone Yard. Nottingham’s Tavern meanwhile

will host its popular Open Mic with

different musicians playing every 20 minutes

on the beautiful outdoor patio.

It’ll take a long day to catch all the

varied performers. Don’t miss Big Bear

favorite Nikki Sparks, who has regularly

performed at Christmas in the Village,

Stillwells, 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.

Woodland Interpretive Trail is one of

Big Bear’s most popular paths, fun for the

whole family, 1.5 miles long as it winds

through different forest climatic zones.

Numbered posts identify points of interest—pick

up a free guide at the trailhead

or Discovery Center—detailing local flora,

fauna and more. Plus there’s great views

of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The event is free and open to the public

but children must be accompanied by

parent or guardian. Plenty of free parking

at the trailhead across from Morrison Boat

Launch with no Adventure Pass required.

Hell Roaring Johnson, Creek George come to life!

Team talks legends

at Historical Society

ducing newspaper clips, miners memoirs

and County records.

The 7 p.m. meeting, free and open to

the public, is held at Bridges Presbyterian

Fellowship at 579 Knickerbocker in Big

Bear Village. Opportunity drawing with

terrific prizes like gift baskets and items

from the museum gift shop are highlights.

As are refreshments including delicious

desserts and cookies.

Big Bear Museum is open for the season,

Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and

holiday Mondays into September. Explore

Big Bear’s fascinating past with your own

eyes, ears and hands at the working blacksmith

shop. Relive the mining days when

the authentic five-stamp mill roars to life,

and youngsters love to try their hands at

gold panning. There’s over a million items

on display reflecting Big Bear’s storied

mining, ranching, logging and recreation

past. Admission is $5. 14 and under free.

Located at 800 Greenway in Big Bear City.

Call (909) 585-8100.

Her powerhouse voice made her a fixture

on the Sunset Strip for two years before

moving to Big Bear, at clubs like the

Whiskey, Roxy and House of Blues.

Sparks released her first CD with the ballad

“Misunderstood” getting airplay on

country stations.

Other Make Music Day artists include

Peggy Baldwin and Duke Michaels, regulars

at The Pines Tavern. The husband and

wife duo puts out an amazing sound for a

twosome, Peggy on cello and Duke on guitar.

He is a talented singer and songwriter

while Peggy has played with Jeff Lynne

of ELO fame, Yanni and many others.

Dave Graham from Damn Good

Question, the Boswell Project, and many

others dot the day’s lineup. Don’t miss

Farley the Fiddler, Time Travel Madams,

Karen Elaine, Dan O’Mara, Todd Clanton,

Rebecca Jane, Paul Black, Thai Barker,

Tom Stauffer and more.

Make Music Day will be marked in

over 1,000 cities around the world, in 120

countries. First launched in France in 1982

as the Fete de la Musique, the event is open

literally to anyone who makes music, making

it much more than just a festival.

Visit MakeMusicDay.org/bigbear for

latest music schedule and details

Pirate Ship

Lake Tours

Holloway’s

MARINA & RV PARK

800-448-5335

2 4 4 2 3 2 7

Pontoon Boat Rentals

Fishing

Boats

LAKESIDE RV CAMPING

• Waverunners & Jet Skis

• SUPs-Stand Up Paddleboards

• Wake Boarding / Waterskiing

909.866.5706

1/2 mile north of Big Bear Blvd. on Edgemoor

2 miles west of the Village (turn at Log Cabin Restaurant)

3 miles east of the dam

www.HollowaysMarina.com

Page 4—June 2022

Cruzer, new pontoons at BB Marina

At a time when inflation is running

rampant on everything from gasoline

to groceries, it’s nice to know

that at least some prices are holding the

line.

Big Bear Cruzer, the newest tour boat

on the lake, sails daily from Big Bear Marina

at last year’s fares. The 25-passenger

tour boat offers narrated tours of Big Bear

Lake, nimble enough to cope with lower

water levels. Fully-covered with sound system

and onboard potty, Cruzer offers an

intimate experience during 90-minute tours

that sail past China Island, the Solar Observatory,

celebrity homes and more.

There’s no minimum passenger requirements

so Cruzer cruises even if

there’s only one customer on board. Tours

are set for 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. along with

"Still haunted by our Ghost George"

11 a.m as demand warrants. Fares are $22,

senior/military 12, ages 4-12 are $15, free

3 and under. Same prices as last year despite

obvious fuel increases!

Pontoon boats are another great way

to enjoy the lake as families and groups

enjoy ample seating, space and shade

amidst lake isolation. Four new pontoons

from Sweetwater joined Big Bear Marina’s

fleet last season, one 23’ boat that seats 12

and three 20’ vessels accommodating six.

The past couple years have seen several

Lowe boats added as well, and Big Bear

Marina has over three dozen pontoons on

the water.

Bluetooth sound system with fourway

speakers including bass with iPhone

and USB connectivity are just a few of the

cool features. Amenities like comfortable

bench seating,

drink

holders, slipresistant

vinyl

flooring and

lots of storage

make pontoon

boats a

virtual floating

living

room. Bimini

tops provide

shade on

sunny days .

Float

with your

Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt

Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster

Welcome Back!

Enjoy Great Food

in a Historic Setting

family in isolation in a quiet cove on the

lake, or maybe troll for trout. Bring coolers,

picnic lunch, canoes or kayaks, tubes

or whatever and beat the heat on the water.

They’re as easy to drive as a car, powered

by eco-friendly four stroke Mercury

outboards. Even inexperienced captains

figure navigation out quickly.

“Smaller luxury pontoon boats have

proven to be very popular with families that

don’t need so much space, or with couples

wanting plenty of room,” Big Bear

Marina’s Steve Fengler said.

Make a splash on new Yamaha VX

1100 three-seater Waverunners available

at Big Bear Marina. Enjoy an exhilerating

day of play in the spray with friends and

family. The marina also offers water ski

and wake pulls by Big Bear Watersports.

Seven new fishing boats from Lowe

have been added by Big Bear Marina as

well, featuring whisper-quiet 9.8 fourstroke

motors, to go with several added in

2019. The 14-foot aluminum vessels seat

up to four anglers and are perfect for going

out to where the fish are biting.

The marina is also home to Big Bear

Lake’s official weigh station with the only

tournament scale. If you hook up with a

big one be sure to hit “Mac’s Shack” at

Big Bear Marina and see if you have a lake

record trout, large or smallmouth bass,

crappie or other species.

For self-propelled fun check out the

marina’s water bikes, only ones on the lake.

These recumbent bike-style rides feature

handlebars and pedals, but instead of two

wheels there’s two pontoons. Making the

Big Bear Today

Cruise aboard Big Bear Cruzer on narrated tours

rides very stable, even in rough water.

Water bikes are comfortable and practically

maneuver on a dime with a 10-foot

turning radius. With rudder and propeller

water bikes have boating features but are

as simple to ride as any cycle on land, ideal

for those who would like to try

paddleboards but are afraid they’ll spend

more time in the water than on it.

“They go three knots without having

to pedal very hard at all,” Fengler said.

“And they move through the water even

into the wind.”

Ample deck space allows water bikes

to carry up to three people. “Or a couple

can go out and bring a cooler,” Fengler

said. “Plus there’s a tray up front to put

your phone or snacks. A great way to have

fun and get exercise at the same time.”

Standup Paddleboards are also

muscle-powered, a way to socially distance

by definition. Stand up on the Hobie surfboard-like

boards nearly 12 feet long and

paddle to enjoy the lake and get exercise

at the same time.

Big Bear Marina has kayaks including

single, double and even triples. Plus

two-person pedal boats with legs as the

power source.

The floating store has been remodeled

with new counters and additional point of

sale stations. Customers will find expanded

bait and tackle plus other supplies like

snacks, beer, wine, ice and more. Check

out two live online webcam feeds

(BigBearMarina.com) to see current conditions

on the water for yourself.

Big Bear Marina (909) 866-3218.

Pontoon parties or self-propelled fun on water bikes (left)

Est. 1947 by Andy Devine

as the Sportsmans Tavern

Open Nightly 4:30 p.m.

Inside & Out

Alfresco Outdoor Dining

on Our New Patio!

Molekule Air Purifiers

for Safety of Customers & Staff

www.CaptainsAnchorage.com

Rare Photos, Memorabilia,

and More!

Advance Reservations

Highly Recommended


$50K on the line, Roundup too Dirty hands give forest a helping hand

The biggest prize purse ever awaits

anglers at the 2022 “Fishin’ for $50K”

event on the lake set for June 11-12.

The spring bite has been very active

with lots of limits reported and large trout

taken, but what really matters during this

event is that the right ones bite. Five specially

tagged rainbow trout are each worth

$10,000 if they’re reeled in. Plus another

first five non-grand prize trout brought in

are each worth a cool $500 and there’s an

additional 20 tagged fish worth smaller

prizes.

There’s big bucks for big fish as well.

Like $1,500 for first place, $750 for second

and $500 for third in both men’s and

women’s divisions for largest trout. Even

kids get in on the love too with $500, $250

and $100 cash prizes. Someone will take

home a fishing kayak courtesy of Big Bear

Sporting Goods at the 3:30 p.m. Sunday

awards ceremony at Bartlett parking lot.

The raffle sees thousands of dollars in fishing

gear, bait and tackle from national

manufacturers.

Fishing is from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. each day.

The $80 entry is for both derby days and

includes free bait, raffle ticket and wristband

that provides discounts at restaurants,

shops and services all around Big Bear. $20

of each entry goes to Big Bear Lake trout

fishery program.

Get 50% off entry by staying at least

one night at a participating lodging facility

or by renting a pontoon boat at big Bear,

Holloway’s, Pine Knot and Pleasure Point

Marinas. First responders and active and

retired military get $20 entry discount

while locals and second homeowners save

$10. Children are half-price with any fullprice

adult entry.

The event is limited to the first 650

anglers with online and phone registration

through June 9 at 5 p.m. (800) 424-4232.

A week later it’s fishing of a different

kind during the annual Carp Roundup on

June 18-19. Bow hunters compete for large

cash prizes while removing thousands of

pounds of carp during the two-day event,

and another couple thousand during the

preceding days tuning up for the competition.

All of which enhances the fishery by

eliminating this trash species. Fishing

teams can compete too, albeit for a smaller

purse.

Hunting begins each day at 7 a.m.

$1,000 cash is awarded based on the total

weight of carp taken over the two days to

two-man shoreline and boating bow hunting

teams in each category, with $500 for

second place teams and $300 for third.

Cash prizes for fishing teams are $250,

$175 and $100 respectively.

Biggest fish (by weight) each day is

worth $200, while $100 is awarded for the

smallest. Biggest goldfish of the weekend

is worth $100 and biggest catfish each day

is worth $150. Optional 50-50 biggest fish

side pool costs $20 to join. Hunting is till

4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday with the

awards ceremony an hour later.

Entry fee is $60 per bow hunter, $30

per fisher, and there’s all kinds of equipment

prizes given at the 3 p.m. Sunday

Give the forest a helping hand by getting

your hands dirty as part of a longrunning

native plant restoration volunteer

program held all summer including June

11..

Greenthumbs volunteers plant and

seed native trees, shrubs and wildflowers

across many new sites while maintaining

existing projects. 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.

Register by June 9 for this month’s

awards ceremony. Enter the grand raffle

for $5 per ticket or five for $20 for a chance

at a prize valued at over $5,000.

Register at www.bbmwd.com or call

(909) 866-5796.

Plan ahead for the 17th year is the

annual Western Outdoor News Big Bear

Lake Troutfest on October 1-2. The event

has become one of the premier fishing tournaments

in the region with thousands of

dollars on the line in cash and equipment

prizes. Including a Klamath boat with 20

hp Suzuki Marine tiller and EZ Loader

trailer valued at $14,000, which one lucky

angler will win in the Sunday raffle that

has tons of other prizes too.

All participants receive one raffle

ticket—no others are sold—for prizes like

exotic fishing trips, getaways, fishing gear

and more. Tens of thousands of dollars in

outing with work at Children’s Forest

Native Plant Nursery at the nearby Deer

Lick Fire Station in Running

Springs.Nurserycleaup, invasive species

removal and other tasks are scheduled.

Covid-compliant workdays last from

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring a mask plus lunch,

water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.

Gloves, tools, restrooms and hand sanitizer

will be provided.

Subsequent 2022 Greenthumbs days

are on July 9, August 6, September 24

(National Public Lands Day) and October

29. Call (909) 382-2809 to preregister

or email megan.clement@usda.gov.

cash and prizes are up for grabs during the

event and there’s also a special raffle for

juniors with separate grand prize.

All anglers are eligible for the $5,000

blind bogey contest, with payouts going

to fishermen whose catches come closest

to but not over predetermined weights. The

lake sees thousands of dollars in trout

stocked in advance of the event by Western

Outdoor News and BBMWD to make

sure anglers enjoy heavy-hitting action.

Fishing gets underway each day at 7

a.m. and continues till 4 p.m. Saturday, 2

p.m. on Sunday. The $75 entry ($50 14 and

under) includes raffle ticket and blind bogey

contest. Registration is limited to 1,000

anglers and the first 600 to sign up get a

free well-stocked goodie bag with swag

from event sponsors. To register call (949)

366-0248 or visit www.WONews.com.

Page 6—June 2022

Fact, fiction meet in Holcomb Valley along Gold Fever Trail

F

act, fiction, and some good old Wild

West lore come to life along the

Gold Fever Trail, an 11-mile selfguided

driving tour of Holcomb Valley.

Here Big Bear first took root, not with

skiing or boating but mining. It happened

almost overnight after William “Bill”

Holcomb stumbled across the valley one

ridge north of Big Bear that now bears his

name, finding yellow flakes and igniting

Southern California’s largest gold rush.

Over $100 million in gold is estimated to

have been taken in subsequent decades,

and the mother lode was never found!

Not a lot remains of the onetime mining

hot spot, save for a few well-placed

logs that once were buildings and the remnants

of a couple mines. But a century-anda-half

ago the area was home to Belleville,

the largest mining town that sprang up in

Holcomb Valley during Southern

California’s largest gold rush. The famed

Gold Mountain “Lucky Baldwin” Mine

operated into the 1940’s, and late Big Bear

historian Tom Core, who passed in 2006,

recalled hearing the massive stamps

pounding ore when he was a youngster.

Mostly the 12-stop Gold Fever Trail

(turn off North Shore Dr. on Polique Canyon

Rd.) visits stunning scenery that those

who never leave Big Bear Valley proper

while they’re here don’t see. Building remains

are mostly representations of structures

found in the bygone era, but when

the wind rustles through the trees you can

almost hear the sounds of yesteryear.

Pick up a free driving map at Big Bear

Discovery Center, climb into a high-clearance

vehicle and get psyched for a bouncy

dirt road ride, and set out to explore this

spectacular landscape where many a miner

sought their fortune (passenger cars not

recommended for road’s current condition).

As an alternative rent a Jeep that you

drive for the journey from Big Bear Jeep

Experience at (909) 420-5828.

Holcomb View Trail is the first Gold

Fever stop. Bill found more than just meat

in early 1860 when he followed the blood

trail of a “monster” grizzly bear he’d

wounded past a quartz ledge...gold! Once

word got out prospectors flooded the area.

This first spot takes visitors a short

distance up to a point along Pacific Crest

Trail, popular today with hikers instead of

miners, many making their way from

Mexico to Canada or vice-versa as part of

Belleville on

Gold Fever Trail;

Hangman’s Tree

and inside the

cabin

a 2,650 mile journey. PCT runs from the

Mexican to Canadian borders and travels

through three states, mostly at high elevation,

through six National Parks and across

57 major mountain passes. About 39 of its

miles are in Big Bear.

Last Chance Placer is essentially a

big hole in the ground; here prospectors

dug down to within several feet of bedrock,

removing “pay dirt” that was sluiced.

Water came from snowmelt in manmade

earthen ponds like the one a short distance

away. In 1860 some three pounds of gold

was taken in this area each day, around

$27,000 in current valuations.

Two Gun Bill’s Saloon is next on the

tour, really just a few rotting logs stacked

together, and not a watering hole originally

to begin with. This clapboard cabin was

believed to actually be a Valley Gold Co.

office, where the first telephone line came

into the Valley. The saloon by this name

some 1.5 miles west of this location,

ground zero for debauchery of all kinds.

Hangman’s Tree is also debatable,

with the real one thought to be just a stump

remnant to the east. No doubt it looked like

this one though, with branches cut off each

time justice was carried out. Which was

often; some 50 murders were quickly recorded

in Holcomb Valley the first two

years after gold was found, with up to four

outlaws swinging from a noose at one time.

Claim jumping, election fixing, Holcomb

Valley had it all in its heyday.

Belleville was a thriving little town in

Big Bear Today

this beautiful meadow, but through the

years wood and metal was removed from

buildings for scrap and souvenir hunters

took away what was left. The lone log

structure seen now was moved here and is

representative of the past.

Arrastres marks gold ore grinder diggings

just down the path from the building.

Ore was crushed in the middle with a

post-and-stone setup powered by donkey

or mule walking endlessly in a circle. Slow

and tedious to be sure—it took four hours

to crush a decent pile of ore—but there

were a hundred such arrarastres in operation

during the heyday.

Ross’ Grave is unique in that no one

really knows why somebody bothered to

bury him in the first place, given the frantic

mining town pace. Apparently he was

accidentally killed cutting down a tree and

a picket fence was built around the grave.

Vandals and souvenir seekers have done a

number on the site.

Pygmy Cabin Site aroused curiousity

for years with its 6 ft. ceiling and 4 ft. door.

The point is moot now because fire and

scavengers have reduced the remains down

to original stone chimney and cabin footprint.

Still worth seeing, and the 900-foot

trail to the site is stunning.

Metzger Mine is an underground

horizontal passage dug out by miners still

visible today. Duck under the quartz ledge

and enter the mine remnants, provided you

Continued on page 7


See sites, sights on Queen lake tours

Cruise the lake aboard Big Bear

Queen with longtime captain Chris Bellows,

Big Bear’s top-ranked Tripadvisor

tour, sailing out of Pine Knot Marina.

Big Bear’s original paddlewheeler

with colorful flags flapping in the breeze

has been plying the lake’s waters since

1989 after arriving from Newport Beach.

His dad Dave was the original skipper with

Chris serving as backup, and now son continues

the tradition, narrating local history

that he and family have knowledge of.

The Bellows family has been leading

narrated tours of the lake sites and sights

aboard the colorful Queen for over 30

years. Chris previously captained on the

lake aboard Pine Knot Landing’s original

tour boat Sierra before taking over Big

Gold Fever Trail...

Continued from page 6

bring light because it is pitch dark inside.

It goes a short distance into the mountain

following a vein that the miners worked

and is not recommended for the claustrophobic

or ill-prepared.

Gold Mountain “Lucky Baldwin”

Mine is last stop on Gold Fever Tour. The

remnants were saved during the 2017

Holcomb Fire, about the only good fortune

it’s seen in the last century, so the massive

wood beams marking the spot of a huge

40-stamp mill operation remain. The lack

of surrounding timber is because most of

the trees in the area were cut to power the

steam engine in the stamp mill, which

burned some 11,000 lbs. of dry pine daily.

Bear Queen two decades ago.

Spread out on upper and lower decks

plus open air bow and be entertained by

colorful Big Bear stories and history, while

experiencing first hand Big Bear Lake and

surrounding mountains that include the ski

areas plus 11,502 ft. Mt. San Gorgonio.

While capacity is 60 passengers, Big Bear

Queen sails with fewer than that to allow

plenty of personal space.

The open air design on both decks allows

guests to experience as well as see

the lake, as they can hear the boat ply

through the water and taste lake spray and

breezes. New old-time photos line the

Queen’s sides, depicting Big Bear history.

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 interactions with goats and

pigs while touring the property and learning

the stories of how they ended up at

Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary, a 100%

volunteer run facility.

Tours are set for June 11 and 25. Admission

is $10, $5 under 18, with proceeds

going to feed and care for the animals including

veterinary care, supplies and

equipment. Ticket sales end two days prior

to each tour so book in advance by calling

(909) 979-9333, or visit BigBear.com

Bring your favorite beverage and see the sights and sites on Big Bear Queen

On board potty too.

Captain Chris expertly navigates the

boat he’s piloted for so many years around

China Island and past the Zebra Room.

Talks about the creation of the dam, aeration

system, Teetering Rock, the old

damkeeper house and many more fascinating

points of interest. Cruising past the

Solar Observatory is another highlight and

bald eagles sometimes thrill guests, soaring

above the boat and swooping down.

Sail past the homes of celebrities—if

you’re lucky Noel Blanc, who with his father

Mel mouthed the voices of Bugs

Bunny, Porky Pig and other legendary

characters for decades, will come out to

hail Big Bear Queen guests.

Each tour is 90 minutes, departing

from Pine Knot Marina with up to four

sailings daily at 11 a.m. plus 1, 3 and 5

p.m., which returns at day’s end for awesome

vistas. Big Bear Queen, pioneer of

guaranteed lake tours that sail no matter

how many are on board, assures the 1 and

3 p.m. tours go out..

Big Bear Queen is spruced up for the

2022 season after getting new carpet and

paint. Guests are welcome to bring their

own beer, wine (corkscrew on board),

champagne or cocktails, picnic baskets etc.

Daily Big Bear Queen fares are $29,

senior-military $27, ages 3-12 $19, under

three free. Book online for contact-free reservations

at BigBearQueen.com.

FREE

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Motel Rooms $75

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with Cozy Fireplaces

(Offer Good Sunday-Thursday / non-holiday)

(800) 255-4378

local (909) 866-2166

41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

www.BlackForestLodge.com

Page 8—June 2022

Free sunset concerts star Gibson, XA

Top tier talent highlights the new

Sunset Concert Series at Veteran’s

Park, featuring three events kicking

off on June 17.

Bring the whole family to enjoy the

free Friday series in the beautiful lakeside

park just east of Pine Knot. Featuring some

of music’s brightest stars: X Ambassadors,

Debbie Gibson and Drake White.

The new series debuts June 17 with

pop stars X Ambassadors (XA for short),

whose full length debut release VHS in

2015 vaulted the band to stardom. Sam

Nelson Harris, Casey Harris and Adam

Levin transitioned from Ithaca alt-rockers

and Brooklyn-indie-scene outsiders to Billboard

stalwarts with the release, which

certified platinum. Hits like “Unsteady”

and “Renegades” took an intimate look at

the brothers’ youth and led to a three-year

global tour journey and high-profile festival

shows.

Since then X Ambassadors has stayed

in the music forefront with 2019’s Orion,

supported by another lengthy tour, and last

year’s concept album The Beautiful Liar.

2021 also saw the band release (Eg), a

multipart series of collaborations. Combined

with a steady stream of single releases,

XA brings plenty of material to

shows. Like last year’s “Water,” a song for

the Blade Runner Black Lotus soundtrack.

The Big Bear appearance is part of a

worldwide tour for XA, which two weeks

later will perform at Ballpark Village in St.

Louis. Then it’s off to Quebec, Martin

Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan

Square, and eventually the United

Kingdom. The band Moontower opens.

Debbie Gibson stars a week later on

June 24 and needs little introduction, after

selling more than 16 million albums in an

over three decade career. At age 16 she

burst into the music world by becoming

the youngest artist in history to write, produce

and perform a Billboard number one

hit, “Foolish Beat.”

Hits have kept coming ever since.

Songs like “Only in My Dreams,” “Electric

Youth,” “Anything is Possible,” “Staying

Together,” “Lost in Your Eyes,” “Girls

Night Out” and many more have kept her

name at the top of the charts. Gibson is

more than just a talented singer too; she

Full Hot & Cold Deli

Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto

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We cut the highest

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100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City

1 mile east of The Convention Center

starred in 17 musicals in 17 years, from

Broadway's Les Miserables to the West

End's Grease.

Plus Gibson has a slew of film and

television credits, from made-for-television

movies on the Hallmark Channel to

sci-fi flixs like “Mega Shark versus Giant

Octopus.” Along with “Mega Python vs.

Gatoroid” in which she co-starred with fellow

pop singer Tiffany. From co-hosting

Nickelodeon’s first Kids Choice Awards to

being on Celebrity Apprentice, American

Idol and Dancing with the Stars, Gibson

has done a little bit of everything, much of

it at the highest level.

Closing out the summer series on July

1 is country star Drake White. He got his

Big Bear Today

X Ambassadors (above) and Debbie Gibson Left) headline lakeside sunset concerts

Year-Round

Christmas Room!

start singing in his Alabama church’s youth

choir before vaulting to fame with his 2013

debut single “Simple Life,” showcasing his

brand of country soul.

Songs like “It Feels Good” and “Livin’

the Dream” followed and White was opening

for artists like Eric Church, Luke

Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Big Town,

Zac Brown Band and others. Then in 2019

he collapsed on stage from a hemorrhagic

stroke and doctors said he might never perform

again.

Obviously after several operations and

months of therapy, White has proven them

wrong. His new album The Optimystic is

aptly titled, a story of strength and resil-

Continued on page 10

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


Curry’s Denver music kicks off series

Enjoy a seat under the stars as the stars

come out on stage when “Music in the

Mountains” returns for the first time in

three years.

The popular outdoor concert series

held at Big Bear Discovery Center’s beautiful

amphitheater nestled among the pine

trees sees five shows starting July 9. It’s a

great lineup beginning with Jim Curry’s

amazing presentation of the music of John

Denver, followed by tributes to Journey,

the Beatles and more, while marking the

15th anniversary of the series.

The setting can’t be beat, under the

Weekend live music is a staple at

Wyatt’s, Big Bear’s largest restaurant with

seating indoors and out and western-theme

menu featuring half-pound burgers, savory

tri-tip and more.

Calico Creek Band is at Wyatt’s June

4 and 18, playing country music from the

1960’s to today’s hits. Heavy emphasis is

placed on country’s golden years in the

90’s, even mixing in the Eagles in the process.

The band has played at Buckeye

Jack’s in Apple Valley, concert in the park

at Menifee Lakes and has upcoming shows

at Saddlesore in Norco.

High Desert and Wyatt’s favorite

Southern Spirit is back with power country

on June 24 and July 8. Regulars at

Buckeye Jack’s, Southern Spirit has played

everywhere from the old Crazy Horse in

pine trees in the forest as the sun sets and

stars twinkle above. Pre-pandemic improvements

in sound and lighting production

make for a great concert experience

with proceeds going toward conservation,

recreation and education programs in the

mountains. Plus there’s great food and

drink for purchase, making for a real festival

atmosphere.

Music in the Mountains kicks off July

9 with Curry, an appropriate choice to reintroduce

the series indeed. Denver’s music

sought to raise environmental consciousness

as well and no one sings it bet-

Calico Creek, Southern Spirit at Wyatt’s

Orange County to the late Cocky Bull in

Victorville during 25-plus years of music.

Opening for the likes of Martina McBride,

Brooks and Dunn and Toby Keith, among

others.

Other Wyatt’s highlights include

Cumberland Gap on June 11. Terry

McRaven Band plays June 10 with Contagious

on June 17.

Have a “blast” at Wyatt’s Fourth of

July weekend, open July 1-3 with music

by Terry McRaven Band. On July 4 it’s

the annual Independence Day Fair featuring

vendors, kids activities and more with

Street Music Band performing. Hours are

10 a.m.-6 p.m. and admission is free.

Wyatt’s is at the Convention Center,

42900 Big Bear Blvd. Call (909) 595-3000

or visit www.bigbearevents.com.

The music of John Denver presented by Jim Curry opens Music in the Mountains

ter than Curry; close your eyes and the

sounds of the late singer come to life.

He sang the music for the CBS television

movie Take Me Home: The John Denver

Story with an off-camera performance.

His truly American show has been seen at

venues around the country, sometimes

backed by full symphony orchestra. On

other occasions he’s joined by wife Ann

and several band members who played

with Denver, who tragically passed away

in 1997 while flying an aircraft.

The evening features a wide selection

of Denver’s vast legacy of multiplatinum

hits, tunes like “Rocky Mountain High,”

“Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Calypso,”

“Grandma’s Feather Bed” and “Annie’s

Song.” Curry’s repetoire also includes

Denver fan favorites like “The Eagle and

the Hawk” and “Country Roads.”

Two weeks later The Long Run returns

with its tribute to the Eagles on July 23.

Formed in 1999 by accomplished musicians,

The Long Run is considered a top

Eagles tribute band and plays all the legendary

group’s greatest hits...even the solo

work done by Eagles Don Henley, Glenn

Frey and Joe Walsh.

The band mixes in the studio quality

that marked the Eagles music with their

own live concert energy show. With lush

vocal harmonies and exceptional musical

accuracy The Long Run captures the

unique Eagles sound. Enjoy the hits of

Linda Ronstadt when Kristina Kay opens.


Pine Knot Marina & Fun Dock

Jet Skis & Boat Rentals

• Pontoons

• Fishing Boats

• Guided Fishing Tours!

Bait and Tackle Shop! (818) 434-5420

Kayaks & Paddleboard Rentals

courtesy of Get Boards (909) 878-3155

439 Pine Knot Ave • Located At the Foot of the Village

PineKnotMarina.com

Page 10—June 2022

Chirp sets bird walks, talks, crafts

Big Bear Today

Nurture your nature with free bird

walks, nature-theme talks and kids crafts

held by Chirp Nature Center.

Chirp’s seasonal event series begins

the first Saturday of each month starting

with walks exploring birding hot spots

throughout Big Bear Valley and the San

Bernardino National Forest. Including Saturday,

June 4, which visits a nice forested

spot with open meadows and unique alpine

lake, ideal for birding.

Birders of all experience levels enjoy

observing and identifying local Big Bear

Sunset concerts...


ience, on both his personal level and also

for the country as a whole as it emerged

from the pandemic.

White has received accolades including

Rolling Stone’s 10 Country Artists You

Need to Know and The Grammy’s Artist

of Tomorrow. Plus the British CMA

Awards’ International Song of the Year.

The venue opens at 4 p.m. for all concerts,

which run till about 8 p.m. Admission

is free.

Snacks and beverages are available

for purchase at each event, presented by

Visit Big Bear. Or make a picnic out of it

but no chairs, portable stools or ice chests

permitted.

Veteran’s Park is at 40870 Big Bear

Blvd. Call Visit Big Bear (909) 866-6190.

birds and learn good viewing locations,

while following free species checklists provided

by Chirp. Experienced birders can

practice identification skills and share with

fellow nature enthusiasts.

Walks are free and no reservation is

required but the group does depart Chirp

Nature Center (578 Bonanza Trail)

promptly at 8 a.m. Participants carpool as

needed with Adventure Pass, available at

Chirp, recommended but not necessary.

Bring water and binoculars and scopes for

better viewing.

Outings last around an hour-and-ahalf

and sometimes include moderate

walking or hiking. Complimentary refreshments

follow at Chirp with questions and

answers and free raffle. Subsequent bird

walks are set for July 2, August 6, September

3 and October 1, which is actually

a bird cruise aboard Big Bear Queen to

observe waterfowl.

Chirp also hosts nature talks on the

second Saturday each month. Join awardwinning

authors, wildlife specialists and

naturalists for these informative, interactive

lectures held from 7-8 p.m. in Chirp

Nature Center’s beautiful backyard.

“Wings of Change” explores the past

and present of Southern California wild

birds with Sean Lyon on June 11. Learn

about the historical change of bird populations

with Lyon, Curatorial Assistant at

the Moore Lab of Zoology at Occidental

College. He’ll share how museum specimens

can be combined with cutting-edge

Explore forest and lush meadow on the June 4 bird walk led by Chirp

technology to unlock the past, and document

how nature has changed in the Los

Angeles Basin.

Future programs include “What’s That

Bird in My Backyard” on July 9 presented

by Matthew Schreiner. “The Art of the

Bird” on August 13, “Photographing the

Spirit of the Bird” on Sept. 10 and “Ominous

Owls” on Oct. 8 are other topics. Register

for the programs for free at

ChirpforBirds.com/events

Third Saturday each month sees

Chirp’s new Book and Craft series events.

Listen to local educators read fun-filled

nature-theme stories, followed by a creative

nature-theme DIY craft. While the

book and craft event is free, Chirp offers

the craft kit for $10 that includes everything

needed to create the project during

the event and can be ordered during registration.

Build a home for bees on June 18.

Craft your own bird feeder on July 16 and

a birdhouse on Aug. 20. Bird feeder building

is on tap Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

Chirp Nature Center has all the supplies

birders need at home or for walks and

talks, including guides, checklists, binoculars

and more. Along with birdhouses,

feeders, fountains, feed geared to mountain

birds, gift items and more.

Chirp is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Chirp Nature Center is at 578 Bonanza

Trail. Call (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!

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

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


Speed, soar, splash at Alpine Slide

Choose from two unique rides,

longtime favorite Alpine Slide and new

Mineshaft Coaster, neither found

elsewhere in California, both letting riders

control their own speed.

Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine Slide,

a mile-long stainless steel track on which

riders negotiate turns and drops aboard

karts they control, is open daily, first ride

of its kind in the state. Two up tracks on a

motorized bullwheel pulley system provide

the uphill lift, including a long one out of

a cool new start house at the bottom.

The real fun is on two downhill tracks,

as carts hit speeds up to 27 mph across

three 200-foot bridges, into two 100-foot

tunnels, through S-turns, over a few

whoop-di-doos, and around three 360°

corkscrew turns. The whole ride is elevated

above the ground, at times two dozen feet

Cool off on the double water slide, now open daily

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 elicits amusement park-style screams

from many riders, only this is no park ride

where there’s no guest interaction. On

Mineshaft Coaster guests go faster or

slower by applying brake. Rider in back

controls the cart’s braking mechanism.

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.

Each cart has 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 is open daily

year-round and tickets

are $20 per person,

children $10.

Alpine Slide

bobsleds, only track

west of Utah, are open

daily and offer more

self-controlled fun.

Lean into banked turns

with the sled almost

perpendicular to the

ground and whip out

into a tuck through

straightaways to and

experience some of the same gravitational

forces found in Olympic sled events.

Apply brake to go as slow as you want

or let the sled’s teflon runners and ballbearing

wheels roll freely down the two

side-by-side quarter-mile cement tracks.

Banked turns, long straightaways and more

await riders and every time down is

different. Alpine Slide rides cost $9 each,

$40 for five-ride book.

Soaring Eagle is another unique ride

open daily, 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

Tunnels, drops, more on new Mineshaft

Coaster, and you’re in control!

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. Soaring Eagle costs $12 per

rider. Bundle Soaring Eagle flight, go-karts

and miniature golf for $22, a steal of a deal.

Double Water Slide at Alpine Slide

is open daily, a great way to beat the heat.

Two flumes filled with cascading cool

water take riders on a thrill ride through

turns and chutes till a finale splash in the

pool at the bottom.

Rides are two bucks each, 10 for $15

or $25 all day. Season passes are just $60

for Sunday through Friday (excludes

holidays) or $75 anytime

Alpine Slide is open till 8 p.m. on

Fridays and Saturdays starting June 17.

Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln.

Call (909) 866-4626.

Page 12—June 2022

Thrills galore at Speedway, Ropes Course

t age 15 AJ Wayne wasn’t old

enough to drive but he already had

a license. To race, in fact, at Big ABear Speedway, where he registered the

track’s second fastest time of the day.

Better yet, his clocking of 25.77 at Big

Bear Speedway was faster than dad Matt’s

time of 26.02. Allowing the unlicensed

driver bragging rights, at least for the day.

Feed your need for speed at Big Bear

Speedway, open weekends only beginning

May 14 then daily June 4, where racers

negotiate high-tech Sodi Karts around a

one-fifth mile Grand Prix-style track. Tires

squealing in the turns, engines roaring,

push the karts to the limit in a real Go-Pro

experience while hitting speeds up to 30

mph. Tecpro barriers used in Formula 1 and

circuits around the world line the track to

make the experience even more authentic.

These aren’t your parent’s go-karts

from yesteryear; Sodi’s RT8 is a fully featured

vehicle with self-adjusting hydraulic

brakes and vacuum fuel pumps that

come straight from the automotive industry.

The karts handle like race cars and the

Honda Whisper Motors generate amazing

power, enough to lay rubber through turns

though virtually impossible to roll.

The racing experience at Big Bear’s

fastest attraction begins with first time

guests viewing a short safety video. Then

they’re issued Big Bear Speedway licenses—complete

with picture—good for

one year and assigned a heat number.

After donning head socks and helmets

adorned with visors and hearing last

minute instructions, the pit crew waves

drivers onto the track in staggered starts,

no more than 11 cars per heat. First lap is

not timed so racers can get a feel

for the kart and track. Timing

starts with the second lap and drivers

get about seven to nine laps or

more depending on how fast they

go. At the end of the heat drivers

are waved in to the pit area where

they get a printout of their time

and the six fastest times in the heat.

Initial Big Bear Speedway

membership is $20 (double kart

$25) which includes license valid

for one year, one race and mandatory

head sock worn under the helmet.

Subsequent visits cost $15

per race or buy credits in advance

Church Directory

Bear Valley Center for

Spiritual Enrichment

579 Knickerbocker Rd., Big Bear Lake

(Bridges Presbyterian Fellowship)

Sundays 11:45 a.m.

(909) 866-8081

Bear Valley Church

Big Bear

41960 Big Bear Blvd.,Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10 a.m.

(909) 866-3951

www.BVCBigbear.org\

Believers Chapel

42180 Moonridge Rd., Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.m.

(909) 866-2552

Foursquare Church

at Big Bear Airport

501 Valley Blvd., Big Bear City

Saturday Worship 6:30 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

(909) 856-6259

www.bigbearfoursquare.com

Bridges Presbyterian

Fellowship

579 Knickerbocker Rd.

Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10 a.m.

(909) 866-5683

www.bigbearpresbyterian.org

Calvary Chapel Big Bear

1001 Holden Ave. Big Bear City

Sundays 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.


(909) 866-9328

Christian Faith Center

39853 Crocus Dr. Big Bear Lake

Sundays 10 a.m., also on

Facebook Live

(909) 273-9234

www.cfcbigbear.com

Church of Christ

41035 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.


(909) 866-2828

Community Church

Big Bear

40946 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Worship 8:45, 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Dinner/Study 6 p.m.

(909) 866-7523

which are stored on your license for a year

and save up to 30%.

For thrills above ground there’s adjacent

Big Bear Ropes Course, open daily.

Explore a 6,400 ft. mix of suspension

bridges, ropes, spinning log, curved bars

and more. Two stories high, the mix of obstacles

and challenges is sure to bring out

the Ninja warrior as guests ranging from

small children to adults climb, trek, stretch

and balance their way through.

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 a

variety of rope challenges. Many of the

more than 30 elements on the course are

exposed to nothing but air. Even an 80-

foot descent on the Sky Rail zipline with

automatic braking. Each session is $12.

Big Bear Today

Hit speeds up to 30 mph on the Grand Prix-style track at Big Bear Speedway

First Church of Christ

Scientist

550 Squirrel Ln., Big Bear Lake

Sunday Services/School 10 a.m.

www.cschurchbigbearlake.org

Seventh Day

Adventist Church

349 E. North Shore Dr.,

Big Bear City

Saturday Worship 11 a.m.,

lunch follows

(909) 585-2275

www.BigBearSeventhDayAdventisChurch.org

Sheperd in the Pines

Lutheran Church

42450 North Shore. Dr., Big Bear

Lake


(909) 547-0934

www.SITPBigbear.org

Spirit of Peace

Lutheran Church

42324 North Shore Dr.

Big Bear City

(St. Columbas Episcopal Church)

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

(909) 866-7239

Check out the expanded lodge with

3,000 sq. ft. of seating and snack bar with

burgers and more..

Big Bear Speedway/Ropes Course is

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

Music in Mtns...


DSB is a returning favorite, headlining

August 6. On Aug. 20 Hard Day’s

Night takes the stage with the music of

the Beatles. The series concludes September

3 with Deja Vu’s retrospective of

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Show tickets are $38 for general admission

or $49 premium seating. Season

passes are $152 and $198, respectively.

Gates opens at 5:30 p.m. with shows

at 6:30. Food and beverages available.

MountainsFoundation.org for tickets

St. Columba’s

Episcopal Church

42324 North Shore Dr.,

Big Bear City

Sunday Services/Communion

10 a.m.

(909) 866-7239 * (951) 809-5232

www.stcolumbas.bigbear.com

St. Joseph’s Catholic

Community Church

42242 North Shore Dr., Big Bear

Lake

Monday-Friday Mass 8 a.m.

Saturday Reconciliation 4 p.m.,

Mass 5:30

Sunday Mass 8 and 11 a.m.,

Spanish 1 p.m.

(909) 866-3030

Summit Christian

Fellowship

41965 Garstin Dr., Big Bear Lake


Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

(909) 878-HOPE (4673)

SummitChristianFellowship.com

The Journey Church

800 Greenspot (Hwy. 38)

Big Bear City

Sunday Service 9:30 a.m.

(909) 585-4428

TheJourneyChurchBigBear.com

Big Bear Today

GET WET

With Us!

SEA DOOS

JET SKIS

WAVERUNNER

Rentals

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

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

Walk

Board

CC

Club View Drive

June 2022—Page 13

Big Bear City

Moonridge

Big Bear Mountain

To Victorville, Barstow

& Las Vegas

Museum

Big Bear

Alpine Zoo

To Angelus Oaks

and Redlands

WAKEBOARD

RIDES

Free Lessons!

SKI DOCK

Edgemoor

Rd.

Holloway's

Marina

Log Cabin

Rest.

To

Village

Big Bear Blvd.

Also on the North Shore at

North Shore Landing!

GET WET WATER

SPORTS CENTER

878-4FUN

866-5706

Big Bear.

Blvd.

Alpine

Slide

Must dial area code (909) with all

number unless otherwise noted

June

4

In-Person Bird Walk leaves Chirp

Nature Center (578 Bonanza

Trail) 8 a.m. sharp. Free, refreshments

follow. (888) 412-

4477.

4

Bald Eagle Viewing from 9 a.m.-

1 p.m. at Dana Point Park

(39369 North Shore Dr.) with

nest viewing, information, free.

4

National Trails Day sees volunteers

working on Woodland Trail

10 am.-2 p.m., register at

mountainsfoundation.org.

4-5

Team Big Bear Mountain Bike

Shootout #2 mountain bike racing

at Snow Summit. 633-

6729.

7, 14, 21, 28

Bear Valley Farmers Market

8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention

Center; fresh produce,

vendors. Free. 585-3000.

9

Historical Society Meeting 7

p.m. at Presbyterian Church

(579 Knickerbocker); Richard

Graham, Mark Durban present

Big Bear legends. Free, refreshments,

drawing.

11

National Get Outdoors Day; feefree

recreation in the forest.

382-2790.

11

Holcomb Valley 7/15/33 Mile

Trail Runs start at Meadow’s

Edge picnic area on north shore

at 7:30 a.m. 633-6729.

11

Greenthumbs Native Plant Restoration

Program sees volunteers

working from 9 a.m.-3

p.m.; meet at the Ranger Sta-

tion. 382-2809.

11

Free Nature Talk at Chirp Nature

Center (578 Bonanza Trail) 7-8

p.m.; “Past & Present of SoCal’s

Wild Birds” with Sean Lyon.

(888) 412-4477.

11-12

“Fishin’ for $50K” with cash

prizes for tagged trout, raffles.

50% off for those staying over

night or renting pontoon boat.

(800) 4-BIG BEAR.

17

X Ambassadors kicks off Sunset

Concert Series at Veteran’s

Park at 4 p.m., Moontower

opens. Free admission.

18-19

Carp Roundup at 7 a.m. for twoperson

hunting teams, 3 p.m.

Sunday awards ceremony. $60

per hunter, $30 fisher. 866-

5796.

18-19

Team Big Bear Mountain Bike

Shootout #3 mountain bike racing

at Snow Summit. 633-6729.

21

Make Music Day sees 7 Village

venues hosting 12 bands/musicians

from 2-8 p.m., all free.

MakeMusicDay.org/bigbear.

24

Debbie Gibson headlines Sunset

Concert Series at Veteran’s Park

at 4 p.m. Free admission.

25

Ice Cream Safari at Alpine Zoo

(747 Clubview) 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;

5 scoops for $5 plus admission

of $15, $10 senior/ages 3-10.

584-1299.

July

1

Country Star Drake White headlines

Sunset Concert Series at

Veteran’s Park at 4 p.m. Free

admission.

2

Free Fishing Day on the lake; no

license required. 866-5796.

2

Free Bird Walk leaves Chirp Nature

Center (578 Bonanza Trail)

8 a.m. sharp; refreshments follow.

(888) 412-4477.

4

Wyatt’s Independence Day Faire

at the Convention Center 10

a.m.-6 p.m. with arts and crafts,

Street Music Band plays under

the pines. Free entry. 585-3000.

4

Fireworks Over the Lake, presented

by the City, Visit Big Bear

and Rotary Club at 9 p.m. (800)

4-BIG BEAR.

4

Above the Boom fireworks party

at Snow Summit 7-9 p.m. with

Skychair ride, DJ (844) GO2-

BEAR.

9

“Music in the Mountains” series

returns to Discovery Center with

the music of John Denver by Jim

Curry. $38-$49. Gates open 5

p.m., show at 6. 866-3437.

21

KOLA-FM Slide Day at Alpine

Slide; water slide pass, Alpine

Slide and Soaring Eagle rides,

lunch, more $29.99. 866-4626.

23

Spirits of the West Brewsfest 1-

7 p.m. at Convention Center

with Temecula Gunfighters, beer,

wine and spirits tastings, live

band. 585-3000.

23

“Music in the Mountains” series

at Discovery Center with tribute

to the Eagles by the Long Run.

$38-$49. Gates open 5 p.m.,

show at 6. 866-3437.

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!

www.bigbeartodaymag.com

E

V

E

N

T

C

A

L

E

N

D

A

R

Page 14—June 2022

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. (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. There’s

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.

Big Bear Speedway

Soki Kart racing comes to Big Bear with

timed heats and authentic track experience.

Reach speeds up to 30 mph while

negotiating hairpin turns and straightaways

on the Grand Prix-style course. Double

Karts allow younger riders to go to. $20 on

first visit includes license valid one year,

head sock and race ($25 double Kart). Base

lodge with snack bar, ropes course too. At

Big Bear Snow Play next to Motel 6. (909)

585-0075.

THE ALMANAC

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.

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.

Boat Rentals

Sailboats, pontoon boats, speed and fishing

boats plus paddleboards and canoes are

available for rental from the lake’s marinas.

Big Bear Marina (866-3218),

Holloway’s Marina (866-5706), North

Shore Landing (878-4FUN) Pine

KnotMarina (478-2500), Captain John’s

Marina (866-6478).

Boat Tours

“Big Bear Queen” sails daily from Pine

Knot Marina including the lake’s most

guaranteed daily tours and its most experienced

captain, Chris Bellows. Tours daily

at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Adults $29,

seniors/military $27, 12 and under $19, 3

and under free. Bring your favorite beverages.

BigBearQueen.com.

Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly

refurbished “Time Bandit,” a one-third

scale replica of a 1600’s galleon that appeared

in the movie of the same name, sail

Big Bear Today

Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More

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

Beat the heat on a waverunner! Call Get Wet Water Sports (909) 878-4FUN

daily from Holloway’s Marina...complete

with canon fire! Full bar with beer, wine

and cocktails. Fares $34, seniors $32, $21

ages 12 and under, lap child free. (909)

878-4040.

“Miss Liberty” paddlewheeler with enclosed,

heated deck and snack bar, leaves

Pine Knot Landing for scenic tours of Big

Bear Lake. View the homes of celebrities,

solar observatory, and much more. $25,

$23 senior/military, $16 ages 3-12, four

and under free. (909) 866-8129.

Big Bear Cruzer is the lake’s newest tour

boat, sailing out of Big Bear Marina daily.

The open air boat with sunshade departs

several times daily. $22, senior $20, 12 and

under $12. (909) 866-3218.

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

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 Thursday through

Monday. (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.

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 a moderate twomile

(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.

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.

Jet Skis/Waverunners

Jet skis and two, three and four seater

Waverunners from Get Wet Water Sports

Center at North Shore Landing (878-

4FUN), and Holloway’s Marina (866-

5706). Big Bear Marina (866-3218) has

new Yamaha three-seaters. Pine Knot

Landing has three-person waverunners

available. 478-4377.

Mineshaft Coaster

First ride of its kind in California! Ride

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 including FNJK Classic Rock Duo

5-9 p.m. on March 26. 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. Music seven days a week including Brad Riesau from Silver Moon 5-

8 p.m June 7, 9, 21, and 23, 6-9 p.m. June 3 and 17, 2-5 p.m. June 26. 40260

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-0616.

THELMA’S–Brad Riesau from Silver Moon on the outdoor patio June 10, 24 from

6-8 p.m. 337 W. Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear City. (909) 585-7005.

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 Fridays and Saturdays with Mike

Cross on the piano, joined by top bass players, Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin

Saturdays and Sundays. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 878--0506.

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open Wednesdays with country dancing, Fridays

and Saturdays with live bands. June 3-4: Terry McRaven Band, Caico Creek. June

10-11: Terry McRaven Band, Cumberland Gap. June 17-18: Contagious, Calico

Creek. June 24: Southern Spirit. Cowboy Church Saturdays at 1 p.m.Wyatt’s is

at Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000.

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.

Museum

An authentic, restored log cabin, gold

mining artifacts, rebuilt stamp mill, cattle

ranching and logging memorabilia,

information on native animals, birds and

reptiles, and much more are found at the

Eleanor Abbott Big Bear Museum. Open

Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and

Holiday Mondays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

through mid-September. Located at 800

Greenway just off the boulevard at Big

Bear City Park. $5, 14 and under free.

(909) 585-8100.

Scenic Sky Chair

Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair to

the top for incredible views of the Valley,

lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, and more. Enjoy

barbecued food, beer and wine at the View

Haus on top, which has a terrific sundeck,

while taking in spectacular views that can

stretch to the Basin. Hike down or ride the

chair back. (909) 866-5766.

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.

Wakeboard/Water Ski

Get Wet Water Sports Center offers

water ski and wakeboard rides from North

Shore Landing, Holloway’s Marina and

Big Bear Marina. $195/hour ($360 for 2

hours) includes equipment, boat and

lessons, if desired. Group rates. Call 878-

4FUN.

Water Slide

The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is

home to two side-by-side water slide flumes

that take riders through a maze of banked

turns and wild, wet action. At the bottom,

each track dumps into a heated pool. Allday

passes $25, single rides $2, 10-ride

books $15. Open daily. 1/4 mile west of

the Village on Big Bear Blvd. (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.-5 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.

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—CLOSED

THURS—PRIME RIB

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!

Page 16—June 2022

Big Bear Today

THE BACK PAGE

2nd phase means more Maple Hills hiking

• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •

he second phase of new hiking

trails in Big Bear’s newest system

is now open, complete with Tsignage.

Maple Hills Trails Complex in Big

Bear City sports 213 acres of hiking and

biking utopia that debuted with its first

phase in 2020. Now still more hiking has

opened, complete with the installation of

about 70 trail signs earlier this year, with a

planned third phase still to come.

Like School Loop, the primary path

in the first phase that essentially circles the

property’s perimeter at about 3.2 miles

long, the new section has a main path as

well. Baldwin Loop heads up the ridge

from the complex’s west side with a trailhead

off Big Bear Blvd. at Shore Dr. It

scales the hill above, eventually reaching

Baldwin Lane school at the top and connecting

with the Dixie Lee section.

Like School Loop, Baldwin accesses

many connectors and short sections, making

for infinite exploration possibilities.

Two steep sections, Pat’s and Tom’s,

geared to mountain bikers pays homage to

Team Big Bear founders Follett and

Spiegel, respectively, with black diamond

terrain best suited to two wheelers. Even

so I felt compelled to hump it as a two

footer on a recent outing.

Otherwise Baldwin Loop traverses

back and forth up the ridge, connecting

with School Loop to completely circumnavigate

the system. While School Loop

orbits around the high school, Baldwin

works westward to the elementary school

of the same name, tied together by a terrific

connecting path.

Indeed options abound in both phases:

Gavin’s Gulch, Two Turns and Big Pine

are but a few. As the trails work their way

around the property they pass through pine

forest, exposed manzanita and more, serving

up stunning East Valley views. In most

cases trail junctions are spread out every

third to half a mile so users remain engaged

and connected with amazing signage at

both trailheads and access points. Maple

Hills is mountain hiking done right!

While School Loop, paralleling Maple

Drive, at times feels pretty urban with traffic

noise in the distance before it ditches

the road, that’s not the case with Baldwin

Loop. Double and triple wide track twists

and turns along the ridge in isolation for a

real wilderness feel. Sprawling views

emerge and the only sounds are the whispers

of wind in the trees and the occasional

bird call, the only signs of civilization an

airport beacon tower the route winds past.

Amazing that there’s so much hiking

and biking in just a couple hundred acres

right above the highway! Not just hikers

and bikers 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.

All thanks to RCK Properties,

which in 2018 donated 213

acres to BVUSD Education

Foundation, so Maple Hills Trail

Complex is private property.

Handy during last falls forest closure,

for instance, when most

hikes were shut down by order

but not this one. Southern California

Mountains Foundation

and its Big Bear Trails program cut miles

of trail by hand and with machinery in creating

the trail system.

Maple Hill Trails is located between

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •

Ride Our

Double

Water

Slide

Water Slide Rides • $25 All Day • 10 Rides ... $15

• Single Ride ... $2

Summer is

NEW!!

New!

Water Slide

Season Passes!

$75 Anytime,

$60 Sun-Fri

(non-holiday)

Soaring Eagle Ride

Great at Alpine Slide!

Second phase at the new

Maple Hill Trails Complex is

now open for hiking, biking

Your Alpine Slide experience begins

with a scenic chairlift ride above the

beautiful Big Bear Lake. Then, with

you controlling the speed, your toboggan

plummets back down the mountain creating a thrill you’ll want to relive

again and again!

Now Open!

• Miniature Golf • Go Karts

• Video Game Room • Delicious Snack Bar

Parents!... Sun On Our Spacious Deck While The Kids Play!

Year-Round Family Fun

With 300 Clear Days A Year!

Big Bear Blvd. and the high school west

of Maple in Big Bear City.

—by Marcus Dietz

Visit bigbeartrails.org for information.

Cool

Summer Spot

Check website for current operating hours

www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •

June 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

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