Big Bear Today Magazine August 2022

Volume 34 No. 2 August 2022
www.bigb eartodaymag.com
Mineshaft
Coaster
Thrills!
Pink Floyd Music, Show at PAC
• Tour de Big Bear
Back with Epic Rides
• Classic Cars,
Boats on Land, Lake
at Free Shows
• Journey, Beatles Tributes at Music in Mountains
• Hike Under Towering Pines
to Pebble Plain Terrain

Page 2—August 2022
From the Publisher
Teddi Boston story,
Part II: her recordsetting
PCT hike
This is the second of a two-part series
with Teddi Boston, first female ranger in
the San Gorgonio Wilderness and first
woman to solo hike the Pacific Crest Trail
hen Teddi Boston first got underway
on her record-setting
trek on the Pacific Crest Trail, Wshe soon found herself in 10 feet of snow.
The date was May 1, 1976, and Boston
was beginning a journey that would
see her become the first woman to solo hike
the PCT, all 2,600+ miles of it. A feat that
had only been accomplished six years earlier
by a man, Eric Ryback, who was 17 at
the time. By the way, Boston was 49.
Plus she was tackling the famous international
trail by starting at the north in
Manning Park, Canada, instead of the usual
southern start at the Mexican border.
Which naturally explained all the white
stuff she quickly encountered.
Yet snow didn’t faze Boston, who was
born and raised in northern Maine. “I was
brought up on snowshoes,” Boston, 95,
said. “My pack weighed 65 pounds with
full winter gear, including snowshoes, ice
axe, down jacket—I still have it. It got
smaller as I got to the Sierras and I sent
the snowshoes home.” Today, ultra-light
loads are the norm on PCT, some carrying
a quarter or less than she packed.
She needed them. Early on snow was
deep, obscuring the trail and forcing Boston
to navigate strictly by her map and
compass skills. When she finally saw
ground and her first marker after a month,
she was less than 10 feet off the trail!
Boston had never heard of the PCT
till she was leading a group of girls, including
her daughter, on John Muir Trail
in 1972. “I kept seeing people with these
huge packs and asked where they were
headed,” Boston recalled. The answer was
`Canada.’ That’s the first I heard of PCT
and thought that trail needs my footprints.
“Psychologically it made more sense
to start in the north, walking toward home,”
the mother of four added. “It took two years
to plan. (Pacific Crest Trail Association)
was in its infancy. There wasn’t any printed
material available.”
Her husband wasn’t so sure of her
plans. “(He) said a woman can’t do that
alone,” she said. “I said `why not?’ I met
the supervisor of the park where I started
and he let me park my truck in a shed for
six months.”
Snow only hampered her progress a
little, including a blizzard that forced her
to shelter in her tent two days. “And I saw
a cornice hanging over 10 feet that came
down early around 11 a.m.,” Boston said.
“Next day it was frozen. That was the only
day I had to cut short.”
Each day she started walking at 3:30
a.m. while the snow was crusty. By late
morning as it softened she would don
snowshoes and continue. “I like to be on
the trail before the sun comes up,” she said.
For the first month while hiking
through the state of Washington, she didn’t
see a single soul. Crossing into Oregon,
she went over the Bridge of the Gods and
had to pay a quarter for the privilege. Today,
hikers cross for free.
PCT was established in 1968 but
wasn’t completed till 1993. During those
early years, hikers had to negotiate 800
miles of Jeep roads, animal paths and vague
trail sections. At one point Boston got lost
despite her navigation skills.
Another Oregon delay was more serious.
“I turned quickly and scratched my
cornea on a tree branch,” Boston said.
“When I was upright the eye didn’t hurt
but laying down was painful. So I sat up
all night long.
“I had never hitchhiked before but
needed to see a doctor so I got a ride to
Bend,” she continued. “He said I want you
off that trail If it gets infected you’ll learn
the definition of the word pain.” So she
stayed with a couple at Odell Lake for a
week before departing on the trail again to
their disappointment, so used to their likeable,
affable guest they had become.
In the Sierras she encountered a famed
PCT guidebook author whose work she
was carrying. Among many other people,
a far cry from her experience in Washington.
“I met 134 people on the trail in one
day,” she said. “It was like a freeway!”
Water in the Mojave Desert is always
a PCT worry, especially going south in the
fall, but Boston got plenty, courtesy of the
remnants of a tropical storm. Finally after
169 days on the trail, Boston reached the
Mexican border, where her husband, family
and friends were waiting.
As the first woman to solo the PCT
she didn’t get the acclaim Ryback did. A
few newspaper stories—one got her fired
when her boss read she was using sick time
to hike—that was it. But she’s been rewarded
with a lifetime of stories since.
Hear more of her PCT story at her free
ranger talk at Grayback Amphitheater on
Hwy. 38 in Barton Flats on Sept. 3.
Have a good one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: Tunnels, climbs, drops and more await riders on Mineshaft Coaster at
Alpine Slide; enjoy the sounds and sights of a Pink Floyd show at the PAC.
Volume 34, Number 2 August 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
You Control Speed on Mineshaft Coaster
The latest attraction at Alpine Slide is the must-ride ride in
Southern California. Negotiate carts you control around a milelong
track with two 100-foot tunnels, three 360° corkscrews,
200-foot bridges and steep drops. Hit speeds up to 27 mph or
go as slow as you want. It’s the first of its kind in California so
don’t miss it!
Cyclists Tackle 6 Rides at Tour de BB
Glow ride, poker ride, gravel ride and Southern California’s
favorite ride all highlight the annual Tour de Big Bear. With all
this biking fun it’s no surprise that Big Bear has become the
region’s biking capital. Plus there’s great cycling everyday in
town the whole family will love; roll with us right here.
All the Sights, Sounds of Pink Floyd at PAC
Close your eyes and you might think you’re listening to Pink
Floyd when Continuous Signal takes the stage at the PAC. But
don’t do that, because you’ll miss seeing the lasers,
inflatables, giant puppets and more that made seeing the
supergroup such a unique experience.
Series Continues with Journey, Beatles Music
Discovery Center’s popular Music in the Mountains outdoor
concert series continues with two great shows this month
under the stars. First it’s DSB Band’s popular tribute to
Journey. Then two weeks later it’s Hard Day’s Night
presenting Beatles music complete with costume changes.
Walk Under Towering Pines to Pebble Plain
Hard to believe that while you’re hiking through dense forest
with tall pines all around that you’re actually enroute to Pebble
Plain, the unique ecosystem found only in Big Bear. And that
there’s several trailheads right in town! But it’s all true and in
color, on The Back Page.
Brad Riesau plays 9,000 songs all over
town; find out where on 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 2022 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today August 2022—Page 3
POTPOURRI
Two days of fun with experts, live raptors, more!
Celebrate eagles
with talks, slides
Celebrate Big Bear’s renowned bald
eagles with two days of talks, activities and
more August 13.
Saturday
is the
big day at
the Convention
Center with
the second
annual Celebration
of
Eagles. Join
fellow
eagle lovers
at 11 a.m.
for talks
and discussions
featuring
Big
Bear birds
including
well-publicized
Jackie
a n d
Shadow,
who have
drawn national
attention the past few years. The nest
cam provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley
has brought their antics to viewers
around the world. Falcons and owls too.
There will be a slide show by local
photographers Trish Green and Owen
Phairis with captivating eagle images. In
addition, Martin Tyner of the Southwest
Wildlife Foundation will share knowledge
and experience of his wildlife friends. His
Cedar City, Utah-based organization is
dedicated to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation
and education.
At age 19 he was hired as curator of
birds of prey at Busch Gardens. He was
the first man in North America licensed to
train a wild golden eagle in the ancient art
of falconry. Tyner is a federally licensed
falconer, eagle falconer, educator and wildlife
rehabilitator.
Tyner
will be presenting
Scout the
golden
eagle, Belle
the Harris
hawk and
Helen the
peregrine
falcon for
impressive
up-close
viewing.
S t i c k
around after
for live music
at
Wyatt’s
Grill & Saloon
with
Southern
Spirit along
with western
food
and good drink. Vendors will also be on
hand.
On Sunday festivities move to the lake
where bald eagles may be observed in the
wild. Head out on the water aboard Big
Bear Cruzer for 90-minute excursions with
spotters assisting guests in viewing eagles,
hawks, falcons and other interesting birds.
At press time the cruise was sold out.
Admission to the Eagle Celebration is
free with seating first come, first served.
Doors open at 10 a.m. Call (909) 585-3000
or visit BigBearEvents.com.
Big Bear Queen tours, bike rides, kayaks, more!
Free hikes, boat rides
at Adventure Days
Discover a secret portion of Cougar
Crest Trail or take a guided road or mountain
bike ride. Cruise the lake aboard Big
Bear Queen or paddle a kayak. Celebrate
amazing bald eagles.
And all these activities and more are
free!
Outdoor Adventure Days return August
20-21, presented by Big Bear
Ecotourism and headquartered at Discovery
Center. It’s Big Bear’s most diverse
festival of outdoor activities promoting the
Valley’s natural beauty, accessibility and
unique habitats, resulting in two days of
nonstop fun.
All of the many activities are free, but
there is a catch: registration is required to
participate. Sign up on a first-served basis
at Discovery Center on Saturday only from
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
A slew of activities are scheduled and
more are expected to be added as Outdoor
Adventure Days approach. Hikes on several
popular trails are on tap, including
Cougar Crest with its secret section or a
naturalist-guided trek along Woodland Interpretive
Trail on the North Shore. If biking
is your thing, join a leisurely guided
road or mountain bike ride; bring your own
two-wheeler or rent one from vendors with
discounts available.
On the water, sail aboard Big Bear
Queen with Chris Bellows, the lake’s most
experienced tour captain with decades of
experience. Queen capacity is limited to
45 passengers to ensure plenty of spacing
on the two-deck paddlewheeler with colorful
flags and open bow seating.
Paddle a two-person kayak or climb
aboard a guided pontoon boat tour to see
and identify lake bird life. New for 2022,
enjoy a water playground!
Bald eagle fans can check out Jackie
and Shadow’s nest from Dana Point Park
with local experts on hand, or join in on a
special eagle celebration Sunday from 10
a.m.-noon. For more information, visit
www.bigbearecotourism.org.
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Pirate Ship
Lake Tours
Holloway’s
MARINA & RV PARK
800-448-5335
2 4 4 2 3 2 7
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—August 2022
Tunnels, dips star on Mineshaft Coaster
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
coaster except we were able to brake along
T○
the way. We’re definitely going to do it
hree complete 360° corkscrew
turns. Steep descents, two 100-foot
tunnels, dips and drops galore, all
served up during a mile-long gravity-fueled
adventure.
It’s enough to have riders screaming
all the way around the track like they’re
on an amusement park ride. Except this is
Mineshaft Coaster at Alpine Slide, and
unlike any park ride guests control how
fast their carts go down the six-tube stainless
steel track. Which can be pretty fast,
as carts hit speeds of up to 27 mph at multiple
points along the way. Or slow, if that’s
what they prefer.
All of which is why the attraction, first
of its kind in California, has become the
must-try ride since it opened in 2020. Two
up tracks on a motorized bullwheel pulley
system provide the uphill lift, including a
long one out of a cool 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 whoopdi-doos.
The whole 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 kind of like a roller
"Still haunted by our Ghost George"
again.”
She rode with her husband Nico. Two
adults can ride Mineshaft Coaster together
if their combined weight is less than 375
lbs., making for a real thrill-filled shared
experience, though many carts go solo.
Front rider must be at least 38” tall and
three years old so kids can go, while rear
pilot 54” and age 18 or older.
“It’s kind of like the big brother of the
Alpine Slide,” said San Diego resident Sam
Gerdes. “The ride was a lot longer than I
thought it would be. I thought it was two
different rides instead of one long ride.”
His sons Isaiah, Micah and Noah took
turns too. “Really fun, you get to go as fast
as you want through lots of twists and
turns,” Isaiah said. “I only used the brake
where I was supposed to use it. I wasn’t
scared.”
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
Two tunnels, 3
bridges, twists and
turns await riders on
new Mineshaft
Coaster at Alpine
Slide
to assure rider comfort
at all times. Plus carts
have energy absorbing
front and rear buffers.
A lengthy up
track climb to the top
of Alpine Slide awaits
riders before they start
to descend and shoot
through the first rocklined
mining tunnel.
They wind their way
to the bottom before
ascending again on another up track back
to the top for the second tunnel and cool
corkscrew that leads to a quick drop; those
going fast enough get a little G-force on.
The track traverses Alpine Slide’s
entire property, around and under Alpine
Slide sleds, past the water side and above
the go-karts, dipping in and out of pine
trees. Even the entrance is awesome, built
from scratch with mining carts and rock
out front, plus Big Bear’s coolest sign.
Coaster tracks are popular in Europe
Big Bear Today
and are popping up in ski resort towns including
Snowbird in Utah. Mineshaft
Coaster is over 2,000 feet longer! Other
coasters are in Jackson Hole, Steamboat,
Bogus Basin and Heavenly’s Nevada side.
Plus entertainment hub Branson, MO.
Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20 per
person, children $10.
Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln. on
Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 mile west of the Village,
Call (909) 866-4626.
Riders control their own speed on Mineshaft Coaster,
hitting up to 27 mph in several sections
Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt
Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster
Welcome Back!
Enjoy Great Food
in a Historic Setting
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

Big Bear Today August 2022—Page 5
`Classic’ car, boat shows on land, lake
On land and lake, relive the days of
yesteryear during two “Classic” shows in
August on consecutive weekends, and admission
to both is free.
The best-known of the two shows is
the 31st annual Big Bear Fun Run on Aug.
12-14 in The Village, back for the first time
since 2019. Presented by Big Bear Lake
Antique Car Club, Fun Run attracts over
500 street rods, antique autos, classic cars
and wood-panel trucks from the Southland
and western states,
The show takes place in the Village,
with cars lined up as far as the eye can see,
each vehicle assigned designated parking
spaces for viewing and the Village “L” is
closed off at the boulevard at Pine Knot
and Village Dr. at The Lodge. Expect to
see plenty of Cobras, Ford and Chevy
Classic cars at Fun Run in the Village, Aug. 12-14
Woodies, Thunderbirds, Model A Roadsters,
El Caminos, Corvairs, Barracudas,
and Corvettes. Fun Run is so huge, cars
pack the parking lot at The Lodge too.
Saturday’s the big day with Show and
Shine throughout the Village from 9 a.m.-
4 p.m. There’s vendors with crystal
window etchings and small miniature
motors that actually run, and in Bartlett
Parking Lot there’s food and 50-50
drawing.
One of the highlights is Saturday’s
traditional “Cruise Around the Lake,”
which takes place at 3:30 p.m. There are
250-300 cars that rally around the lake in
a classic car parade. Sunday is awards day
beginning at 9 a.m. with some 70
presentations given at the show, including
best flames, best paint, best fins, Mayor’s
choice, the top
25, and
B B L A C C
President’s
award. Noel
Blanc makes
presentations as
well.
Gleaming
wood vessels dot
the lake a week
later during the
36th annual Antique
Classic
Wooden Boat
Show at Pine
Knot Marina on
Several dozen classics on display at the Wooden Boat Show on Aug. 20
Aug. 20. Vintage vessels from makers like
Criss-Craft and Hacker highlight the show,
presented by the Antique and Classic Boat
Society’s Southern California Chapter.
Typically there’s 40 or more shiny
wood boats on display. Like a 1940, 27-
foot vessel that once cruised Big Bear Lake
waters. All have been painstakingly restored
to beautiful original condition, many
with the engines exposed and exquisite
wood shined to perfection.
Annual favorites include Blanc’s
beautiful Bugs Bunny. “It’s a 1952 Criss-
Craft,” Blanc said. “It was the least expensive
Criss-Craft model they had at the time.
Dad had fiberglass put on the bottom so it
never leaks.
“I still have the boat my grandfather
and I put in, `Tweety” he added. “When
the lake is full I bring it to the show. It
doesn’t like lower lake levels.”
Then there’s a 1957 Glastron, inspired
by the 1956 Chevy Belair with more than
a few similarities between the two. Or 1955
Criss-Craft Cobra, built only one year and
influenced by the 1954 Corvette. And don’t
miss the stunning Notti Girl, owned by
Nottingham restaurant’s Charlie Brewster.
With so many wood boats inspired by
automobiles, it’s only fitting that there are
also classic cars from the previous week’s
Fun Run on hand for viewing. Plus the Inland
Nautical Society usually has several
models on display.
Pine Knot Marina is at 400 Pine Knot
Ave. Call (909) 844-5337.
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 6—August 2022
Tour back with glow, gravel rides
Big Bear Today
Southern California’s favorite cycling
event returns with four days
of road and dirt riding, bike expo
and more on August 4-7.
Tour de Big Bear on August 6 is the
showcase event, six rides of varying distances
on the main day. Preceding Tour de
Big Bear there’s the annual Friday poker
ride and after dark glow ride in the Village
shopping area on Thursday, followed by
Sunday recovery ride. It’s all “geared” to
showcasing Big Bear as the Southland’s
cycling capital.
With six rides to choose from Tour de
Big Bear offers a route for every cycling
enthusiast. The event has sold out 10
straight years prior to the virus, attracting
over 2,000 riders annually, for good reason.
Cyclists cruise alpine roadways and
trails around Big Bear and Baldwin Lakes
and over mountain passes including Onyx
Summit’s 8,443 elevation.
All routes feature course marshals.
legendary nutrition/hydration aid stations,
first aid attendants, and rider safety and repair
vehicles to deliver a professional-like
experience. Plus excellent signage and law
enforcement at major intersections for
safety.
Tour de Big Bear’s start/finish line and
expo with beer garden moves from the Village
to Bear Mountain for 2021. There’s a
shorter 5K ride for all ages that cruises
through quiet neighborhoods and new
Dirty Bear
50-mile
gravel ride
that heads
out on dirt
roads and
trails to hist
o r i c
Holcomb
Valley.
Tour de
Big Bear is
the event’s
namesake
ride, a 25-
mile route
with 1,100
feet of
climbing,
Southern California’s favorite cycling event is back! Tour de Big Bear, Aug. 4-7
serving up panoramic lake and mountain
views. Big Bear Valley Tour is double the
distance at 50 miles and sports over 3,540
feet of climbing, continuing past Big Bear
dam to Snow Valley and back to the west
and Baldwin Lake to the east.
The Grand Tour is 70 miles with 5,400
ft. elevation gain, much of it climbing to
the top of Onyx Summit at 8,440 ft. At 106
miles The Climb sports 8,700 feet of challenging
elevation gain including ascending
Onyx Summit...twice!
All Tour de Big Bear riders receive
custom-made finisher medal and high performance
technical shirt along with complimentary
bike valet at the expo and beer
garden.
The two-day cycling expo Friday and
Saturday with vendors, entertainment and
beer garden on the Bear Mountain deck
attracts even non-riders. Plus cheer on cyclists
on the Freedom Ride from Bend, Ore.
to Newport Beach, raising awareness of
human trafficking.
The famous aid stations are worth the
price of admission themselves, known in
the past for delicacies like ribs, fruit, bacon,
smoothies and much more. Even a
chocolate fountain! Plus 3,000 gallons of
water, generously donated by Arrowhead.
Some 300 volunteers help Big Bear
Cycling produce a professional-quality
event that attracts riders from around the
Follow Hall by running up The Wall
If you think it‘s hard to ski down The
Wall at Snow Summit in winter, try running
up it in summer.
Ryan Hall’s sixth annual “Conquer
the Wall” on August 13 sees participants
do just that.Weekly timed one mile runs
up the resort’s signature black diamond
run were part of the training regimen for
Hall, the Big Bear Olympian who holds
the American record for the half-marathon
and competed in the Beijing Games, finishing
10th in the full marathon.
The high school cross-country team
still utilizes the course each summer—
three state champions later, it seems to be
working—and you can too during the 9
a.m. event. From the base area entrants
will face over a thousand-foot vertical
climb with much of that on The Wall.
Southland including top teams. In 2019
participants came from 18 states and six
countries.
Tour de Big Bear showcases the terrific
riding that makes Big Bear “Cycling
Capital of Southern California.” Wellmarked
bike routes through quiet neighborhoods,
paved paths next to the lake and
in the woods, miles of forest roads and
trails for mountain bikers, and Snow Summit
bike park, all combine to offer an incredible
array of cycling choices.
It’s a good idea to come up a few days
prior to Tour de Big Bear to acclimate to
Big Bear’s 7,000 ft. elevation. Free group
rides held by Big Bear Cycling are open to
all and help competitive and recreational
cyclists alike can get used to the elevation.
Or just find riding partners for their visit.
Of course any day’s a good one to
pedal Big Bear. Bring a bike or rent one at
Goldsmith’s, Chains Required and other
shops and explore Alpine Pedal Path, new
Stanfield Cutoff or neighborhood rides.
Weekly road rides depart Amangela’s
in the Village Mondays at 9 a.m with
Wednesday recovery rides leaving
Maggio’s at 5:30. Saturday community
rides meet at Copper Q in the Village at 9
a.m. Intermediate mountain bike rides are
at Chains Required Sundays 9:30 a.m.
Visit www.TourdeBigBear.com or
BigBearCycling.com.
At the top finishers are rewarded with
sprawling views, refreshments and Sky
Chair ride down. Top male and female finisher
earn $100 cash prizes and there’s
custom awards for winners of age categories
and teams. Awards begin at the event’s
conclusion at the top of the mountain.
Register online at conquerthewall.org
for $40 till Aug. 1, then $60 till race day.
Registration packet pickup Aug. 12 at
Community Church (40946 Big Bear
Blvd.) from 4-8 p.m. Or register at Snow
Summit morning of the event from 7-8:30.
Participants receive a T-shirt and
Skychair ride down after the
run.Spectators can hike up to the finish
line or buy a Skychair ticket for a scenic
uphill ride. Proceeds benefit the crosscountry
program.

Big Bear Today August 2022—Page 7
Gravity Festival, basecamp at Summit
Three days of intense mountain bike
racing that’s spectator-friendly is on tap
August 19-21 at Snow Summit.
Strait Acres Invitational returns to the
resort as part of Team Big Bear’s Gravity
Festival. Exciting head-to-head dual sla-
lom racing highlights Strait Acres Invitational,
produced by Kyle and Rachel Strait.
Thirty two of the world’s top pro men and
women compete on a custom-built track
in the base area with jumps and more..
The stakes are high with $20,000 in
Climbs, thin air test Kodiak 100 runners
Elite runners will tackle sustained running
at 7,000 feet or above with nearly
17,000 feet of vertical climbing during the
10th annual Kodiak Ultra Marathons on
August 19-20.
The event returns with 100-mile and
100K runs plus 50K, half marathon and
10K, featuring distance running at altitude
that attracts elite athletes from around the
country and even the world. In 2022 the
event is a qualifying race for the brand new
One Hundred Mountain Ultra Trail series,
which sports straight forward ranking system
and professional live streaming.
Big Bear cash prizes include $1,500
to the 100 mile winner, $1,000 for the
100K with a total cash purse of $17,000
up for grabs. Other events are in Brazil,
Portugal, Wales and a final race in
Abruzzo, Italy. The combined purse for all
One Hundred events is over $100,000
Long distance
runs at Kodiak
100
The Kodiak 100 is a true mountain
hundred-miler, technical with steep climbs
to 10,000 ft. summits and flowing
singletrack, through epic canyon passages.
The 100K is shorter but still 60-plus miles
at elevation.
Runners spend many hours on trail,
with winners out nearly 20 grueling hours,
others 24 hours, some over 30, enduring
cool mountain nights in the process. Rod
Farvard was last year’s 100 mile winner
with a time of 19:31:00, nearly five minutes
faster than second place finisher Tony
Torres.
The route is a clockwise loop around
Big Bear Lake sporting epic views and taxing
climbs, starting and finishing in the Village.
It climbs to the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain, highest peak in Big Bear Valley,
crosses Deadman’s Ridge and descends
into Siberia Creek Canyon to Seven
Oaks, then up to Grandview Point before
the finish.
There’s 20 miles on the famed Pacific
Crest Trail, under towering pines and spiny
Joshua trees. Saturday sees 50K, halfmarathon
and 10K out of the Village as
runners climb singletrack up the southern
ridge, enjoying views of Mt. San Gorgonio
along the way, and descend with a threemile
dirt road descent back to the Village.
Proceeds benefit San Bernardino
Search & Rescue, Big Bear Valley Trails
Foundation, Mountain Top Radio Association,
Civil Air Patrol, and Middle School
Interact Club.
For information or to register call
(917) 370-3712 or Kodiak100.com.
Exciting dual slalom racing, basecamp fun and more at Gravity Festival
prize money up for grabs. Competition
begins Friday with morning practice prior
to afternoon amateur qualifying that starts
at 1:15 and open qualifiers at 4:15 p.m.
Saturday’s the big day as amateur slalom
finals commence at 2 p.m. Open finals
at 6 p.m. showcase the top riders.
It’s all part of a weekend of gravityfueled
thrills that also includes enduro and
downhill action. Enduro racing is set for
Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and downhill is on
Sunday at 12:15 p.m.
With vendors and basecamp activities
like zip line, climbing wall, Euro Bungee
and more, the resort’s base area will be a
full-on festival. Good eats too with barbecue
from the Big Horn Steakhouse.
Also there’s the Scenic Skychair that
transports sightseers and riders with their
bikes to the top of the mountain. Enjoy a
leisurely 20-minute ride through the forest
to the 8,200 ft. summit where there’s
food and drink at Skyline Taphouse and
great deck with panoramic views of 11,502
ft. Mt. San Gorgonio and the surrounding
Wilderness.
Play horseshoes at the highest pit
around, explore view-filled hiking trails
and more. Plus there’s a free adventure area
for kids ages 5-12 with natural features like
logs, ropes and other obstacles. Then ride
the chair down or walk for more adventure
and exercise.
Purchase Skychair and basecamp activities
at bigbearmountainresort.com; buy
in advance to save.

Page 8—August 2022
Pink Floyd sounds, sights at PAC
Big Bear Today
The sounds. The sights. The history.
All come together when the ultimate
tribute to legendary rock band
Pink Floyd unfolds at Performing Arts
Center Saturday, August 13.
Continuous Signal: A Pink Floyd Affair
presents sights as well as sounds of
the famed supergroup in a dynamic multimedia
presentation. It’s a re-creation of a
Pink Floyd show from the late 1970’s and
the band pulls out all the stops in the process.
“It’s a serious Pink Floyd concert experience,”
said the band’s Robert Gaston.
“It’s like seeing Pink Floyd with all the
bells and whistles. We have a flying pig, a
teacher puppet blows up during `The Wall.’
Video clips run along with the show presenting
Pink Floyd’s history.
“This is a totally immersive concert
experience,” he added. “It’s a little more
elevated than a tribute show.”
Giant inflatables and massive puppets
are just the beginning. There’s tons of lasers,
fog, archival video clips and more,
creating a treat for eyes as well as ears.
Expect to hear Pink Floyd’s vast library
of hits, songs like “Money,” “Wish
You Were Here,” Comfortably Numb,”
“Another Brick in the Wall” and so many
more. Along with “Hey You,” “Mother,”
“Time” and a seemingly endless flow of
others.
Yet some surprises are mixed in too.
“Everyone wants to hear the hits, and we
mix in a few obscure tracks and maybe one
or two that you’re not expecting,” Gaston
said. “Ones you’re not even sure are Pink
Floyd songs.”
Making the music is a tight, eightpiece
high energy band that plays with
passion and respect. Violinist Ariel Marx
accents string parts and there’s dual saxophones
and keyboards too.
“We do the music accurately but with
our own energy,” Gaston said.
There’s no assigned roles to Continuous
Signal so Gaston sings leads handled
originally by Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters
and David Gilmour. As well as much of
the guitar work, since he comes from a
heavy rock background, touring with bands
around the country and world in the 1990’s.
Continuous Signal began playing Pink
Floyd music in 2013, hitting the Los Angeles
club scene as so many bands do. Only
Pink Floyd doesn’t lend itself well to bars
and small rooms where six bands each get
45 minutes or so on stage.
“That’s like four Pink Floyd songs,”
Gaston noted. “Plus we were doing videos
even back then. It’s pretty hard to make
a theatrical concert in bars, competing with
glasses and servers.”
So Continuous Signal started playing
larger venues, highlighted by a 1,500 seat
facility in Tijuana. “Covid hit as we were
starting to head to bigger theaters,” Gaston
said. Now the band plays throughout the
Southland, at venues like the Curtis Theatre
in Brea and most recently the Colony
Theatre in Burbank, usually just once a
Lasers and inflatables including giant
teacher puppet (right) are highlights
month and sometimes less.
“We don’t do that many since it’s such
a big show,” Gaston said. “We need a large
stage, for the inflatables plus we have a
puppeteer roaming the stage throughout.”
Not that the PAC is that large, just under
400 seats in fact. But the stage has
ample space for such an involved show and
it’s known for awesome acoustics, both of
which appeal to Continuous Signal, the
first big production to appear at the PAC
since the shutdown.
“We all ski and board in Big Bear and
a sax and backup singer have places
(here),” Gaston said.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with opening
band a half-hour later and Continuous Signal
taking the stage about 8 p.m.
Tickets are $30 for the first three rows,
$24 for all others.
Call the PAC at (909) 866-4970.
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Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto
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1 mile east of The Convention Center

Big Bear Today August 2022—Page 9
Journey, Beatles music under stars
Photo by Salvador Gomez
“Music in the Mountains” outdoor
concert series continues in August with top
tributes to Journey and the Beatles.
The popular series held under the stars
at Big Bear Discovery Center’s beautiful
amphitheater, nestled among the pine trees,
is back after a three year absence. 2022
Greenthumbs Days
Give the forest a helping hand by getting
your hands dirty as part of a longrunning
native plant restoration volunteer
program on August 6.
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.
Register by Aug. 4 for this month’s
outing. Maintaining habitat for Monarch
butterflies and other pollinators, collecting
and dispersing native seeds, invasive
species removal, fence installation, watering
and other tasks may be included.
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 September 24 (National Public Lands
Day) and October 29. Call (909) 382-
2809 to preregister or email
megan.clement@usda.gov.
marks the 15th anniversary of the series
and the setting can’t be beat, 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.
The series continues with DSB Band
(Don’t Stop Believin’) headlining August
6 with its tribute to Journey. The band has
played national premier venues singing the
many chart-topping hits of the rock supergroup.
Including at the Roxy Theatre in
West Hollywood, part of “The World’s
Greatest Tribute Bands.”
Locally DSB has developed a large
following of fans with repeat performances
at Taste of Anaheim at the city’s Garden
Walk, Brea Summerfest, Anthology in San
Diego and many other gigs. The band is
currently touring the western states with
shows from Seattle to Las Vegas and many
gigs in between. All of which led Vegas
Rocks! Magazine to name DSB top Journey
tribute band, as it captures the power
and energy of the 1980’s supergroup.
Songs like “Wheel in the Sky,” “Any
Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” “Who’s
Crying Now” and the band’s namesake
tune are sure to keep the dance floor hopping
all night. Juan del Castillo is amazing
as he captures the legendary voice of Steve
Perry but the whole band is tight with
Juan del Castillo and DSB Band return to Music in the Mountains
worldclass musicians and puts on a great
show. Police Academy opens with its Police
tribute.
On Aug. 20 Hard Day’s Night takes
the stage with the music of the Beatles.
Tight harmonies and flawless note-for-note
instrumental renditions of Beatle hits are
hallmarks of the Southland’s top Beatles
tribute. Costume changes from black suits
to psychedelic outfits of the Sgt. Pepper
era add to the show along with videos.
Of course, the playlist is endless with
a barrage of songs that defined a generation.
From the early years of the Beatles
with “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Twist
and Shout” and “Love Me Do” to later hits
like “Yesterday,” “Let it Be” and “Hey
Jude” the favorites keep flowing.
The series concludes September 3
with Deja Vu’s retrospective of Crosby,
Stills, Nash and Young. Deja vu is the most
accurate and heartfelt re-creation of the
CSN&Y experience. Brought to life by a
group of highly dedicated and experienced
L.A. musicians, take a musical journey
through classic rock history with all the
CSN&Y hits. Robert Plant Nation opens.
Show tickets are $38 for general admission
or $49 premium seating.
Gates opens at 5:30 p.m. with shows
at 6:30. Food and beverages available.
MountainsFoundation.org for tickets

Page 10—August 2022
Chirp hosts free walks, `Art of Bird’
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.
People have watched and even worshipped
birds for thousands of years.
They’ll continue to do so in August with
exciting avian-themed activities at Chirp
Nature Center.
Walk to view birds on Aug. 6. Discover
the art of birds a week later. Even
learn to build a house that will have birds
flocking to your backyard. The month’s
first three weekends are packed with nature
fun!
It all starts with the free monthly Bird
Walk on Aug. 6. These leisurely outings
visit birding hot spots throughout Big Bear
Valley and the San Bernardino National
Forest. Search for hummingbirds in the
meadow, hawks hiding in trees, and the
occasional flycatcher in the brush.
Birders of all experience levels enjoy
observing and identifying local Big Bear
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 with reservations requested
but walk-ups are squeezed into the
group. Outings 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. Remaining bird
walks are on September 3 and October 1,
actually a bird cruise aboard Big Bear
Queen to observe waterfowl.
The avian form depicted on canvas is
the subject of the next free monthly nature
talk featuring devout birder and ornithologist
Dr. Roger J. Lederer on Aug.
13. “The Art of the Bird” from 7-8 p.m. in
Chirp’s beautiful backyard features the history
of fine-feathered art and artists as diverse
as their subjects. Learn how the intense
observation inherent in both art and
science reveals the mysteries of nature.
Dr. Lederer, professor emeritus of Biological
Sciences at Cal State University
Chico where he taught for three decades,
has published over 30 scientific research
papers and ten books, including “Latin for
Bird Lovers,” “Beaks, Bones and Bird
Songs,” and “The Art of the Bird.”
He has consulted for BBC, National
Geographic, National Public Radio,
Guinness Book of World Records and National
Canadian Television during his esteemed
career. Along with The New Yorker
and many other publications and organizations
for his expertise on birds. He still
writes for Ornithology.com, his popular
website, and has been guest speaker and
naturalist for several cruise lines, speaking
on ecology, natural history and geology.
These monthly nature talks feature
award-winning authors, wildlife specialists
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Church Directory
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.
Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.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.
Wednesday Bible Study 6 p.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
Free bird walk, nature talk and crafts at Chirp in August
and naturalists presenting a variety of informative,
interactive lectures. Future talks
include “Photographing the Spirit of the
Bird” on Sept. 10 and “Ominous Owls”
on Oct. 8. Register for the free programs
at ChirpforBirds.com/events for a spot.
Third Saturday each month sees
Chirp’s free 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, order
during registration.
On Aug.23 local educator and nature
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
Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
(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
Big Bear Today
enthusiast Nate Haston will read a funfilled
story on the wide variety of wild
birds. Then the Chirp team will help guests
craft their own imaginative birdhouse sure
to attract birds to their backyards. Future
book readings and craft programs from 11
a.m.-1 p.m. are 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.
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
Sunday Worship 10 a.m.
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 August 2022—Page 11
Glow Bowling, Laser Maze at Barn
Laser Maze is like limbo with lights for one or two players
Hot fun, cool sports bar with big
screen TVs at the Bowling Barn, with good
times on the lanes plus Laser Maze, great
food and drink, video games and more.
Plus air conditioning, a great way to beat
the heat!
Sixteen sanitized lanes separated by
plastic welding screens ensure bowlers social
distance safely while having a great
time. “The screens give the feeling that you
are in your own little space down there,”
said Bowling Barn’s Bill Ross. “There’s
only a handful of alleys in the country using
them and I’ve personally only seen one
other with them.”
When the house lights go down and
black lights kick up for Glow Bowling, the
experience gets surreal as the screen barriers
are something else to reflect light off.
Even neon bowling balls illuminate with
fluorescent color under the black lights in
dazzling orange, blue, green and red hues.
The Bowling Barn has high-powered
speakers and amps to kick up the sound
system a few decibels and really get the
party going. There’s laser lights, dancing
and spinning on the lanes and above the
pins, while center screen drops down to
play music videos, flanked by two more
screens on each side. New LCD wall too.
State-of-the-art scorekeeping on
screens above each lane tallies not just pin
total, spares and strikes but also running
player handicaps and even roll speed. Glow
Bowling is held after 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday after noon, after 8 p.m.
weeknights.
For more
fun head to the
Laser Maze for
challenge
that’s straight
out of an action
movie. Enter
the Arena and
try to break
into the vault
on the other
side of the
room by avoiding
countless
crisscrossing
beams of light,
accented by
Screens separate guests at the Bowling Barn, which lights up for Glow Bowling
fog to make them stand out. Crawl, jump,
slide, roll, whatever it takes to cross the
obstacle course of light. Hurry...the clock
is ticking!
Break a beam and the penalty isn’t
death like in the movies, just time added
to your score. Once across hold your hand
on the master key, money and red hand
scanner to complete the mission. Takes true
Ninja skills and while the game is easy to
learn, it’s impossible to master with four
different skill levels to choose from.
Beam Buster in contrast sees players
trying to bust each laser beam before time
runs out. Both games are fun for the whole
family with top scores posted outside the
arena. Even record your experience on
video for just a buck.! Each game is $3 for
single player or $6 for two.
Alley Oops Sports Bar is open with
full cocktail service including specialty
drinks, microbrews and domestics on tap.
Happy Hour is 5:30-7:30 Monday-Thursday
but the prices are always good. Bowling
Barn has terrific grab and go food too
like barbecue chicken pizza, burgers, street
tacos, chicken wraps, flaming hot onion
rings, carne asada fries and much more.
There’s a myriad of video and action
games at Bowling Barn, like Hoop Fever,
pool tables, air hockey and many others.
Including old favorites like Alpine Skier
and Dance Revolution and today’s latest
machines, like super popular Jurassic Park.
Bowling Barn is at 40625 Big Bear
Blvd. (enter on Bonanza). Call 878-BOWL.

Page 12—August 2022
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
Bear Queen two decades ago.
Spread out on upper and lower decks
plus open air bow and be entertained by
Early visitors to Big Bear didn’t have
Hwy. 18 or 38 to get here. Instead they
negotiated the steep, challenging
switchbacks of Clark’s Grade and other
treacherous routes.
Well-known writer and local historian
Nick Cataldo from San Bernardino
will detail just how arduous the treks were
on Thursday, August 11 at Big Bear Valley
Historical Society’s general meeting.
Cataldo will present the historic routes
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.
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
Talk explores early roads to Big Bear
leading to Holcomb and Big Bear Valleys
back in the early days when travelling
to the mountains was a challenge.
The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Bridges
Presbyterian Fellowship at 579
Knickerbocker in Big Bear Village and
is open to the public. 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 Today
Bring your favorite beverage and see the sights and sites on Big Bear Queen
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.
CLICK US UP!
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Rentals
To
Village
GET WET WATER
SPORTS CENTER
878-4FUN
866-5706
Big Bear.
Blvd.
Alpine
Slide
Big Bear Blvd.
Also on the North Shore at
North Shore Landing!
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
Must dial area code (909) with all
number unless otherwise noted
August
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Bear Valley Farmers Market 8:30
a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention
Center; fresh produce, vendors.
Free. 585-3000.
4-7
Tour de Big Bear 25, 50, 70,
100 and 125 mile rides plus 5K
and 50 mile gravel ride, cycling
festival at Bear, Sunday recovery
rides. bigbearcycling.com.
6
Free Bird Walk leaves Chirp Nature
Center (578 Bonanza Trail)
8 a.m. sharp; refreshments follow.
(888) 412-4477.
6
Greenthumbs Native Plant Restoration
Program sees volunteers
working from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.;
meet at the Ranger Station. 382-
2809.
6
“Music in the Mountains” series
at Discovery Center with DSB
tribute to Journey. $38-$49.
Gates open 5 p.m., show at 6.
866-3437.
6, 13, 20, 27
Ranger Talk at Grayback Amphitheater
on Hwy. 38 at 7
p.m., free with hot chocolate,
coffee, cider, tea.
11
Historical Society Meeting 7
p.m. at Presbyterian Church
(579 Knickerbocker; Nick
Cataldo presents the early routes
to Big Bear. Free, refreshments,
opportunity drawing.
13-14
Fun Run 2022 held by Antique
Car Club sees 500-plus classic
cars in the Village 9 a.m.-3:30
p.m. followed by cruise around
the lake, Sunday awards. (949)
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
August 2022—Page 13
Big Bear City
Moonridge
378-8936. For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!
www.bigbeartodaymag.com
Walk
Board
CC
Club View Drive
Big Bear Mountain
13
6th Annual Ryan Hall Conquer
the Wall at Snow Summit 9
a.m.-noon with run up the mountain.
conquerthewall.org.
13
Celebration of Eagles 11 a.m. at
the Convention Center with local
experts, live bird presentations,
special guest Martin Tyner
of Southwest Wildlife Foundation
and more. Free, live music
at Wyatt’s follows. 585-3000.
13
A Pink Floyd Affair by Continuous
Signal at Performing Arts
Center (40970 Big BearBlvd.) at
7 p.m. $24-$30. 866-4970
19-20
Kodiak 100 Ultra Marathon and
50 Mile, half-marathon and 10K
trail runs at noon Friday, 6 a.m.
Saturday with finish festival in
the Village. Kodiak100.com.
19-21
Team Big Bear Gravity Festival/
Strait Acres Invitational at Snow
Summit. (844) GO-2 BEAR.
20
Antique Wooden Boat Show at
Pine Knot Marina 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
has classic boats, cars, free admission.
844-5337.
20
“Music in the Mountains” series
at Discovery Center with Beatles
tribute. $38-$49. Gates open 5
p.m., show at 6. 866-3437.
20-21
Big Bear Ecotourism Outdoor
Adventure Days with free hikes,
bikes, boat tours, eagle viewing,
more. Must preregister at
Discovery Center Saturday 9
a.m.-3 p.m.
27
Cal Tri Big Bear sees14 swim/
bike/run event options in Olympic
and Sprint categories starting
7 a.m. at Visitor Center.
bigbear.californiatriathlon.org
September
3
Free Fishing Day on the lake; no
fishing license required.
3
Cool Run in the Mountains car
show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. the at Convention
Center benefits DOVES,
zoo, food banks. Free admission.
800-8355.
3
Summit Series #3 dual slalom
mountain bike competition at
Snow Summit with cash, equipment
prizes. (844) GO2-BEAR.
3
“Music in the Mountains” series
concludes at Discovery Center
with Deja Vu tribute to Crosby,
Stills, Nash and Young. $38-
$49. Gates open 5 p.m., show
at 6. 866-3437.
10-11
52nd Annual Oktoberfest at
Wyatt’s at the Convention Center
kicks off nine weekends with
Die Sauerkrauts, opening ceremonies.
585-3000.
17-18
52nd Annual Oktoberfest at
Wyatt’s at the Convention Center
continues its nine weekend
run with live band TBD. 585-
3000.
24-25
52nd Annual Oktoberfest at
Wyatt’s at the Convention Center
continues its nine weekend
run with lLadyhosen Oktoberfest
Band, Da Stube Buden. 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

Page 14—August 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 or seasonally snowshoe through
the forest. (909) 866-0390.
Alpine Slide
Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic
Mountain, as you 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, familypriced
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.
Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop
has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071
Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728.
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. BigBearQueen.com.
Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly
Big Bear Today
Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More
Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov
refurbished “Time Bandit,” a one-third
scale replica of a 1600’s galleon that appeared
in the movie of the same name, sail
daily from Holloway’s Marina...complete
with canon fire! Full bar with beer, wine
and cocktails. Fares $34, seniors/ages 13-
17 $31, $25 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. 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) 866-5706.
Golf
High altitude enhances any game at the
Bear Mountain Golf Course. A nine-hole
(par 35) 2,730-yard course, each round is
accompanied by clear air and spectacular
mountain views. The full-service 4,000 sq.
ft. Bear Trap clubhouse and pro shop offers
putting green, cart and club rentals, restaurant,
lounge, and great deck overlooking
the golf course. Driving range too. Across
from the ski resort on Moonridge Rd. (909)
585-8002.
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 Robinson R44
helicopter, departing daily out of Big Bear
Airport. Tours start at $35 per person based
on two passengers. (909) 585-1200.
Hiking
There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to
Continued on page 15
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

Big Bear Today August 2022—Page 15
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) are $85-$140 per hour. Big Bear
Marina (866-3218) has new Yamaha threeseaters
for $125/hour, gas included. Pine
Knot Landing has three-person
waverunners available at $109. 478-4377.
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
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—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 Aug. 2, 11, 16, 21 (2-5 p.m.), 25, 30, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 5 and 19. 40260
Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-0616.
THELMA’S–Brad Riesau from Silver Moon on the outdoor patio Aug. 12 and 26
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 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. Aug. 5-6: Cumberland Gap. Aug. 12-13: Terry
McRven Band, Southern Spirit. Aug. 19-20:South of Santa Fe, Sunglasses at
Night. Aug. 26-27: Terry McRaven Band, South of Santa Fe. Sept. 2-3: Southern
Spirit. Cowboy Church Saturdays at 1 p.m.Wyatt’s is at Convention Center, Big
Bear Blvd. at Division. (909) 585-3000.
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.
beginning Memorial Day weekend through
mid-October. 800 Greenway just off the
boulevard at Big Bear City Park. $5, 14 and
under free. (909) 585-8100.
Bike/Adventure Park
Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Skychair to
the mountaintop to access worldclass lift
served mountain biking with trails and
features on the resort runs. Sightseers enjoy
Skychair too with incredible views of the
Valley, lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, and more.
Enjoy barbecued food, beer and wine at the
Skyline Taphouse, which has a terrific
sundeck, plus high elevation horseshoes.
Hike down or ride the chair back. Base area
activities include climbing wall, Euro
Bungee, zip line and kids full throttle course.
Bighorn BBQ too. (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
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. All-day
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
Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,
mountain lions, eagles and other animals
now have a new state-of-the-art home at
new Big Bear Alpine Zoo with creature
comforts for both animal 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—August 2022
THE BACK PAGE
Trails explore Sawmill Pebble Plain
other plus, showing the way and distance
between points. Like the recreation-oriented
South Shore Trail Network, which
has created Skyline Trail and several others,
the Land Trust’s conservation approach
to its system is user-friendly. All
this, mind you, has been done in just six
years, when Villa Grove was acquired before
Horseshoe was purchased in 2016.
Rose Hill Trail is one of the Preserve’s
hidden gems, gently rising above Big Bear
City near Community Market and leading
to Horseshoe Pebble Plain, about 1.25
miles away. Enroute hikers or equestrians—like
Pacific Crest Trail, mountain
biking is not allowed in the Preserve—are
presented multiples choices, veering to
Lookout Point one mile away (worth doing),
taking connector loops and such.
At first glance Pebble Plain doesn’t
look that special, just a mix of gravel and
stones embedded in orange-tint clay soil
remiscent of Mars. Yet it’s some of the
planet’s most unique terrain, found only
in Big Bear and Holcomb Valleys and believed
to have been created during the
Pleistocene periods 10,000 years ago when
glaciers covered much of the area. Pebble
Plain is so special, it has been compared
to coral reefs with as many as 20 species
in a square meter.
Big Bear’s unique climate, particularly
in spring—freezing nights, warm days—
causes pebbles to literally push to the soil
Baldwin Lake Ecological Reseve gets
all the publicity and is the largest,
but it’s hardly the only Pebble Plain
terrain in Big Bear.
Indeed Pebble Plain, a soil and strata
system found only in Big Bear and a holdover
from the Ice Age, can be seen at locations
other than the east valley mainstay.
Like between Moonridge and Big Bear
City, as Villa Grove, Sawmill, Horseshoe
and Dixie Lee Pebble Plains bump shoulders
amidst a towering forest of Jeffrey and
pinyon pines and a few oaks too.
A cool trail system explores Sawmill
Pebble Plains Ecological Preserve, in the
middle of town yet completely remote. All
courtesy of San Bernardino Mountains
Land Trust, which in recent years purchased
about 750 acres in the area and created
a trail network thanks to volunteers.
Several trails explore this special area,
mostly well-marked with modest uphill
climbs and elevation gain. Plus there’s still
more loop and connector variations that
create multiple trail combinations, all topshelf
quality.
Even better are the access points.
There’s eight or more trailheads with
signage and free maps detailing the area.
Moonridge portals can be found at Villa
Grove, Klamath, Tuolumne and Alameda
Rds, while Big Bear City trailheads include
Rose Hill plus Needle and Dixie Lee Lanes.
Plentiful signage on the trails is an-
Scenic hiking and well-marked
trails in the Preserve
surface. It takes unique species
to live here, like ash-grey Indian
paintbrush, Bear Valley Sandwort
and Southern Mountain
Buckwheat, all federally threatened
and found on the Preserve.
The Pebble Plains blooms are
gone for the season but hiking to
and fro is a blast, lots of forest
canopy and some wildflowers.
Great view of the ski resorts too.
“The system is built to basic
Forest Service standards,” said Tom
Highberger, who with wife Denise along
with Jim Baugh helped design it. He spent
34 years with the Forest Service in recreation
management so he would know.
“The goal was to get rid of roads and
Big Bear Today
have trails be the primary paths for lower
end hiking,” he said. “Horseshoe has been
degraded by vehicular traffic, but now that
it’s fenced it’s starting to come back.” He
added that the process takes about 10 years.
www.SBMLT.net for information.
• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •
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!
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!
Cool
Summer Spot
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www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com
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