Hiking the Cougar Crest Trail near Big Bear, California

Hiking the Cougar Crest Trail offers an amazing view of Big Bear Lake and gives a good workout for hikers of most any ability.

I hiked it with my son and a friend in August while camping at Serrano Campground. We hiked about three-quarters of a mile from our campsite to the trailhead. Reaching the summit felt great for the view of the lake and valley. Even though it was a mid-August afternoon the temperature was comfortable.

Cougar Crest Trail is versatile meaning that any level hiker or runner can do all or part of it and get a challenge or a pleasant hike.

Reach the trail head off North Shore Drive, near the Big Bear Discovery Center on Highway 38. It's about 2.5 miles east of Fawnskin. The trail is clearly marked. Another trail offers an easy walk along a paved path through the woods to the Discovery Center.

The trail actually begins as a gradually rising dirt road that goes for about ½ mile then it plateaus for a short distance. The trail dips slightly then begins the ascent up the mountain.

While hiking boots are always recommended, it is possible to hike the Cougar Crest Trail in running shoes that are in good condition.

As with many mountain trails in the mountains of southern California, the footpath is narrow but the drop off on the sides isn't too steep or dangerous. There are small rock outcroppings to navigate but the footing is fairly stable. Small children who like the outdoors should be able to make the climb.

I was hiking it for the first time and as we began the climb up the mountain, we were surrounded by trees and the valley shielded us from any view. I really didn't know what type of scenic view we might get.

But after 20 minutes or slightly more of making our way uphill, one scene opened for us that gave us a view of the lake. There were several more incredible views before we reached the summit. It was satisfying to feel the slight breeze, see the blue lake far below with the dots of boats and then see straight across the lake to the ski slopes.
We could look down and get a glimpse of Serrano Campground. My son thought it would be cool to have a zip line down the mountain but I told him I would stick with the walk.

Cougar Crest Trail has an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet before it links up with the Pacific Coast Trail.

For those like me who enjoy a terrific view, Cougar Crest Trail is worth the sweat!