Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Bluff Lake is a hidden Big Bear secret. It's one of the most gorgeous areas in Big Bear Lake. So many people who are Big Bear locals don't even know it's here, hidden away three miles up a remote dirt road!

Traveling to this hidden wilderness lake with a local tour guide is a great way to see some of Big Bear Lake's most secret beautiful hiking areas.

I will pick up your group in my Jeep and drive your group up the forest road, telling you about the plants we see along the way and the interesting history of the Big Bear Valley.

Once we reach the Bluff Lake Reserve we will go for one of the most scenic hikes in Big Bear Lake. This hike is stroller-friendly for those who wish to bring a stroller for young children.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Local Guide

What To Expect

Bluff Lake Reserve

Bluff Lake is a hidden Big Bear secret. Some locals who have lived in Big Bear for 15 years don't even know it's here! It is by far the most gorgeous place in Big Bear to spend a morning in nature.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Champion Lodgepole Pine

A morning at Bluff Lake is the best way to spend a day in Big Bear no matter what season it is! Our tour starts with a drive up to Bluff Lake Reserve in my SUV. Spring through fall I lead hikers on tours all over Bluff Lake, the upper portion of Castle Rock and Skyline Trail. The easy version of this hike is about a two-mile hike over the mostly flat ground, not much altitude gain. This is a great hike for kids. We can even stop on the hike and I’ll teach kids a bit about our local butterflies and instruct them on the best technic to photograph butterflies. We will hike over to our Champion Lodgepole Pine; Which is the oldest and largest tree in our national forest. If you want to do the moderate hike to upper Castle Rock (Castle Rock is the most popular trail in the Big Bear Valley), this hike is available the same pricing. Us locals prefer to hike a less traveled trail starting from the top near Bluff Lake to Castle Rock. It's prettier and not a crowded hike. This hike has a lot more altitude gain and is about 4 miles round trip.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve

Reviews

5.00

42 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

History of Holcomb Valley
Explore46184029827,
Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with Amber. She obviously knows and loves this area very well and it shows. We had a wonderful time learning about the history of Holcomb Valley and the many types of plants and flowers.
Day Hike to Eye of God, area sacred to the Serrano Indians - Amazing!
tmream,
Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We got to see a part of Big Bear that we never even knew existed. Absolutely beautiful locale and our guide, Amber, was full of information and really made the experience all the more memorable. The tour we originally booked was unavailable due to forest service closures, and Amber graciously offered to refund us, but also offered two other tours. We switched to the Eye of God tour, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be back to enjoy another tour with Amber.
Beautiful Lake Hike in Big Bear!
jacobsj13,
Aug 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful morning with Amber! She gave great directions for meeting with us, and she catered the hike to our preferences and the ages of people in our group! Amber knows a lot about the area, including the history, plants, and animals. She made it a great experience for all of us, and we will definitely go on a hike with her in the future!
Great Family Experience
ingridsY7118MB,
Jul 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the hike to Bluff Lake over the July 4th weekend and it was so worth it! First, Amber is so knowledgable about the trails, flora, and fauna. She shared so much information and history of the area as we did the hike, which we really appreciated. It really enriched and enhanced the whole experience for us. Second, she was really great with our two kids (10 and 13). I could tell my kids enjoyed the experience because my 10 year old was very chatty and asked many questions. Amber happily obliged, answered my kids' questions, and actively engaged in conversation with both of my kids. And the off rode drive up and back was a highlight for us too. Overall, this was a great adventure for our family. The hike itself is perfect for families (its not too strenuous) and it was really beautiful. The hike ended with some refreshing lemonade which Amber made and really hit the spot on a hot day. I highly recommend this tour with Amber.
Family friendly hike.
S3059OTnicolem,
Jul 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The views were amazing & the hike is family friendly. I took my 10 year old son and he loved every minute of it. Amber was very knowledgeable about the history of the land, plants, trees, & flowers all around us.
highly recommend
cesartS6606EN,
Jul 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time at bluff lake, Amber is very knowledgeable and made the hike so much more enjoyable. We had plenty of time to stop enjoy the scenery and take pictures
Fun and Informative Tour - Bluff Lake is Gorgeous!
Eileen B,
Jul 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
My son and I had a really good time with this tour! We had never been to Bluff Lake (which is so beautiful). But what really made it special (and part of the reason we wanted to do a tour in the first place) was that Amber was so knowledgeable and entertaining. She kept us engaged and asking questions. Nothing is better than getting out and moving in a beautiful place AND learning new stuff. She also took some great pictures of us. Really great time!
Family trip
Paul M,
Jul 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Cozy and quiet trail! Spent 2 hours of joyful walk with my family. Recommend for enjoying a short trip.
Well worth it
Pauline S,
Jun 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amber was really lovely, friendly, knowledgeable …. A beautiful tour comfortable hike , we chatted a lot about everything, she’s dog friendly too
Bluff lake hike
rickcD2657DR,
Jun 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amber was great she knew a lot about the wildlife and showed us around the lake telling us about the history and fun facts about everything around it.