Welcome to Big Bear, California, an alpine escape where clear skies, towering pines, and shimmering lake waters invite over three million visitors each year. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter, hiking forest trails in summer, or just relaxing at a cozy lakefront cabin, it’s easy to see why so many fall in love with this mountain town. But with great beauty comes great responsibility. Help us Care for Big Bear while you enjoy this hidden gem!
As tourism grows, so does the need for sustainable travel. That’s why our community encourages every guest to join the effort to Leave No Trace in Big Bear. By following seven simple principles, you can help preserve this destination for future adventurers, and enjoy a more meaningful stay while you’re here.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
– Anne Frank
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
A successful visit to Big Bear starts long before you reach the mountain. Preparation not only enhances your trip, it helps prevent damage to the local environment.
📍 What You Can Do:
Check road conditions, weather, fire restrictions, and trail status before your trip.
Make reservations for activities and dining to avoid crowds.
Pack essentials like reusable water bottles, extra layers, tire chains (in winter), and snacks.
Avoid high-traffic weekends if possible. Weekday travel reduces stress for everyone.
Use turnouts responsibly on mountain highways.. never stop for snow play or selfies in these zones.
📞 Pro Tip: Call (909) 547-6015 or book your stay through Big Bear Lakefront Cabins for local tips and property recommendations.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
From trails to campsites, sticking to designated areas reduces long-term impact on sensitive land. Straying off-path creates erosion and destroys native plants, many of which take years to recover.
📍 What You Can Do:
Stay on marked trails when hiking or mountain biking.
Use existing campsites or rent a cabin to minimize wilderness impact.
Avoid setting up near lakes or streams—camp at least 200 feet away.
Never dig trenches or build fire pits in unauthorized areas.
Remember: good sites are found, not made.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Trash left behind isn’t just ugly—it can harm wildlife, clog waterways, and damage the ecosystem. And in winter? That broken plastic sled won’t melt with the snow. It sticks around for years.
📍 What You Can Do:
Pack it in, pack it out—everything, every time.
Use Big Bear’s Clean Bear Sites or public dumpsters at:
Juniper Point Picnic Area
Aspen Glen Picnic Area
Woodland Trailhead
Cougar Crest Trailhead
Public Parking Lots
Don’t overstuff dumpsters. If it’s full, take it elsewhere.
Dispose of pet waste, food scraps, and hygiene items responsibly.
Carry biodegradable soap and wash 200 feet from water sources.
Planning on camping? Dig cat holes for human waste and always pack out your toilet paper.
4. Leave What You Find
Taking “souvenirs” from nature, even small ones, damages the experience for others and harms local ecosystems. Those pinecones, flowers, and interesting rocks belong to the forest, not your suitcase.
📍 What You Can Do:
Take photos, not artifacts.
Avoid disturbing cultural landmarks or wildlife dwellings.
Don’t stack rocks or carve into trees.
Leave wildflowers and plants untouched—many are fragile or endangered.
Preserving the landscape as it is helps keep Big Bear wild.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Fire danger is always a concern in the San Bernardino Mountains. One spark can change everything. If you’re staying at a cabin with a fireplace or permitted fire ring, great! Otherwise, be extremely cautious.
📍 What You Can Do:
Only use established fire rings in open campgrounds.
Check fire restrictions and get a California Campfire Permit.
Use local firewood—moving firewood spreads invasive species.
Completely extinguish all fires. Stir ashes until cold.
Consider skipping the fire and stargazing instead—Big Bear is a certified dark sky community!
Need wood for your cabin stay? Ask your host at Big Bear Lakefront Cabins.
6. Respect Wildlife
Big Bear is home to bobcats, eagles, deer, raccoons, and—yes—bears. Feeding or approaching wildlife puts both you and the animals at risk. Their survival depends on staying wild.
📍 What You Can Do:
Watch from a distance—use binoculars or a zoom lens.
Never feed animals. It alters their behavior and endangers them.
Secure all food, trash, and coolers—especially at night.
Keep pets leashed or indoors. Uncontrolled pets can spook or hurt wildlife.
Give extra space during mating, nesting, or migration seasons.
Spotting wildlife is exciting, but respecting boundaries keeps the experience safe and ethical.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
You’re not the only one seeking peace in the pines. Kindness goes a long way—whether you’re on a trail, at a viewpoint, or checking into your vacation rental.
📍 What You Can Do:
Keep noise levels down—nature should be the loudest thing you hear.
Yield the trail. Uphill hikers have the right of way.
Don’t block roads or trailheads with parked cars.
Respect local businesses, many of which are family-owned. Be patient and polite.
Treat your vacation rental like it’s your own home—leave it clean and undamaged.
- Stay Safe!
Every act of courtesy keeps Big Bear welcoming for everyone.
Bonus Ways to Help: Go Beyond the Basics
✨ Volunteer Your Time
Join trail cleanup crews, help with community events, or participate in lake cleanups. Visit Care for Big Bear for volunteer opportunities.
✨ Conserve Energy & Water
Shorten your showers, turn off unused lights, and skip that midday AC blast—open a window instead.
✨ Support Green Businesses
Look for local restaurants, shops, and services with sustainable practices. Your dollars directly support eco-friendly growth.
✨ Celebrate the Stars
Help us protect our incredible night skies by limiting outdoor lighting after dark. Stargazing is one of Big Bear’s most magical (and free!) experiences.
Make a Positive Impact on Every Visit
Caring for Big Bear isn’t complicated. It’s simply about making thoughtful choices, from how you hike to where you throw away your trash. When you follow the Leave No Trace Big Bear guidelines, you help preserve the forest, protect the wildlife, and ensure the next visitor enjoys the same natural wonder you did.
Plus, your actions make your stay more fulfilling. You’ll connect more deeply with the land and community, and walk away knowing you made a difference.
Ready to Stay in Big Bear?
Treat yourself to a cozy cabin that aligns with your values. From lakeside lodges to pet-friendly chalets, Big Bear Lakefront Cabins offers luxurious stays that respect the environment.
📞 Call now to book your eco-conscious escape: (909) 547-6015
