
A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience worth booking?
A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience is a 3-hour experience in Big Bear, United States, from $82 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (26)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $82 per person
This is really a local's favorite hike in Big Bear that goes to one of the least known scenic lake viewpoints in Big Bear. What is the best time to do after a sweaty summertime hike? Swim off a dock in the beautiful Big
What you get
About this experience
This is really a local's favorite hike in Big Bear that goes to one of the least known scenic lake viewpoints in Big Bear. What is the best time to do after a sweaty summertime hike? Swim off a dock in the beautiful Big Bear Lake Harbor! The lake water is actually warmer to swim here than in the middle of the lake. One thing a lot of travelers don't know, if you rent a boat on Big Bear Lake (Very pricy) you can not swim off the rental boats. This is a great summertime experience after a hike on a hot day to get to cool off in alpine Big Bear Lake If my guests would like to picnic off the boat afterwards they can bring lunch, beer, drinks. I will bring an ice chest for them to put their lunch in while we are hiking. I will even walk to a nearby fantastic restaurant in the village (As a foodie, I know all the best restaurants in Big Bear) & pickup to-go lunches for my hikers to enjoy on the boat after the hike if requested (For this service, hikers must Venmo me to pay for their meals)
What's included
Included
- Life jackets
- Parking fees at dock included
- Boat to lounge on
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Bear
My hikers can meet me at the corner of Mill Creek and Tulip. I'll be in a black Subaru SUV. From here they can follow me in my vehicle to the hiking destination. We will hike for about an hour, then my guests can follow me in their vehicle to the boat docked in the harbor a short distance away.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
My hikers can meet me at the corner of Mill Creek and Tulip. I'll be in a black Subaru SUV. From here they can follow me in my vehicle to the hiking destination. We will hike for about an hour, then my guests can follow me in their vehicle to the boat docked in the harbor a short distance away.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Amber Holloway
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids under 13 years old they must wear a life jacket while on the dock or swimming per California law.
- You can also bring fishing gear if you wish to fish off of our dock.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Physical effort
9 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfect start to a hot summer’s day.
Amber was the perfect guide for our family, especially our inquisitive son. She shared about mountain vegetation and the local trails.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful scenery and a wonderful guide!
We came up to Big Bear from Palm Desert and wanted to hike but didn't want to go alone. Amber is an excellent guide and has a wealth of local knowledge. The hiking trail was absolutely gorgeous and halfway through we had a stunning view of the lake!
via Viator
Nature and It's Beauty
While trying to decide on the type of hiking experience my family and I wanted to do while in Big Bear, I came across the Hungry Mountaineer website. Amber was very helpful and communicative in helping us plan. She took us on a hike that most tourist would not be able to get to unless you know the area. It was an easy hike and Amber educated us on the plethora of plants, trees, butterflies, and birds along the way. The hike takes you to an area overlooking Big Bear Lake and the views were incredible. After the hike, we drove a short distance to Pine Knot Marina where Amber's boat is docked. Being on the boat was very relaxing and the cool breeze on the lake was enjoyable. We had a charcuterie platter and added on two salads that were delicious which Amber curated herself using fresh ingredients, some from her garden. We were hoping for a longer hike and less time on the boat but regardless, it was a memorable experience, and Amber was a wonderful host and very friendly!
via Tripadvisor
A time to enjoy the outdoors
Amber was the best at showing us the a wonderful time possible. The hike was gentle. The boat was a nice place to have lunch and cool down. We will be coming up to Big Bear again and will definitely have Amber be our guide.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Hike, Great All-Around Experience
Had a lovely time hiking with Amber! I booked the experience because I wanted to hike while in the area, but was unsure about doing it solo. Amber was so friendly, communicative from the start, and flexible when I had a slight change of plans. As a solo female, I felt very comfortable and safe before and during the experience. She took me on a hike that had gorgeous views both towards LA and towards Big Bear Lake. She also gave great local recommendations. It checked every box for me, and I’d definitely book with her again.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Bear.
How much does A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience cost?
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Prices start at $82 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Bear usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Bear is not rushed.
Is A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Big Bear, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Bear can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Bear and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Bear within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Bear?
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Big Bear, CA packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in Big Bear by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every Big Bear experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley, Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve, Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Bear?
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Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in Big Bear, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Bear?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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