"Thousands of tired, nerve shaken, over-civilized people are beginning
to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity;
and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of lumber
and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." - JOHN MUIR, 1901
The Greater Lake Arrowhead/Big Bear Ecosystem, herein referred to as the Alps of
Southern California, comprises both the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges(actually
fragmented plates loosely connected to California's Sierra Nevada Mountain Range).
Totaling more than 1,000,000 acres, these mountains encompass the largest tracts
of non-desert, un-developed, wilderness lands in Southern California. Confornted
with encroachmment of urbanization, this high country affords metropolitan Los Angeles
and environs a priceless legacy to be appreciated, studied, and preserved.
Big Bear Valley is Southern California's premiere four seasons resort. Big Bear Lake
is over seven miles long with 23 miles of unspoiled shoreline. The Valley is located
in the San Bernardino National Forest at altitudes ranging from 6,750 feet to 9,900
feet, with an average annual temperature of 72 degrees in the summer and 30 degrees
in the winter.
Big Bear is less than a 2 1/2 hour drive from either Los Angeles or San Diego,
and provides a convenient mountain get-away from the fast pace of daily urban life.
Although surprising to some, alpine Big Bear is home to two first-class ski resorts.
With an average snowfall of 72 inches, this mountain valley is transformed annually
into a winter wonderland. Yet it is spring that proves to be the most beautiful time
of all here in the Southern California Alps. Warm days and cool evenings signal the
advent of summer. Sporting activities range from fishing and boating, to hiking and
riding, or simply lakeside relaxing on the beaches.
Fall in the San Bernardino Mountains is a colorful, crisp season reminiscent of New
England. One of the highlights of autumn in Southern California is Oktoberfest in
Big Bear Lake, with authentic German food, music and dancing served up generously
throughout the 4 week celebration.
Big Bear is the perfect destination, any season and for visitors of any age! |
