field notes: hike bear lakes loop
DO THIS HIKE…POSSIBLY THE PRETTIEST IN THE SIERRA!
Big Bear Lake - even more beautiful in person we promise!
Want to see lake after beautiful lake all in one day? Then HIKE THIS!!!
Bear Lakes loop weaves round some of the most stunning pristine lakes in the Sierra and hit it at the right time and you’ll see the land exploding with wildflowers.
Views that will stay with you for a lifetime and pick your route, there’s a gazillion of them with options for every age and ability.
Swimming hole after stunning swimming hole and wanna know the best thing? More often than not when we head here we have the lakes all to ourselves. Shhhhh don’t tell anyone!
TRAIL DETAILS FOR BEAR LAKES LOOP
Length:
Tailor it to what you feel like. Hit up one lake, heck hit up six if you’re feeling adventurous…choose the path that suits you
How to Access:
Driving directions:
Turn right out of the Constellation Creek main entrance. Make a left on CA-89N. At the junction make a left onto CA-49. Turn right onto CA-89 and drive 15 miles. Turn left onto Gold Lake HWY. Drive around 7 miles and turn right into Round Lake Trailhead carpark
Trailhead directions:
From the carpark go explore! Hike for as long as you choose. First up is Big Bear Lake, then Little Bear Lake, then Cub Lake, then we love to hit up our favorite swimming spot, Long Lake before heading back the way we came. You can also make this into a loop
WHAT TO BRING
While there is some shade on this trail, be sure to wear a hat, wear sunscreen and pack ample water.
Wear hiking shoes and bring your bathing suit as swimming heaven awaits round Every. Single. Corner.
Take a picnic and make a day of this, as rest assured you may never want to leave.
Later in the day the trail can get buggy, so pack mosquito repellent
THINGS TO NOTE
This trail is awesome for every age as you can go as far as you like. Some elevation gain, but fairly easy hike in and out.
Field notes: hike to upper sardine lake
This is one of our absolute favorite places to adventure, offering breathtaking views that simply put, BLOW. YOUR. MIND!
Enjoy an easy hike to what is one of the most scenic spots in the Sierra.
While there you can take a dip in a pristine remote Alpine lake, fish, hike, enjoy a lakeside picnic and listen up, insider tip…take a paddle board or kayak and there’s a secret hidden waterfall with swimming holes that are the most beautiful place to cool off on a sunny day.
BREATHTAKING VIEWS AT LOWER SARDINE LAKE WHERE YOU BEGIN YOUR HIKE
TRAIL DETAILS FOR UPPER SARDINE LAKE
Length:
The hike to Upper Sardine Lake is aprox 1.5 miles out and back. This trail is easy to moderate with some elevation gain.
How to Access:
Driving directions:
Turn right out of the Constellation Creek main entrance. Make a left on CA-89N. At the junction make a left onto CA-49 until you reach Bassetts, then turn right onto Gold Lake Highway. Take the left turn off towards Sardine Lake and park next to Sardine Lake Resort. If using a GPS simply enter Sardine Lake Resort and it will take you right where you need to park, in the car park next to the resort.
Trailhead directions:
When facing Lower Sardine Lake with the Sierra Butte mountain range in front of you, take the dirt road that runs up the right hand side of the lake. Follow the trail up until you make it over the ridge, where you will discover the secret hidden gem that is Upper Sardine Lake. Now dive in and cool off…you’ve deserved it!
WHAT TO BRING
The trail does not have much shade, so be sure to lather up with sunscreen, pack ample water and your favorite sunhat
You’ll need sturdy hiking shoes and if you have them wear your swim/hike shoes so you can jump off the rocks into the water.
Pack a picnic and enjoy once you reach the lake, lunch spots do not get much nicer!
Note it can be much windier up at the Upper Lake than back at Constellation Creek, so good to also pack a sweater even on warm days.
