Woodland Trail 1E23
A 1.6-mile beginner-friendly loop trail offering self-guided nature tours with scenic lake views and fun rock formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Woodland Trail 1E23
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1.6-mile beginner-friendly loop trail offering self-guided nature tours with scenic lake views and fun rock formations.
"Great trail for an easy and scenic walk, suitable for most people."
Bring a carrier for little ones
Strollers aren't an option; little legs tire easily on this trail.
Leash your dog!
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woodland Loop Trail
Northside of Big Bear Lake
A scenic 1.6-mile loop offering a self-guided nature tour through a partially shaded woodland.
Lake Views
End of the trail
Catch beautiful glimpses of Big Bear Lake, especially on clear days, offering a refreshing contrast to the woods.
Boulders for Climbing
Along the trail
Kids of various ages enjoy scrambling on the natural rock formations scattered throughout the path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Activities? Food?
Bring a carrier for little ones
Strollers aren't an option; little legs tire easily on this trail.
Leash your dog!
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Acclimate to elevation
Good trail for getting used to Big Bear's altitude before harder hikes.
Check trail status
Trails can close due to fires; verify conditions before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a carrier for little ones
Strollers aren't an option; little legs tire easily on this trail.
Leash your dog!
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Acclimate to elevation
Good trail for getting used to Big Bear's altitude before harder hikes.
Check trail status
Trails can close due to fires; verify conditions before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Woodland Trail 1E23 to be a pleasant and scenic beginner-friendly hike with nice lake views and fun rock formations for kids. Some note it's not entirely flat and can be rocky, requiring a carrier for very young children. Parking is free but can fill up quickly.
"This well-maintained trailhead is located on the northside of Big Bear Lake off the Rim of the World Scenic Byway (Route 38). This trail is considered dog and kid friendly but make sure you keep your dog, not your child, on a lease always. The loop trail is approximately 1.6 miles long with a rise in elevation of 229 feet and takes approximately 42-45 minutes to complete depending on how much time you wish to take. There is free parking as well as a standard single-stall vault toilet along with an informative interpretive guide located at the trailhead."
Thomas B
"Great trail for an easy and scenic walk, located just three hours from Los Angeles. The hike is not too long or difficult, making it suitable for most people. The views are beautiful, especially on clear days. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so it's best to arrive early. Highly recommended for families and anyone looking for a relaxing nature experience"
Ксения К
"Nice path thru the woods, partially shaded, near the lake so you can see a couple nice views. Kids enjoyed climbing on boulders in a couple spots. We had kids ages 8-16 with us. The path was a bit too steep and rocky for Grandma so she turned around and waited by the parking area. Bathroom at the parking area was clean. You can also buy the parking pass at a box in the parking area."
Andrea & Joe Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located on the northside of Big Bear Lake, accessible via the Rim of the World Scenic Byway (Route 38). Free parking is available at the trailhead.
Yes, there is free parking available at the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advised.
No, a stroller is not recommended. The trail has rocky sections and elevation changes that make it unsuitable for strollers. A child carrier is a better option for very young children.
Yes, dogs are welcome on Woodland Trail 1E23, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
The trail has an elevation gain of approximately 229 feet over its 1.6-mile loop. While considered beginner-friendly, some find it has more elevation than expected. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking at the trailhead is free. However, some reviews mention a box to purchase a parking pass, so it's wise to have some cash on hand just in case.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific operating hours posted, but it's best to visit during safe daylight conditions.
While considered a beginner-friendly trail, its elevation gain and rocky sections might be less challenging for seasoned hikers. It's more suited for a relaxed nature walk.
While the trail offers views of Big Bear Lake, swimming conditions and accessibility can vary by season and location. It's best to check local advisories for swimming in Big Bear Lake.
Yes, there is a standard single-stall vault toilet located at the trailhead. It's generally reported to be clean.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors complete the 1.6-mile loop in 30-45 minutes. However, with young children or if you stop to enjoy the scenery, it can take up to an hour or more. +1
The trail is a loop through woodland, described as partially shaded. While some reviews call it flat, others note it's not entirely flat and can be quite rocky in places. +1
Yes, the trail offers beautiful views, especially on clear days. The end of the trail provides a great view of Big Bear Lake. +1
The interpretive guide at the trailhead provides information about the local flora and fauna, offering a self-guided nature tour experience.
Yes, it's considered a good trail for acclimating to Big Bear's higher elevation, especially if you plan on tackling more strenuous hikes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Couples
⛰️ Altitude Acclimation
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail: Terrain and Difficulty
Despite the minor discrepancies in descriptions, the trail is praised for its scenic beauty and opportunities for light activity. The elevation gain, though present, is also seen as a benefit for those looking to acclimate to Big Bear's altitude before attempting more demanding hikes.
Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Features
Beyond the physical activity, the interpretive guide at the trailhead adds an educational layer to the experience. This self-guided tour allows families to learn about the local environment, making the outing both fun and informative.
Social
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