Hiking is the view in life! Wow! Takes your breath literally but so worth it. Your price is the view up top. Big bear trails are so nice.
Parking is only on the busy, winding highway. Be careful! The trail is steeper than I expected, but well marked and maintained.
We did this hike with my in-laws and our small baby in a carrier. Elevation change is 500ft. Views are excellent at the top. There is a little confusion around what is the official trail at times, but you won't get lost. You just might end up on some detours, like we did.
This is a trail that offers awesome views of Big Bear Lake. It is a steeper trail and not something to wear flip flops and try to climb. But once you get to the top and climb on the boulders to see the view of the lake you will be awe-struck!!!Parking is limited as there is no parking lot and you have to park off the two-lane highway so getting their early is better!
The address on this listing is definitely wrong. I have attached accurate details from the Big Bear website below. The sign is very hard to see if you are driving, as it runs parallel to the road. If you travel east from the dam on Hwy 18, the trailhead will be on the right and the parking turnout is just past it on the left. if you get to Boulder Bay Park, you went too far. My wife and two boys, 8 and 9, made this trek yesterday afternoon, and I'd highly recommend it. We are not in very good shape, and I would describe it as strenuous but short; easy enough for a family to do in a couple of hours. The trail marker gives a distance of 1 mile to Castle Rock from the road. If you can make the scramble up the rocks at the very end, the views are fantastic. We even encountered some beginning rock climbers scaling the sheer side of the rock, so it is pretty steep. However, my 8 year old and I scampered up fairly easily. The trail is not very well marked, and the granite outcropping is not obvious until you are more than halfway there. Just look for blue markings on trees and the occasional "Trail" sign to guide your way. The trail appears well traveled, so I would expect you would encounter people to ask directions if needed. You would have a very hard time actually getting lost, as the road is never far away. There are no facilities of any kind along the route, so plan accordingly.I would highly recommend it for a bit of outdoor adventure with a great reward at the end. Perfect for a family not looking for an experienced hike.__________________________________The Castle Rock Trail is one of Big Bear's most popular trails. The trail begins 1 mile east of Big Bear Dam on Hwy 18. On the south side of Hwy 18 is a small brown sign that marks the trailhead. Park at the turnout along Hwy 18. The elevation gain is 500', making it a steep climb for the first .5 miles. The well-marked trail levels out for another .7 miles. At the top is an impressive granite rock outcropping providing 360° panoramic views.
The Lodge runs personalized hikes and allows the guests to choose from a variety of adventures but you'll definitely want to include this one on your bucket list. They get you up to a secret spot that allows you to see the entire lake while watching an amazing Sunset flow over the mountains! Ask for Zach
I went during the snowy time of the year. It is a beaytiful trail totally worth the hike although very dangerous during winter season. I would recommend if ever in town.
My wife and I both have done Mount Whitney and the first half mile of castle rock is more than you would work on any part of Whitney. The trails really need to be marked again. There was a time they must have been better marked but all the flat landers have destroyed the signs. There are blue marks on some of the trees but they don't make the path anymore noticeable. But when you get to the rock it is a fantastic view. Keep going on to the road to make this about a 4 mile haike.
Beautiful trails and wonderful view! My husband and enjoyed wondering around amongst the boulders along the trail and viewing some wildlife. I wasn't able to climb up to the top of Castle Rock (I made it almost to the top), but my husband went all the way up and loved the view and peace.
No a review on trail. Just misinformation on this address. Hdbdbduwhsvsudvdbduwbwjsvvdhshw sgsbwvyvdd