Quick Facts
| Trail Name | Castle Rock Trail |
| Peak/High Point | 7372 ft |
| Trail Length | 1.5 miles |
| Gain | 820 feet |
| Parking | Along the road, limited |
| Restrooms | No |
| Dogs | Yes |
| Cell Service | No |
| Location | Big Bear Lake, CA |
| Directions | Take Big Bear Lake Blvd to the trailhead |
| Map | Alltrails |
About Castle Rock
Castle Rock trail is a beautiful scenic trail, amongst Ponderosa pines on the southern side of Big Bear Lake, within the San Bernardino National Forest. It is the most popular trail in the Big Bear area.
The drive into the mountains when its snowy is really breathtaking. Big Bear Lake sits just above 7000 feet above sea level. So in winter the area will get snow, whenever precipitation is in the air, even when it feels like summer in the lower lying coastal areas.
The two ski resorts here are busy this time of year. There is even a tubing park in one of them. Along the drive I spotted lots of people sledding, in different areas too.
There are plenty of hikes around the Big Bear Lake where you can enjoy wintertime, for all levels of hikers here.
I would get to experience awe inspiring views of the lake and mountains here in wintertime, on a 2.7 mile hike in the snow.
Who wouldn’t want to hike to a scenic viewpoint, a beautiful and unusual rock formation named Castle Rock?
Along the way I noticed many large boulders, different species of pine trees, a small stream, and some interesting trail markers, made up of natural stones encased in steel wire fencing material. I love trail markers, since they help keep me on track.
Occasionally I found myself retracing other steps in the snow. It was not very deep, and great conditions for a hike.
From the trees, to the chirping birds, and the glisten of snow on the rocks, it was a perfect wintry scene.
There were icicles hanging off the branches of the pines.
After being steep most of the way, the trail leveled off, and there were lots of boulders everywhere.
Then I saw this huge rock formation, guessing it has to be Castle Rock, though I had only traveled less than a mile at that point.
Finding this rock amongst all the others involved a bit of a process of discovery.
There was a mountain stream trickling through under the snow, amongst the boulders. I kept climbing higher.
The trail brought me closer to the large rock formation.
Some of the rocks were not covered in snow, and looked warmer than the surrounding landscape.
Rocks have interesting heat retention abilities, in that they can amplify the heat of the day but also remain cool on a warm day if left in the shade.
This pine was barely frosted in small clumps of snow. Winter usually does not hang around long in Southern California. The constant temperature fluctuations will melt snow off fast, even up in Big Bear.
Was this Castle Rock? I hiked up closer to it, off trail, to find out. There was no actual visible trail to speak of at this point, through the snow. Hikers footprints had gone in another direction, on to a different trail, and alltrails was all I had to find the actual trail through the snow.
This is as far as I got. The terrain was too steep to climb any higher. I returned to the trail, which kept on going past what I considered a rather remarkable rock formation. But was it Castle Rock?
It was a classic winter scene all the way. I look forward to coming up into the mountains at least once every year in winter. Fortunately my hiking partners vehicle is all wheel drive.
The trail wound its way past the large rock formation a ways, before climbing again, back towards it. Maybe it was Castle Rock?
Finally, I found a sign, pointing to Castle Rock. After winding my way passed what I initially thought was Castle Rock, my suspicions were confirmed.
I had climbed higher and had made it there. I gazed out over Big Bear Lake. It was a great feeling, to reach my goal, in the snow no less.
Traveling in Snow
I am not experienced at traveling in snow, and this was my first official snow hike in Big Bear. I have no training in it, and it’s a process of trial and error for me. I did grow up in a place with four seasons though. You live and you learn.
Update: I have since purchased snow gear, to be safe on longer, and more challenging hikes than this.
It was a short steep climb, made more interesting by the snow. Though it deterred my a bit from climbing up onto the rock, since it was hard to see what was underneath the snow, and I did not want to step into some deep crevasse between the rocks, not knowing the terrain, when it’s free of snow. That seemed like a possibility so I played it safe.
The Conditions
This fresh early season snow was powdery and easy to walk in, with just hiking boots. But snow can get hard packed and icy, especially after rapid temperature fluctuations. If that were the case, microspikes or crampons, and possibly an ice axe might be needed for a safe hike, on any steep climb.
You can find out the local mountain weather here.
It was time to bid adieu to Castle Rock, until next time.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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