Big Bear Discovery Center
Parking Details
- Cost:
- Free
- Capacity:
- 50+ spaces
- Type:
- Visitor Center
- Restrooms:
- Yes
- Hours:
- During center hours (seasonal)
About This Parking Lot
Large free parking lot with 50+ ample spaces at the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive - one of the best free parking options in Big Bear. Center hours vary by season (typically 8am-4:30pm in summer, reduced winter hours), but parking available during open hours. This is the superior alternative for accessing Cougar Crest Trail - park here free and walk just 0.6 miles east on the paved Alpine Pedal Path to reach the trailhead, avoiding the $5 Adventure Pass fee and tiny crowded Cougar Crest lot. Restrooms available inside the facility during open hours, plus the center sells Adventure Passes if you need them for other trails, provides free trail maps, brochures, and helpful staff advice. Trails accessible from here include: Cougar Crest Trail (0.6mi walk via Alpine Pedal Path), Alpine Pedal Path (direct access), and Woodland Interpretive Trail (0.25mi west). Excellent starting point for all north shore exploration.
🥾 Trails Accessible from This Parking Lot
This parking lot provides access to the following trails:
Cougar Crest Trail
Moderate4.8 miles roundtrip
720 ft
2-3 hours
Cougar Crest Trail is one of Big Bear's most popular and rewarding hikes, offering stunning panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest, pl...
View Trail Details →Alpine Pedal Path
Easy3.2 miles one-way (6.4 miles roundtrip)
50 ft
1.5-2 hours
The Alpine Pedal Path is Big Bear's premier accessible trail, featuring a smooth, paved asphalt surface that makes it perfect for walkers, runners, cyclists, strollers, wheelchairs...
View Trail Details →1.5 miles loop
300 ft
45 minutes - 1 hour
The Woodland Interpretive Trail offers an educational journey through Big Bear's diverse mountain ecosystem on an easy 1.5-mile loop that's perfect for families, nature enthusiasts...
View Trail Details →