Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Distance: .5 (half) mile Out and Back (along the paved trail) 1 Mile if continuing along the unpaved trail
Difficulty: Easy Time: 30 Minutes – 1 Hour
Season: All (Roads can be impassable at times during the winter due to snow)
Foot Traffic: Light
Date Hiked: Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Overview
The happy hills “trail”, is more of what I would call, a leisurely walk. The paved section of the trail is less than a half mile round trip, although hikers can and should continue on the unpaved section for another .25 mile (one way). The trail starts from the Big Bear Lake city hall and is beautiful. For those short on time, the happy hills trail is a great introduction to the beautiful pine trees and boulders that are so present everywhere in Big Bear.
The trail is ADA accessible and paved and fenced for nearly a .25 mile. A few historical buildings can be seen just off of the trail with some placards describing them. Overall, this trail is short and quick but is ideal for a late evening walk. For those looking for a thrill, this probably isn’t the trail for you. However, the happy hills trail is very peaceful and is especially great for those with younger kids.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
Our most recent trip to Big Bear Lake was incredibly welcomed, albeit an impromptu one. Exactly one year ago, our daughter, Scout, was diagnosed with stage four cancer (germ cell neoplasm). As the one year anniversary of this life changing day slowly approached, my wife and I decided that we wanted to spend this day outside in nature and being as present as possible with Scout. After not being able to settle on a destination, one of my best friends informed me that his mom had a cabin in Big Bear that we could spend a few days at. We were ecstatic and couldn’t wait to get up to the mountains to enjoy what used to be such a typical thing for us before Scout got sick.
After almost nine months of treatment and multiple cycles of chemotherapy, Scout was finally approved for tumor resection surgery on April 24, 2023. After more than 8 hours of surgery to remove the right half of her liver and the tumor in her rectum, Scout’s cancer would be placed in remission a few weeks later on May 8th, one day after her second birthday. A month later Scout’s central line would be removed and our family is currently transitioning back into normal life as Scout’s Oncology team monitors her progress with visits every 2 months.
Scout’s Hike on the Happy Hills Trail
My wife, our daughter, Scout, and I were so happy to be in Big Bear. We wanted to fit as much into these few days as possible, while just all spending time together outdoors. As the daylight was dwindling, we decided to take the quick, 1/2 mile “hike” on the happy hills trail. While the happy hills trail is absolutely better described as a leisurely stroll than an actual hike, the scenery is wonderful along the short trail.
The Short 1/4 Mile Trail (one way)
We began our hike by walking Scout up to the Grizzly Bear statue in front of the Big Bear Lake City Hall.
Scout said hello to the Bear and then we made our way to the cabin, where the trail began. The trail follows a paved path, with wooden corrals making up a fence to the side of the trail. Massive pine trees encompass the trail. Our daughter, Scout, led the way and ran along the paved path as me and her mom attempted to keep up.
In no time, we reached some forest service cabins and a couple of historical buildings with information placards.
The paved section of the trail ended and the trail now entered into a boulder strewn section. This area is particularly beautiful and the small, Metcalf Creek was audible off to our side.
At this point Scout was picking up rocks at every turn and putting the ones she liked into her pockets. We made one final push up the only incline of the entire hike.
We were met by some residential houses just in front of us and decided this would be a great spot to turn around. Scout managed to get through this entire trail without us ever having to carry her.
Although short, the happy hills trail makes for a great early morning or evening stroll. We were beyond delighted to have had this time outside as a family and to continue making life long memories.
How to Get to the Happy Hills Trailhead
39707 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Are dogs allowed on the Happy Hills Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Is this a fee area?
- No fees or permits are required for hiking or parking here.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, restrooms are located at the back of the parking area, near the start of the trail.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
