California · Mountain biking · Crabtree Trailhead · Near Bear Valley

Bear Lake

1.0 mi
distance
74 ft
climb
May–Oct
best months

Is Bear Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Bear Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bear Lake is a short mountain biking route in the Emigrant Wilderness, part of the Summit Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California. The Forest Service manages the land, and the nearest town is Pinecrest, about 6 miles away. The ride is under a mile long, from a low point of about 7,615 feet to a high of about 7,706 feet, with a total climb of 74 feet. That makes it an easy, low-effort outing for a quick stretch on the bike. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 75°F with only about one wet day a month, while winter highs sit in the low 40s. Sonora Pass Highway (108) is just 0.3 miles away, and the Bell Meadow hike is about 0.7 miles off. Pine Valley, another mountain biking spot, lies about 1.2 miles away. For an overnight stay, Pioneer Trail campground is roughly 6 miles from the route.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Crabtree Camp

    Campground

    Campground · 1.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Locals Cafe

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 4 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Bear Lake

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      44° / 32°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 31°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      45° / 32°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 36°

      8 wet

    5. May

      58° / 43°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 52°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 60°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      75° / 59°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 54°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      60° / 46°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 37°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 32°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yosemite Village 12 W, CA, 28.2 mi away at 6,620 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors