Pine Knot Trail

Pine Knot Trail is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the Big Bear area, offering a 6.4-mile round-trip journey through beautiful pine and fir forests to the breathtaking Grand View Point overlook. The trail gains approximately 1,300 feet in elevation and is rated as moderate, making it a satisfying challenge for most hikers while remaining accessible to those with reasonable fitness levels.

The trail begins near the Aspen Glen Picnic Area and winds through a diverse forest landscape featuring Jeffrey pines, white firs, and black oaks. In spring and early summer, wildflowers dot the forest floor, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of pine. The trail is well-marked and maintained, with several scenic rest stops along the way where hikers can catch their breath and enjoy filtered views of the valley below.

The payoff at Grand View Point is truly spectacular — a panoramic vista that stretches from Big Bear Lake in the foreground to the distant desert floor thousands of feet below. On exceptionally clear days, you can see all the way to the Salton Sea. This is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch before heading back down. The trail is accessible year-round, though winter hikers should bring traction devices for icy sections.