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Bear Valley

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Overview

Bear Valley is located on Highway 4 between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite—about three hours east of San Francisco, California. It is around one hour from Angels Camp, California. This hidden jewel of the Sierras has something for everyone.

Visiting Tips

Dependent on snow conditions, trails open usually around the end of June and the season runs until the snow falls.

Camping & Lodging

There are cabins to rent at Lake Alpine in the summer that serve as an excellent home base for your mountain bike adventures.

Call for Reservations: 209-753-6350.

Food & Drink

The Bear Valley General Store carries ice, food, groceries, snacks, fresh-brewed coffee, fishing supplies, beer and wine. Also located in the village is Sky High Pizza and Pub, Creekside Dining Room.

Other Activities

Bear Valley is surrounded by lakes, trails and wilderness areas that provide world-class recreational opportunities. Mountain and road biking, flat-water kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, disc golf, fishing, camping, hiking, rock climbing and bouldering, tennis, whitewater rafting, competitive sporting events, and annual festivals. Purchase a "Bear Valley Adventure Map" at the Bear Valley Adventure Co. for a complete description of rides and activities in the area.

Recommended Routes in Bear Valley - 1

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Favorite Osborne Ridge panoramic view.
Difficult

Osborne Ridge Loop

3.9 mi 6.3 km 688' Up 209.58 m Up 687' Down 209.4 m Down

South L…, CA

Bear Valley Running

  • 27 Miles 43 Kilometers of Trail
  • 1 Recommended Route
  • 1 Easy Trail Easy Trails
  • 5 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 2 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Weather Averages


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Trails in Bear Valley - 7

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1.6 mi 2.6 km #1Union Rock Lake Trail
Easy
Arnold, CA
Easy
Arnold, CA
3.3 mi 5.3 km #2Bear Valley to Alpine Lake Trail
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
15.1 mi 24.4 km #3Emigrant Trail #19E01
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
1.2 mi 2.0 km #4Osborn Crest #18E41
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
1.8 mi 3.0 km #5Rock Lake Trail
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
3.2 mi 5.2 km #6Wheeler Lake Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Intermediate/Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA

Photos of Bear Valley - 12

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Elephant Rock Lake
Nov 9, 2015 near Pioneer, CA
Sunrise at Elephant Rock Lake.
Nov 9, 2015 near Pioneer, CA
Spring flowers dot the trail.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Osborne Ridge panoramic view.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Giant Sequoia tree - an unexpected gem.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Purple strickweed colors this hike.
Jul 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
Rock Lake
Oct 9, 2019 near Pioneer, CA
View looking southwest.
Jun 29, 2020 near South L…, CA
Wrong kind of "wildlife" for a Wilderness area IMHO.
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
Wheeler Lake trailhead.
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
Wooded area opens up revealing dramatic cliffs.
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA
View of Wheeler Lake (before the cows arrive).
Sep 13, 2020 near South L…, CA