Local Guide

A guide to Moonridge and Big Bear Lake, from the people who live it

Pine Grove Cabin sits in the upper Moonridge area of Big Bear Lake — a quieter, pine-covered pocket close to Bear Mountain, not the busier Village strip along the water.

Pine Grove Cabin exterior surrounded by tall pines in the Moonridge area of Big Bear Lake

Moonridge vs. the Village

Big Bear Lake covers a lot of ground, and Moonridge is its own pocket — up in the pines above the lake, closer to Bear Mountain Resort and the Alpine Zoo than to the restaurants and shops of the Village strip along the water. It's a quieter base: fewer crowds, more forest, and a short drive down to the lake or the Village when you want them.

Getting outside

Big Bear 2N05 Loop Trail

A 3.2-mile loop within walking distance of the cabin — head up Columbine, turn left on Yosemite to the dead end. Good for all skill levels.

Castle Rock Trail

Moderate difficulty, with standout views over Big Bear Lake.

Bear Mountain & Snow Summit

World-class skiing and snowboarding in winter, mountain biking and scenic lifts in summer.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Home to native California wildlife including bears, mountain lions, and birds of prey.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Alpine slide, mineshaft coaster, and more — a local family favorite.

Action Zipline & Segway Tours

Ziplining and Segway tours in Big Bear Lake.

Where to eat & drink

A few local favorites, straight from our own guest guidebook.

572 Social Kitchen & Lounge

Hand-pressed burgers, poke bowls, steaks, and live music. Kid and dog friendly.

Grizzly Manor Cafe

The classic Big Bear breakfast spot. Expect a weekend line — worth it.

Saucy Mama's Pizza

Solid pizza in the heart of the Village.

Tropicali

Creative, Hawaiian-inspired comfort food in a rockin' setting.

Murray's Saloon & Eatery

Family owned for over 25 years — a local favorite for bikers, skiers, and hikers, with nightly karaoke.

Elevation 6752

A hidden gem for craft brews and wine.

Planning tip

Legally permitted, county-registered

Pine Grove Cabin operates under active San Bernardino County STR Permit CESTRP-2021-00256, with a maximum overnight occupancy of 7 guests and 3 vehicles. A signed rental agreement is required before a booking request is approved, and it's sent immediately upon request.

When to visit

Winter (Dec–Mar)

Skiing and snow play at Bear Mountain. Sleds are provided at the cabin. Roads can require chains — check conditions before driving up.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Cooler than the valley below, with hiking, mountain biking, and lake access. The cabin has no A/C, but Moonridge evenings rarely need it.

Fall & Spring

The shoulder seasons are quieter and cheaper, with fall color and fewer crowds around the Alpine Zoo and Bear Mountain trails.

Tips from the hosts

A few things we tell every guest

Watch the altitude

Pine Grove Cabin sits at 7,400 ft. Take it easy your first day, especially with hiking or the hot tub — the altitude sneaks up on you. Stay hydrated.

Cell service can be spotty

Download offline maps before heading out for the day.

Evenings cool down fast

Even in summer. Pack a layer for after sunset.

Winter driving

Check Caltrans QuickMap before you drive up — Hwy 18 and Hwy 38 conditions change quickly.

Who's Behind It

Owner-operated, not a management company

We're Derek and Erica, based in Orange County. Like a lot of busy families, life moves fast at home — Big Bear is where we slow down, and we've stocked Pine Grove Cabin with everything we'd want as guests ourselves. If anything isn't right during your stay, you're messaging the actual owners, not a call center.

Base yourself in Moonridge

Pine Grove Cabin sleeps 7, with a hot tub, the Sasquatch Den, and a wraparound deck close to Bear Mountain and the Alpine Zoo.

Check availability