Walk the Rathbun Creek Trail in Big Bear Lake
Looking for an easy, scenic walk near Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel? The Rathbun Creek Trail is a paved creekside path through Big Bear Lake’s Moonridge neighborhood. The route is family-friendly, stroller-friendly and suitable for a relaxed morning walk, run or bike ride.
From Chateau Big Bear parking lot, guests can walk to the trail, follow Rathbun Creek through the pines and continue by sidewalk toward the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
Rathbun Creek Trail Quick Facts
| Trail detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Moonridge neighborhood, Big Bear Lake, California |
| Trail length | Approximately 1.1 miles one way |
| Typical walking time | About 25–35 minutes each way |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Surface | Paved |
| Elevation gain | Approximately 115 feet |
| Route type | Out and back |
| Best for | Families, couples, casual walkers, runners and cyclists |
| Amenities | Benches, picnic areas and interpretive signage along the route |
| Strollers | Generally suitable |
| Wheelchairs | Paved and gently graded; check current snow and surface conditions |
| Dogs | Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, but pets cannot enter the zoo |
| Trail fee | Free |
| Parking | Additional dirt parking area near Rathbun Drive, Elm Street and Catalina Road |
| Best seasons | Spring through fall; winter access depends on snow and ice |
Trail specifications above are cross-checked against the City of Big Bear Lake’s official Rathbun Creek Trail project page.
Short answer: Rathbun Creek Trail is an easy, approximately 1.1-mile paved trail in Big Bear Lake’s Moonridge neighborhood. It follows Rathbun Creek between the Catalina Road area and Moonridge Road and can be combined with a sidewalk walk along Sonoma Dr. to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
A Walk from Chateau Big Bear to Rathbun Creek Trail
Allow approximately 60–90 minutes for an unhurried out-and-back walk from the hotel. Add more time if you plan to stop for photographs, enjoy the benches or continue to the zoo.
1. Begin at Chateau Big Bear
Leave Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel and follow the route shown on our trail map from our parking lot right onto Rathbun Creek Trail.
One of the advantages of staying with us is that you do not need to drive to enjoy this walk. The hotel sits on the Moonridge corridor, giving guests convenient access to the creek trail.
2. Join the Rathbun Creek Trail
Enter the paved trail and follow it beneath the trees. The route winds alongside Rathbun Creek, providing a peaceful alternative to Big Bear’s steeper mountain hikes.
Watch for the creek bridge, benches, picnic areas, interpretive signs and other places to pause along the path. Creek flow and scenery change with the seasons, so the experience can look different throughout the year.
3. Continue Through the Elm Street Crossing
The trail crosses Elm Street toward Sonoma Drive sidewalk. Stop and check for vehicles before crossing.
A dirt parking area near Rathbun Drive and Elm Street provides another access option for visitors meeting you at the trail.
4. Follow the Creek Toward Moonridge Road
Continue on the paved path beside Sonoma Drive toward Moonridge Road. This section of the Rathbun Creek corridor includes a separated walking path, fencing and a gentle grade.
The City of Big Bear Lake has been extending the paved Rathbun Creek Trail through Moonridge in phases since 2021 as part of its long-term Rathbun Corridor Sustainability Plan, with a public ribbon-cutting celebration held in November 2023. The city’s eventual goal is a continuous paved corridor connecting the San Bernardino National Forest to Big Bear Lake.
5. Optional: Continue to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
At the end of the Sonoma Drive sidewalk, you can cross the street toward the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
Important route note: The final walk toward the zoo follows sidewalks and is not part of the official Rathbun Creek Trail. Use marked crossings, stay on the sidewalk and watch for traffic.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo opens daily at 10:00 a.m., although weather can affect winter opening times. If you plan to visit, check current hours and admission information before leaving.
Dogs may walk the Rathbun Creek Trail on a leash, but pets are not permitted inside the zoo. Only trained service animals are allowed.
6. Return to Chateau Big Bear
Return by the same route or stroll down Moonridge Road exploring the shops, restaurants and attractions of Moonridge.
Back at the hotel, relax after your walk by the pool, in the hot tub or at Tiffany's Bistro.
Choose Your Walk
Quick Creek Walk
Walk from Chateau Big Bear to the creek bridge or Elm Street area, then return.
Allow: 30–45 minutes
Best for: A morning stretch, young children or a short dog walk
Full Rathbun Creek Walk
Follow the paved trail & sidewalks to its Moonridge Road endpoint and return to the hotel.
Allow: 60–90 minutes
Best for: A relaxed scenic walk, running or an easy family outing
Trail and Zoo Adventure
Walk the trail, use the sidewalk connector to reach the zoo and return after your visit.
Allow: Half a day
Best for: Families, wildlife lovers and guests who want a car-free Moonridge outing
What to Bring
- Water, especially while adjusting to Big Bear’s elevation
- Sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light layer for changing mountain weather
- Traction footwear when snow or ice is present
- Waste bags and a leash when walking a dog
- A phone or camera for creek and forest photographs
Seasonal Tips
Spring: Expect cool mornings and changing creek conditions. Stay on the paved path and avoid muddy creek banks.
Summer: Walk early in the morning for cooler temperatures. Portions of the route are shaded, but sun protection and water are still recommended.
Fall: Cooler weather and seasonal color make this one of the most pleasant times to explore Moonridge on foot.
Winter: Snow and ice can cover the pavement. Check local weather and road conditions before leaving, and do not assume the path has been cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Rathbun Creek Trail?
Rathbun Creek Trail is approximately 1.1 miles long in one direction. Walking the entire trail out and back is approximately 2.2 miles, excluding the hotel approach and optional zoo sidewalk connector.
Is Rathbun Creek Trail difficult?
No. Rathbun Creek Trail is considered easy. It is paved, easy to follow and gains approximately 115 feet in elevation.
Is Rathbun Creek Trail suitable for children?
Yes. Its paved surface and gentle grade make it one of Big Bear Lake’s more approachable walks for families. Children should still be supervised at street crossings and around cyclists.
Can I use a stroller or wheelchair?
The trail is paved and generally suitable for strollers and many mobility devices. Snow, ice, debris and street crossings can affect accessibility, so visitors should evaluate current conditions.
Are dogs allowed on Rathbun Creek Trail?
Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on the trail. Owners should pick up all pet waste. Pets are not permitted inside the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
Where can I park?
A dirt parking area is located near Rathbun Drive, Elm Street and Catalina Road. Guests of Chateau Big Bear can begin from the hotel parking lot and enjoy the route without driving.
Does Rathbun Creek Trail go directly to the zoo?
The official creek trail ends at Elm and Sonoma. Walkers can continue toward the Big Bear Alpine Zoo using the neighborhood sidewalk connector shown on our map.
Is the trail open during winter?
The trail can be used during winter, but snow and ice may make the paved surface slippery or temporarily inaccessible. Check current conditions before starting.
Stay Near Rathbun Creek Trail
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel places you close to Rathbun Creek Trail, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Bear Mountain and the restaurants and businesses of Moonridge.
Stay with us and enjoy one of Big Bear Lake’s easiest scenic walks right outside your door.