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Big Bear Lake Self-Drive Geology and Gold Tour 14 hr
ExcellentTop 8% in Big Bear
116 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score
- Big Bear
- Updated November 4, 2026
Trace Big Bear Lake’s journey from seafloor to mountain on a self-guided drive featuring gold-mining history, striking landmarks, and valley views.
About this tour
Explore Big Bear Lake’s story from ancient seafloor to mountain country on a self-guided drive through geology, mining history, and dramatic valley scenery. This 14-hour experience pairs online maps and directions with explanations that help you understand what you’re seeing along the way.
Start near the lake, then stroll along the Stanfield Cutoff boardwalk before heading to the remains of an old gold mine. Search the rocks for glints of gold or pyrite, and take in views toward the Mojave Desert. Continue up a forest road to the pale rock formation known as the Eye of God, a natural monument associated with the Serrano people. From higher ground, look across Big Bear Valley and its surrounding mountains. The route also visits Big Bear Dam, with stories tracing its history from 1885 to today, before returning to the Village.
Big Bear Lake’s changing landscapes make the drive as memorable as its stories. Bring water, sun protection, and a charged phone, and remember that a Forest Service Adventure Pass is required per car per day. Set out at your own pace and discover the region’s remarkable past on this Big Bear Lake self-drive tour.
Highlights
- Search the rocks near an abandoned mine for gold or fool’s gold
- Admire the Eye of God, a striking natural monument
- Trace how an ancient seafloor became a mountain valley
- Discover the history of Big Bear Dam, from 1885 to today
- Take in views across Big Bear Valley and the Mojave Desert
What's included
Included
- Online self-drive tour with maps and directions
- Online explanations of the sites and what to look for
- Stories about the region’s geological history, available online and in paper format
- Description of Big Bear Dam’s history from 1885 to today
Not included
- San Bernardino National Forest Adventure Pass, required per car per day; not included; listed price is $5
- Transportation and vehicle
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
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View on GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
4.90 / 5 · 116 reviews
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Important information
- The tour is self-drive and starts at Gems of the West, 41223 Big Bear Blvd # B, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315; parking is available on site
- A vehicle and a valid driver’s license are required; drivers must be at least 21
- Rental vehicles are acceptable; AAA membership is recommended if using your own vehicle
- Download the Google Maps app and check cell reception before taking the scenic dirt road
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- The route reaches elevations above 7,000 feet and is not recommended for people with breathing problems; altitude sickness and heart problems are listed as restrictions
- Children under 7, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and people with visual impairments are listed as unsuitable
- Bring comfortable shoes and clothing, a head covering, water, a camera, and a charged smartphone; sunscreen is recommended
- Alcohol and drugs are not permitted
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The self-drive tour lasts about 14 hours.
Is this a guided group tour?
No. It is a self-guided driving tour with online maps, directions, and site explanations.
What is included in the tour?
Online maps and directions, explanations of the sites, geological stories, and information about Big Bear Dam’s history are included.
Is a Forest Pass required?
Yes. A San Bernardino National Forest Adventure Pass is required per car per day and is not included. The listed price is $5.
Are there any high-altitude considerations?
The route reaches elevations above 7,000 feet and is not recommended for people with breathing problems. Bring water and protect yourself from strong sun.
How this score is calculated
This score is based on one provider. GetYourGuide rates it 4.90 from 116 reviews. We place that rating among all GetYourGuide ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.
How the score works and rating distribution in Big Bear
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 9.1. Top 8% in Big Bear means it ranks in the top 8% of tours in Big Bear by this score.
Provider rating distribution in Big Bear
How many tours in Big Bear have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
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