About
"Lions, and tigers, and bears…oh my!" If you want an excellent animal experience, look no further than the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
The zoo is in the San Bernardino Mountains, not too far from Big Bear Lake. It has been saving animals since 1959 and is the only zoo in San Bernardino County. It is home to over 80 species in the Big Bear Valley, including bald eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, and black bears.
Explore the zoo on your own or take a guided tour with one of their knowledgeable staff members. While guests cannot handle the animals, you can learn about their daily behaviors. Feeding time at 3 PM is popular, allowing visitors to learn how these wild feed and interact around food.
The zoo is near other fun things to do, like Big Bear Snow Play, which offers year-round adventures. Action Zipline Tours offers Segway, snowshoeing, and ziplining tours.
With educational programs for all ages, you'll learn about their conservation efforts and how they're helping to protect endangered species. From summer camps for kids to lectures on wildlife conservation for adults, there's something for everyone at this unique mountain zoo.
If you're looking for an exciting day trip inspired by nature's beauty and filled with awe-inspiring memories, visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo!
Big Bear Alpine Zoo: Fun Facts & Cool Features
What makes this zoo unique is its focus on rehabilitation. It provides a sanctuary for indigenous wild animals that can't be rehabilitated while tending to wounded animals. The ultimate goal is to rehabilitate animals so that they can be released back into the wild. The zoo offers plenty of opportunities for volunteers who want to help out with animal care or other projects around the park.
They host special events throughout the year, like their annual Fall Festival and Winter Wonderland, to help raise money. Check their social media pages for events offered during your visit.
And if that wasn't enough to get excited about a visit, one of the most unique exhibits is the Snow Leopard Encounter. This exhibit allows visitors to view these majestic cats and learn about their behavior and habits in their natural habitat. It's an incredible experience that you won't find anywhere else!
Since you may picnic at the zoo, pick up a meal beforehand at nearby eateries like the Peppercorn Grille or Saucy Mama's Pizzeria. Be sure to read the restrictions on their website to enjoy a picnic that also won't harm the animals.
If movies are your thing, check out the Wildlife Theater. You'll watch educational films and presentations featuring some of the animals living in the zoo. It's an immersive experience that will appeal to all ages.
For family fun, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a must-visit while enjoying the majestic mountains of California!
Getting There
Below are step-by-step driving directions from Big Bear City to Big Bear Alpine Zoo:
- Begin your journey by heading west on West Mountain View Boulevard toward Greenway Drive.
- Turn right onto Greenway Drive and continue for approximately 0.6 miles.
- At the intersection, turn left onto Big Bear Boulevard (CA-18).
- Continue on CA-18 for about 2.3 miles, following the road as it curves through the city.
- Turn right onto Club View Drive.
- The Big Bear Alpine Zoo will be on your right, shortly down the road.
- Address: 747 Club View Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92314
Local Tips
- Consider adopting an animal! 100% of your money goes toward the animal's care.
- Parking is free!
- Food and drinks are available in the snack bar.
- Picnics are allowed at the zoo, but do not bring aluminum or plastic products.
- The zoo is open when raining and snowing; call to verify hours of operation.
