🌟 Stargazing in Big Bear: How to Find the Clearest Night Skies
Far above the smog and light pollution of the cities, Big Bear Lake offers some of Southern California’s most brilliant and accessible night skies. Our high elevation (around 6,750 feet) and proximity to the vast expanse of the San Bernardino National Forest create near-perfect conditions for stargazing.
If you’re looking for a truly magical, low-cost activity after sunset, here is your guide to finding the clearest skies and enjoying the majesty of the cosmos above Big Bear.
Why Big Bear is a Stargazer's Dream
High Elevation: Being miles above sea level means less atmosphere to look through, resulting in sharper views of stars and planets.
Lack of Local Light Pollution: While the Village generates some light, the surrounding National Forest blocks the harsh glow from the major metropolitan areas below the mountain.
The Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO): The presence of the famous solar observatory (on the north shore) underscores the quality of our viewing conditions—if it's great for viewing the sun, it's great for viewing the stars!
The Best Spots to Set Up Your Stargazing Station
You need three things for great stargazing: darkness, an unobstructed view, and safety.
-
The Big Bear Solar Observatory Area (North Shore):
The Spot: While you cannot enter the observatory, the stretch of North Shore Drive (Highway 38) leading up to the Stanfield Cutoff and past the BBSO offers excellent, open sky views toward the north and east.
Tip: Pull off into a safe, designated turnout and point your gaze away from the lake (where light reflection occurs) and away from Big Bear City/The Village.
-
East Valley & Baldwin Lake Area:
The Spot: Head toward the remote eastern end of the valley, past the airport. The area around Baldwin Lake offers vast, flat open spaces with minimal residential light.
Tip: Park at the designated parking lot for the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk or a safe, wide turnout on Highway 18. This location provides great south-facing views, perfect for viewing constellations like the Milky Way during summer months.
-
Cougar Crest Trailhead Parking Lot:
The Spot: This large parking area off Highway 38 (near the Discovery Center) is easily accessible and offers a quick escape from the core of the town lights.
Tip: The lot itself is paved and open, giving you a safe and easy-to-reach location to lay out a blanket or set up a telescope without having to hike after dark.
Essential Stargazing Gear & Tips
You don't need a telescope to enjoy the stars, but a few items will greatly enhance your experience:
1. Red Flashlight: White light ruins your night vision instantly. Use a flashlight covered with a piece of red cellophane or buy a cheap red LED light. It allows you to see your gear without compromising your ability to see the stars.
2. Warm Layers: Even in summer, mountain nights get cold quickly. Bring warm hats, gloves, thick socks, and multiple layers, including a cozy blanket.
3. Astronomy App: Download a free stargazing app (like SkyView or Star Walk) onto your phone. Point your phone at the sky, and it will identify the constellations, planets, and satellites above you.
4. Comfortable Seating: Bring a reclining chair, a camp chair that allows you to lean back, or simply a big blanket to lay on the ground. Craning your neck is the fastest way to ruin the fun!
5. Timing: The best viewing is usually between 10 PM and 2 AM. Always check the lunar calendar—a full moon, while beautiful, washes out the faint starlight, so aim for a new moon phase for maximum darkness.
Embrace the silence, look up, and be amazed by the incredible canopy of stars waiting for you in Big Bear's clear night sky.
Comments(1)