“The Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation is a broad base of unified stakeholders committed to creating, enhancing, preserving and promoting nonmotorized use of Big Bear Valley trails and roadways for the enjoyment and transportation of residents and visitors.”
I had one of those weekends. I packed my tent and bike up and I went down to a mountain bike race down the hill. Bike race was just what I needed, and was on my way home on Highway 330 when I thought about Castle Rock Trail. I knew I was stopping at the pull out near the trail head and hiking it as soon as I thought about it. I didnt have my hiking shoes, just water shoes from Keen. Luckily Keen makes an awesome water shoe that you can hike in, because I did and they were perfect. I got out of my car with orange and water bottle in hand and in a motivated fashion, made my way up Castle Rock Trail.
For those that don’t know the trail, I highly recommend it. For hiking only. This is not a bike trail or equestrian trail by any means. It is straight up, and by straight, I mean there are stairs involved, and a hiking stick is encouraged for people who are not too steady on steep stuff. The trail is 1.5 miles up, and 1.5 miles down, and once you get to the top there are large boulders and rocks, and for those that can scramble up to the top its a breath taking view. Just take your time, go with a buddy and you should be fine I have hiked the trail many times, and know it like the back of my hand, so I felt comfortable going alone.
I just happened to be wearing my Trails Foundation Shirt that says “The Trail Beckons…” on the front of the shirt, and I got sooo many comments from people. They really liked the shirt, and it was perfect for the day, because the trail literally did beckon me.
I got to the top, took in the views. Relaxed. Ate my orange. And once again was so happy and thankful to live in such an amazing place, where I can hike this trail whenever I want…. or whenever it beckons.
On the way down I had so much fun, doing a little trail running…. in the water shoes mind you… and it was a blast. It just felt good to get out in the forest, and have a little one on one time with good ol’ Mother Nature!
When the trail beckons… listen… its calling you because it knows you need some forest time
Thanks to her tireless tenacity and dedication to non-motorized transportation and recreation in the Big Bear Valley, The Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation was pleased to honor Siri Eggebraten with its first-ever Golden Pulaski Award.
As Foundation President Phil Hamilton said when he addressed the City Council at their August 22nd meeting, “I am sure there were a number of City employees who were involved in working on the CalTrans grant, but from the perspective of the Foundation the person who really made it happen was Siri. When we did not get the grant last year, rather than getting angry or frustrated she studies the grant that was unsuccesful, met with CalTrans to learn what was needed, and rewrote it for this year. This is truly a hard working and professional woman and the Trails Foundation felt it was only appropriate to honor her in front of City Council.”
The inscription on the Golden Pulaski handle reads, “Golden Pulaski Award for a special commitment to creating, enhancing, preserving and promoting non-motorized use of Big Bear Valley trails and roadways, is presented on 8/22/11 to Siri Eggebraten.” On behalf of the Trails Foundation, thank you, Siri, for all that you continue to do to make our Valley a special place to live and visit.
The City of Big Bear Lake, County of San Bernardino and Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation are proud to announce that the three partners have been awarded a $233,370 grant from the Caltrans Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the development of the Big Bear Valley Pedestrian, Bicycle and Equestrian Master Plan. The funds will be used to develop a plan that will guide and enable future development of road and trail resources across our Valley floor with connections to lake and mountain amenities. The process will include extensive community involvement to collect visions and identify community needs valley-wide. The plan will integrate land use, transportation, and economic development goals and will direct the construction of new bike lanes, sidewalks, non-motorized trails, trail heads, and other related amenities.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVE
Produce a document that will:
List and prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian projects to develop or enhance:
Pedestrian and bicycle paths on the Valley floor with connections to the National Forest,
Access to transportation and outdoor amenities for underserved communities,
Resources for active and healthy lifestyles,
Economic development for recreation, adventure sports, and high-altitude training, and
Stewardship of natural resources including habitat conservation.
Direct City staff and partners with a clear and achievable Implementation Strategy, and
Make the partners eligible for future grants to construct pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian paths.
didnt have my hiking shoes, just water shoes from Keen. Luckily Keen makes an awesome water shoe that you can hike in, because I did and they were perfect. I got out of my car with orange and water bottle in hand and in a motivated fashion, made my way up Castle Rock Trail.
I have hiked the trail many times, and know it like the back of my hand, so I felt comfortable going alone.
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