Proper
Equipment: Even though there is no specialized
gear, aside from the shoes, making sure you are dressed
for being in the snow is important. This includes proper
layering, as well as pants that are moisture resistant
(like tights that wick away moisture) or water proof.
And don't forget gators for on top of your boots,
as well as good socks. Nothing is worse than wet feet.
Most places will offer ski poles with the snowshoes - take
them. Until you are used to walking on top of the snow,
it can be easy to lose your balance.
Take it easy: You many be
tempted to go for the long haul at first,
but go slow. While snowshoes will keep you
on top of most of the snow, you will sink
down into it between 6-12 inches and lifting
snow is hard work. Keep a leisurely pace
and pack a picnic. Don't worry; you'll
still burn between 420-1,000 calories per
hour, depending on your speed. Enjoy the
nature around you.
Be safe: Follow the same
rules as hiking. Make sure someone knows
where you're going and how long you'll
be gone, especially if you are going alone.
Take along adequate water because you won't
realize how much you are sweating. Don't
forget sunscreen - the sun reflected
off the snow can burn.
Big
Bear Valley offers some great opportunities for snowshoeing.
Some favorite spots are:
The
Pacific Crest trail up 2N09. You must have
a four wheel drive vehicle and an adventure pass
to access the trail. Ask at the Discovery Center.
Once on Polique Canyon, 2N09, you take it to where
the PCT crosses the road. There you can either go
east or west. East takes you to Bertha's peak
if you'd like a challenge and west takes you
through oak groves and level trails. If you really
want level - stay on the 2N09 into Holcomb
Valley - the whole valley is there for the
taking.
At the end of Sand Canyon in Moonridge.
A popular spot with local residents, the
trail at the end of Sand Canyon takes you
through majestic pines and offers peek through
glimpses of the trails at Bear Mountain.
Mill Creek and the 2N10 to the 2N71
in Big Bear Lake. This area keeps
its snow long after others so when it seems
like the snow is gone, you can probably find
it here. Once you hike past all the families
that use the end for sledding, a forest of
pines and alpine meadows awaits. Continue
up on the 2N10 or go east on the 2N71 for
gorgeous scenery and rolling hills. Make
sure you pace yourself - you got in,
now you have to get out.
For further information on trails and places for snowshoeing, ask where
you rent your equipment. The staff will be able to direct you to places
that offer the best snow for your chosen activity.
Snowshoeing can be a fun way to experience the winter wonder in Big Bear
Lake. The whole family can go, and the low impact nature of the exercise
makes it easy. One of the hidden joys of living in the Valley, snowshoeing
offers visitors a glimpse of why people live in Big Bear in the first
place.
|
