Bear Valley, CA

Travel Guide

A snow-covered road flanked by tall evergreen trees.
A snowy landscape with evergreen trees and snow-covered rocks.
A clear mountain stream surrounded by snow-covered ground and evergreen trees.
A mountainous landscape with a lake, forested areas, and a clear sky.
A mountainous landscape with rugged terrain and a clear sky.

Discover a landscape of ski slopes, hiking trails, and tranquil lakes nestled within stunning national forests.

Bear Valley is an ideal destination for ski and adventure travelers. You can enjoy outdoor activities at Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and Bear Valley Ski, both of which are popular venues for skiing. If you're interested in hiking, there are several trailheads nearby, including Sandy Meadow Trailhead and Elephant Rock Trailhead. For those looking to appreciate nature, Round Top Lake Trail and the recreational areas of Eldorado National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest offer a range of scenic experiences.

Take time to wander the nearby areas of Bear Valley, each offering unique outdoor experiences. Big Meadow and Arnold are known for their adventure opportunities, with Arnold featuring the Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course, as well as the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum. Lake Alpine is another nearby location that provides beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, making it a worthwhile stop during your visit.

The best time to visit Bear Valley is from June to September when the weather is mild, ranging from 61 to 69°F, and is mostly dry with plenty of sunshine. The wetter months are from December to March, which can affect outdoor activities. Demand remains fairly steady throughout the year, but expect slightly busier conditions from December to February, while May to June and October tend to be quieter months.

The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access

The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access

Bear Valley CA
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Arnold. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bear Valley Ski and Bear Valley Cross ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"This is our second visit the the Bear Valley cabin by the lake. We will be back.The cabin may be the only rental available that has walk down access to the lake, which is one of the main reasons we rented the firt time and a reason we came back.Communication with Molly, the host, is genuinely one ..."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access
Creekside Bear Den
Beautifully newly remodeled condo close to everything!

Creekside Bear Den Beautifully newly remodeled condo close to everything!

Bear Valley CA
$379 nightly
The price is $379 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$379 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this condo in Arnold. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and Bear Valley Ski are located ...
Creekside Bear Den Beautifully newly remodeled condo close to everything!
'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun

'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun

Bear Valley CA
Stay at this condo in Arnold. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"The condo is a small room located right in front of BV lodge, very convenient to just get your skis/snowboard and hop on the shuttle. The host was very responsive throughout our stay."

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Creekside Bear Den
Beautifully newly remodeled condo close to everything!

Creekside Bear Den Beautifully newly remodeled condo close to everything!

Bear Valley CA
Stay at this condo in Arnold. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company and Bear Valley Ski are located ...
Creekside Bear Den Beautifully newly remodeled condo close to everything!
The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access

The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access

Bear Valley CA
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Arnold. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bear Valley Ski and Bear Valley Cross ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"This is our second visit the the Bear Valley cabin by the lake. We will be back.The cabin may be the only rental available that has walk down access to the lake, which is one of the main reasons we rented the firt time and a reason we came back.Communication with Molly, the host, is genuinely one ..."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

The only Bear Valley lakefront + beachfront cabin with ski in-out access
'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun

'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun

Bear Valley CA
Stay at this condo in Arnold. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"The condo is a small room located right in front of BV lodge, very convenient to just get your skis/snowboard and hop on the shuttle. The host was very responsive throughout our stay."

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

'Wonderful' condo-close to Lake Alpine, hiking, fishing, all high-Sierra fun
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bear Valley?
The best time to visit Bear Valley is from December through February, when it's most popular for winter activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of April through June offer a good alternative, with milder weather after the main snowy season.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Bear Valley?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Bear Valley by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Bear Valley with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Bear Valley trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Bear Valley?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Bear Valley can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Bear Valley trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Bear Valley trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Bear Valley trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Bear Valley trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Bear Valley?
If it's your first trip to Bear Valley, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Bear Valley hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Bear Valley hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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