Get to know the native animals of California by visiting this fantastic zoo.
What is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo?
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a small zoo with gorgeous, unique animals for you and your family to look at. The staff here are knowledgeable about the animals, so you can learn as much as you like. The zoo is kept clean, along with the playground your kids can climb on. There are also unique statues scattered throughout the zoo for your kids to take pictures with. Buy a fun souvenir at this attraction's gift shop to take home after visiting Big Bear Lake, CA.
Since 1959, the zoo has served as a rehabilitation facility for orphaned animals. A fundraising organization called Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo was created in 1989 to help provide funding for the zoo.
What are the Big Bear Zoo animals I'll be able to see?
Some of the cool animals you'll be able to see here include:
American badgers
Arctic foxes
Bald eagles
Black bears
Bobcats
Coyotes
Fallow deer
Flying Squirrels
Great horned owls
Red foxes
Sandhill cranes
Red tegus
Snow leopards
Is the Big Bear Lake zoo open?
Yes, the zoo is open. It's hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun. through Sat. For the summer, the zoo closes at 5 p.m. with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. For the winter, the zoo closes earlier at 4 p.m., and the last entry is at 3:30 p.m. Sometimes the zoo closes during the winter, depending on the weather.
Where is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo's new location?
Originally, the zoo was on Goldmine Drive in Big Bear Lake, CA, but the building was moved to Club View Drive in 2020 after it received funding. You'll find this attraction down the street from the Bear Mountain Ski Resort and the Bear Mountain Base Lot.
What is the Big Bear Alpine ticket price?
Ticket prices range from $10 to $15. Adults pay $15, while seniors (60+) and children (3 to 10 years old) pay $10. Children under the age of 2 have free admission. If you've served in the military, tickets are $10. Group discounts are available, too, for those with a party of 10 or more.
Where do I park?
You can park for free on the east side of the zoo.
What can I bring into the zoo?
You can plan to have a picnic in the zoo because outside food is allowed. Make a sandwich and sit at one of the picnic tables to enjoy your meal. Make sure not to bring:
Glass
Aluminum cans
Pets
Skateboards or roller blades
Straws
Plastic lids
Guest Reviews
Pretty cool small zoo, the tickets are cheap and have great Animals to see especially for the price. They have bears, wolf's, deers, eagles, foxes, birds etc. I would recommend to come and try it out. If you have kids take them here, they will love it here. They also do have a small playground inside the zoo for kids to play
Jesse Silva from Google Reviews
Friendly and knowledgeable staff.John shared with us some of the background behind the animals. Nice stroll through the animal enclosures. We went just after lunchtime and most of the animals were resting/napping. Worth the time and donation.
Duane Lessing from Google Reviews
Nice place to visit if you want to take a day off from skiing. This zoo is great for kids as it is not too big, just right. It's great that they are a rescue zoo and the facility is very new. Highly recommended!
Howard L from TripAdvisor
Stay with us today to greet all the wonderful animals of Big Bear Lake.
