Best Bungee Jumping Near Big Bear Lake, California – A Thrill Seeker’s Guide
So you’ve made it to Big Bear Lake, California—home to gorgeous alpine views, peaceful pine forests, and…wait for it…absolutely zero bungee jumping sites.
Yeah. We’re bummed too.
But don’t throw your harness in the air just yet, thrill-seeker! While you can’t quite throw yourself off a bridge in Big Bear (legally, anyway), there are EPIC bungee options just a road trip away, plus some local adrenaline-pumping adventures that’ll still leave you high-fiving strangers and grinning like you just fought gravity and won.
So buckle your mental seatbelt (or, in this case, bungee harness) and let’s explore the best places to get your “I-just-screamed-like-a-goat” thrill near Big Bear.
Why Big Bear is a Natural Playground for Daredevils
Big Bear Lake is basically California’s mountain playground. It’s got everything: hiking trails, ziplining, kayaking, snowboarding, and views that make your phone scream “take the pic already!”
But if you’re here thinking, “Where can I fling myself off a platform while attached to a glorified rubber band?”—you’ll need to expand your map radius a bit. Big Bear itself is more into mellow mountain adventures and eco-tourism than full-on bridge jumps.
That said, you’re just a road trip away from California’s best bungee jump sites—and there are plenty of heart-pounding activities right in Big Bear that might just surprise you.
Closest Bungee Jump Spot: Bridge to Nowhere (Where Screams Echo Forever)
Location: Azusa, CA — About 2.5 hours from Big Bear
Distance: ~120 miles (aka one good playlist and a gas station snack run)
Welcome to Bridge to Nowhere, where the name is misleading because it definitely leads somewhere—right into thin air. Hosted by the legends at Bungee America, this is California’s most iconic bungee jumping experience. It’s a bucket-list kind of leap.
Why it’s worth the drive:
- You start with a 5-mile hike into the San Gabriel Mountains. Yep, you have to earn your fall.
- Jump from a 120-foot bridge with nothing but canyon views, blue sky, and your own courage (or peer pressure) surrounding you.
- Choose your style: classic jump, backwards, tandem, water touch, and even night jumps. That’s right—jump into darkness. Totally not terrifying.
What to Know:
- You need to be reasonably fit (10-mile round trip hike = quad workout).
- Weight requirement: 90–265 lbs. Sorry, cats and action figures.
- Price: $130–$200 depending on how fancy you get with your fall.
- Reservations: 100% required. Don’t show up like “Hey, can I jump?” They’ll politely laugh.
Pro Tip: Bring snacks, water, hiking shoes, and leave your fear at home. And yes, you’ll need to hike back out AFTER you jump. That’s what we call “post-thrill cardio.”
Other Bungee-ish Options in California (aka The Runner-Ups)
If you’re planning a longer thrillcation, check these out:
1. Private Bungee Jump Events
Some extreme sports groups host one-time bungee jump events at hidden gems across California. These are invite-only or booked in advance—like a VIP bungee party for adrenaline junkies.
2. Custom Bungee Setups
Have a group or event? Some companies can bring a mobile bungee rig to you—with the right permits and cash. Birthday party idea? Absolutely. HOA-approved? Probably not.
But Wait—Big Bear’s Still Got the Thrills!
Don’t cancel your trip yet! Big Bear has plenty of wild adventures that’ll have your stomach doing backflips (without the risk of forgetting your helmet mid-jump).
1. Ziplining with Action Tours Big Bear
- 9 zipline runs through the forest (up to 860 feet long!)
- One gets you 85 feet above the forest floor—close enough to call it “diet bungee.”
- Starts with an off-road jeep ride. You’re Indiana Jones now.
- Open all year—because fear doesn’t take holidays.
Why you’ll love it: It’s the closest thing to flying without a plane ticket or feathers. Plus, their guides are hilarious and keep you from freaking out mid-zip.
2. Rock Climbing & Rappelling in Holcomb Valley
- Guided climbs for beginners & pros (you won’t be clinging to a rock alone)
- Rappel down cliffs like a boss (or like a spider in yoga pants)
- All gear provided—just bring your bravery and snacks
Fear level: 8/10. Especially when you’re halfway down a 100-foot cliff and wondering why rocks are so slippery.
3. Downhill Mountain Biking at Snow Summit
- Ride a ski lift up, zoom down like a caffeinated goat
- Trails for beginners, intermediates, and “I-just-want-airborne” types
- Bike + armor rentals available—yes, armor. It’s that real.
Pro Tip: Wear gloves. Trees are not soft. Ask me how I know.
Skydiving Nearby (Lake Elsinore or Perris, CA)
If you’re still craving free fall, skydiving is your golden goose of gut-churning joy.
- Lake Elsinore and Perris are both 1.5–2 hours away from Big Bear
- Jump from 12,000+ feet at 120+ mph
- Tandem options mean you’re strapped to a pro while you scream in unison
Skydiving vs. Bungee? Bungee is like a shot of espresso. Skydiving is a triple espresso with whipped cream and a lightning bolt.
Extreme Sports Safety Tips (aka Don’t Be That Person)
- Listen to your guide. They know what’s up—and more importantly, what’s down.
- Check restrictions. Most jumps require you to be over 90 lbs, under 265, and mentally stable enough to say “yes” when they say “Ready?”
- Wear the right gear. Closed-toe shoes, comfy clothes, no flowing capes (unless you’re into dramatic exits).
- Eat something. Fainting is not a flex.
- Sign the waiver, but also actually read it. You’re not buying a car, but you are borrowing gravity for a while.
Where to Stay (After Your Heart Stops Racing)
Once you’ve conquered your fear (or at least screamed it into a canyon), you’ll need a cozy basecamp. Here’s where to crash in Big Bear:
Pine Knot Guest Ranch
Adorable log cabins, fireplaces, and maybe a hot tub. Perfect for defrosting your soul.
The Lodge at Big Bear Lake
Close to shops and restaurants. Also close to your bed, which is key.
Lakeside Airbnbs or Campsites
For the true adventurer who wants to hear crickets instead of a TV. Bonus: Some have hammocks. You’ve earned it.
Sample Itinerary for the Weekend Daredevil
Day 1:
- Morning: Ziplining in Big Bear
- Afternoon: Kayak on the lake or go hiking
- Evening: Local brewery + bragging
Day 2:
- Early drive to Bridge to Nowhere
- Hike + bungee jump
- Celebrate with tacos and naps
- Post dramatic Instagram reel with “Eye of the Tiger” soundtrack
Final Thoughts: No Jump? No Problem!
Okay, so maybe Big Bear Lake doesn’t have a giant bungee platform—but don’t let that stop you from having an epic, scream-worthy adventure. With ziplining, rock climbing, skydiving, and a bungee jump just a couple hours away, you’re covered from every direction.
Your mission?
Chase the thrill. Embrace the scream. Pack the GoPro.
Now get out there and fall for fun—literally.
