COVID INFORMATION: We do not plan to operate as a hostel until September 2021. 

Sorry 2021 PCT Thru Hikers.
After 15+ years, we will not be offering any services for PCT hikers in 2021. 
We everything is back to normal in 2022







Every year thousands of hikers attempt to hike from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT is one of the best hiking trails in Big Bear and visitors can hike Big Bear sections of the trail. Big Bear Hostel is exactly 1/10th of the way to Canada going North. We have hosted thousands of thru-hikers since 2003. Below is a map of the trail and local resources for hikers. 

Refuel in Big Bear

Big Bear Hostel
15 Years Serving Pacific Crest Trail Hikers

Stay With Us
Make your way to the corner of Big Bear Boulevard and Knickerbocker Road. We are right behind Getboards Sports Shop.
You are now in the center of town! Big Bear Village is 500 feet away. We are surrounded by 20+ restaurants.

Get Here: 
We recommend getting off trail at Highway 18 (mile 266)
This is the easiest road to get a hitch into town from. (Hostel is across the street from First Foundation Bank)
Van Dusen fireroad is a 2 mile walk to the trail. Cougar Crest Trail is 2 miles PCT to highway.
We shuttle hikers back to PCT/HWY 18 or Van Dusen every morning. 7-9am

Hostel Amenities:

• We have free laundry and loaner clothes for you. 
• Free pancakes and coffee for you.
• Discounts at the local diner for you.
• Morning rides back to the trail for you.
• Free High Speed WIFI
• Convenience store on the corner
• Bus stop around corner
• Supermarket is easy bus or walk
• Post Office 92315 1000 feet away
• Movie Theater 1 block away
• 20 restaurants within 2 blocks
• Walgreens & CVS 1 mile
• Gas BBQs, Horseshoes, Ping Pong, Foosball, Backyard Campfires
• Giant Burritos next door
• BIG 5 Sporting Goods (1/2 mile) - fuel canisters

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Resupply Packages

If you are planning to stay with us, we are happy to store them until you arrive. 

​Packages sent via US MAIL to the hostel MUST go to our PO BOX:

Your Name / Arrival Date
C/O Big Bear Hostel
PO BOX 1951
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315-1951

Packages sent via UPS or common carrier go to our physical address:
​
​Your Name / Arrival Date
C/O Big Bear Hostel
541 Knickerbocker Road (office)
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Always write your phone number on your bounce boxes so people can help you find lost parcels.
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Pacific Crest Trail in Big Bear

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T E S T I M O N I A L S

"Big Bear Hostel is very very close to the village. The hospitality of Sarge is outstanding. I would recommend this place to anyone who wish to have an affordable place at an excellent location."     
  - Sy ( September 2019)

"Thanks again for the upgrade and awesome place to stay. It was a much needed break after the Sierras.
Super clean and affordable. Best hostel stay I've ever had!"
   - Johannah ( Southbound PCT Hiker stayed September 2019 )