So Long Big Bear Lake: This High-Elevation Gem Offers Less-Crowded Fishing, Camping, And Hiking

The western U.S.'s history of hiding treasure lives on. On the Great Basin Divide between the crests of California's Sierra Nevada lies a high-elevation gem that'll leave you saying so long to Big Bear Lake. Peeler Lake, a less crowded alternative to Big Bear's more than 7 million annual visitors, offers fishing, camping, and hiking with a more secluded atmosphere. Peeler's remote location — accessible via hiking only with its closest major city a two-hour drive away in Reno — keeps it from becoming overrun.

Part of Peeler Lake's appeal lies in simply getting there. The lack of a dedicated road makes it impossible to reach it by car, though there are ways to get there on foot. One of the more popular (and demanding) treks connects the Robinson Creek Trail to the Peeler Lake Trail, a 16-mile there-and-back journey that starts near Bridgeport, where overnighters need to snag a permit. The trailhead is located at the eastern edge of Twin Lakes, alpine jewels with world-class camping. The route then continues along forest and high desert, passing Barney Lake and crossing several streams along the way. 

The eye-watering length of the trek may call for a full, admittedly exhausting day outdoors. Past hikers have distinguished between the first and second halves of the route, with Barney Lake as the midpoint. The latter presents a greater degree of difficulty despite the well-maintained trail, balanced out by increasingly better vistas. There's an additional 9-mile loop that orbits Peeler Lake and the surrounding area to the west. Throughout the journey, you'll be greeted by views of still lakes and imposing mountains, with meadows and woodlands interspersed. If you're truly in good shape and need a bit of a challenge, try to reach the summit of nearby Crown Point. If all the talk of hiking seems exhausting, there's a viable, soothing break that can cap a trip to Peeler Lake.

Bringing a rod and reel to Peeler Lake may seem like a chore, depending on your gear, but it could pay dividends. Peeler Lake sits at an elevation of 9,500 feet, right next to Yosemite National Park. Its 72-acre blue surface lies among a ring of mountain peaks. Below the surface of its nearly 2 miles of shoreline, three different species of trout await — brook, cutthroat, and rainbow. The fish are about the only thing that'll keep you company, as there won't be many people around.

Though the lake isn't completely off the map, its short fair-weather season lessens the odds of encountering a crowd, especially for hikers and anglers during the shoulder season. This backcountry atmosphere only creates more incentive to pitch a tent. Peeler Lake's southern portion offers worthwhile campsites. Be ready to have Crown Point lurking overhead. The ledges surrounding the lake offer a chance to set up a campsite with a view. If you'd rather sleep in more civilized confines, head over to nearby Bridgeport, an underrated town hidden in California's mountains. 

Depending on the time of year, travelers may need some extra snow gear. Things tend to get icier the higher up you go. Winter access is especially difficult, as heavy snowfall can make trails impassable. Check current trail conditions before setting out. Pack bug nets and spray if you plan to camp or stay put for a while during summer, and past hikers recommend trekking poles for the more difficult terrain. The lake's location also gives travelers a taste of the Toiyabe National Forest, a giant alpine gem and America's largest in the lower 48.