Happy Hills Trail is an ADA-compliant path that begins at Big Bear Lake City Hall, 2 miles from Chirp Nature Center. This .2 mile fully-paved trail has picnic tables and historical buildings along the route. Beyond Happy Hills Trail is an intermediate hiking trail leading further into the San Bernardino National Forest, along Metcalf Creek. Stroll along while searching for raptors circling the open meadow, hummingbirds sipping nectar from wildflowers, and flycatchers buzzing around the creek. With free public parking at City Hall and both leisurely and intermediate trail options, this birding area is a great introductory trail for new birders and a promising adventure for the more experienced.

A map at the trailhead of a birding hotspot and the paved path beyond
Happy Hills Trailhead

Trail Overview:

  • Distance to Trailhead: 2 Miles from Chirp and The Big Bear Lake Village
  • Accessibility: Public Parking
  • Trail: Easy paved path and intermediate dirt trail
  • Water source: Metcalf Creek
Little girl running through a clearing with a group of birders
Bird-watching beyond Happy Hills Trail, along Metcalf Creek

Bird-Watching At Happy Hills

While birding at Happy Hills Trail, here are just a few of the variety of wild birds you may spot. Click on their names to learn more or check out the City Hall/Happy Hills Ebird Checklist for recent bird sightings at this location.

Directions To Happy Hills Trail

Map to Big Bear Lake City Hall
Happy Hills Trail Map
  • Starting from Chirp (578 Bonanza Trail, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315)
  • Head south on Bonanza Trail toward Village Drive
  • Turn right onto Village Drive
  • Go straight through the intersection which puts you on Big Bear Blvd.
  • Continue straight for 1 mile on Big Bear Blvd.
  • Turn left into the second western driveway of Big Bear Lake City Hall (39707 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315)
  • Park near the Happy Hills trailhead next to the small chalet building
  • The trail begins at the Happy Hills Trail sign

Get turn-by-turn instructions from Chirp

Birders looking for a hawk in the trees
Birding In The Shadow Of Pines Trees

Take A Virtual Bird Walk At Happy Hills Trail

Don’t wait, visit Happy Hills Trail from the comfort of your couch. Go on a Virtual Bird Walk on Happy Hills Trail to practice birding skills, enjoy breathtaking sights, and experience why Happy Hills Trail is one of Chirp’s favorite birding locations.