Bear Valley
Bear Valley began its steady rise as one of the central Sierra's leading resort areas in 1967 when vacation homes, condominiums, and other facilities were constructed. Over the years Bear Valley has evolved into a vibrant, year-round community. The late television actor Lloyd Bridges and his wife Dorothy were residents and supporters of the development and the popular Bear Valley Music Festival. Bridges called Bear Valley "the hidden treasure of the Sierra."
At an elevation of 7,100 feet, the community of Bear Valley sees plenty of snow in the winter, while during the summer, meadows bloom with wildflowers and mountain breezes whispers through the trees. Summer visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from hiking and cycling to fishing and rock climbing. The Music Festival is the highlight of the summer.
In the winter Nordic and alpine skiing take over. Bear Valley Ski Resort (Mount Reba) is only 4 miles away by road, while the Nordic center is right across the highway from the village. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers take off from nearby Sno-Parks for adventures in the back country.
Lower Slopes of Mount Reba in Summer
Bear Valley Village
Bear Valley Lodge
The Bear Valley Lodge is at the center of the community. The lodge has comfortable guest rooms along with three fine restaurants - Creekside Dining Room, The Grizzly Bar & Grill, and Sky High Pizza and Pub. Stays at Bear Valley Lodge include a free continental breakfast. During the warmer months guests enjoy the outdoor pool. For more information about lodging at Bear Valley, see Lodges, Inns, and Resorts.
Shops and Stores
Bear Valley Adventure Company (shown left) rents and sells mountain bikes, flat water kayaks, mountain hardware, adventure gear.
The Adventure Company converts to Cross Country Center in the winter.
Bear Valley Sport Shop has skis, snowboards, boots, and rental equipment.
Bear Valley Snowmobile sells snowmobiles, provides service, and rentals.
The Bear Valley General Store is open every day, selling groceries, deli, firewood, and personal items. (209)753-2842
The Ebbetts Pass Historical Association Museum is found across from the General Store in the Village Center. (209)753-2554
Community
Bear Valley Village is composed of condominiums in the vicinity of the lodge and fine mountain homes along the surrounding streets. In the winter cars are not allowed on the residential streets beyond the lodge and condominium area. Residents make do with snowmobiles or walking.
2022 Summer Camps at Bear Valley
Soccer Camp
Bear Valley Soccer Camp is offered for 4 days in mid-July. Besides learning soccer skills, participants have the opportunity for kayaking, swimming at Bear Valley Lake Beach and the Bear Valley Lodge Pool, rock climbing, disc golf, and movie night.
Choose from either an Overnight Camp option or Day Camp.
Bear Valley Soccer Camp
Lacrosse Camp
Bear Valley Lacrosse Camp is offered for 4 days in late July for children 8 to 16 years old. Instruction focuses on offensive and defensive skills, along with teamwork, core agility, and stick handling. Other activities include hiking, mountain climbing, swimming, and kayaking.
Bear Valley Lacrosse Camp
Bear Valley Music Festival
The Bear Valley Music Festival is held every summer in a capacious tent in Bear Valley. Begun in 1968 by orchestra conductor John Gosling, the Bear Valley Music Festival has grown to be the premier music event in the central Sierra and has been featured on NBC's Today Show. In 1984 the Sacramento Symphony's Maestro Carter Nice took over as conductor of the Music Festival and since then has conducted more than 200 performances. He was followed by Michael Morgan, Music Director and Conductor of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. In 2022 Alexander Mickelthwate was selected as the new music director. He has been the Music Director of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Music ranges from orchestra, opera, and chamber music to Broadway show tunes. Some programs, such as the Teddy Bear Picnic or Disney Concert, are specially designed for children. Guest artists have included names such as Dave Mason, Olga Kern, Jose Feliciano, Gogi Grant, Roseanne Cash, and Glen Campbell. Every year the festival draws more than 5,000 people to their free-span tent over the course of the festival's two week duration.
Summer 2023 dates for the festival are July 21 - August 6.
Bear Valley Music Festival
