Big Bear Turkey Trot (3 Miles)

The Big Bear Turkey Trot brings Thanksgiving morning tradition to 6,750 feet on November 26, 2026, with a 3-mile run-walk through the Moonridge corridor starting at 9:30 AM. This is Big Bear’s friendliest race: families in matching shirts, dogs in turkey costumes, and runners of all speeds bundling up for a chilly mountain loop before the day’s feast begins. The course winds through Moonridge’s pine-lined streets, gently rolling with just enough elevation change to remind you you’re in the mountains, finishing back at the starting line by 11:00 AM. Registration costs $27.50 and includes a race bib, finisher medal, and the satisfaction of earning your pumpkin pie through honest effort. Sign up by mid-November to guarantee your spot and your t-shirt size, though the race rarely sells out.

Thanksgiving at altitude means crisp, cold mornings. Expect temperatures in the low 30s at the start, warming to the mid-40s by the time you finish, with a chance of light snow flurries if an early-season storm rolls through. Dress in layers you can peel off and tie around your waist, and don’t forget gloves and a headband to keep ears warm during the first mile. The race welcomes walkers, joggers, and anyone looking to start the holiday with movement and fresh air. Previous years have drawn over 300 participants, creating a festive, small-town atmosphere with volunteers handing out water and high-fives at the turnaround point. Kids under 12 often run with parents, and strollers are allowed as long as they stay to the side on narrow sections.

Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early for parking near the Moonridge Animal Park area, where the race typically starts. Street parking fills quickly, so carpool if you can or walk from nearby rentals. After you cross the finish line, warm up with hot cocoa and coffee provided by race organizers, then head straight to one of Big Bear’s cozy breakfast spots. The Log Cabin Restaurant (founded 1976) serves hearty omelets and pancakes perfect for refueling, or grab a table at Grizzly Manor Cafe (founded 2000) for their famous cinnamon roll French toast. Both get packed by 10:00 AM on holidays, so put your name in early or plan for a short wait.

If you’re staying the weekend, book a cabin on Big Bear’s South Shore on Lake.com, where you’ll have easy access to Moonridge and quiet lake views for post-trot relaxation. The Turkey Trot pairs well with a full Thanksgiving getaway: run Thursday morning, feast Thursday afternoon, then spend Friday hiking the Castle Rock Trail or paddling the calm November waters before crowds return for the winter ski season. If the weather turns and snow makes driving tricky, the race goes on unless conditions are truly dangerous, so pack chains and check road reports before heading out.