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From Seafloor to Mountain:
The Story of Gold
The amazing story of how huge forces created Big Bear Lake and its gold based on a tour of the valley
What is this story about?
Discover the fascinating story of how the ancient seafloor was transformed into a majestic mountain, a process that led to the deposition of gold in milky quartz including in the remarkable rock formation known as the Eye of God. Uncover the secrets of how nature's forces shaped this breathtaking landscape and created a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Join us on a journey of wonder and awe as we delve into the mysteries of geology and uncover the hidden beauty of the Earth's ancient past.
Flexible
Get ready to embark on an incredible journey! With this tour, you will
have access for a minimum of seven days. You have the flexibility to
follow the tour all at once, spread it out over several days, or revisit
specific sites to delve deeper into their details.
Learning
We are dedicated to providing enriching learning experiences! Get ready
to dive into the fascinating history of the valley and its gold through
the ages with our downloadable e-guide.
Tour Guide
Embark on an exciting adventure with your online tour guide, who will
lead you on a step-by-step journey around the lake. You will be provided
with detailed maps and distances between each stop, making it easy to
navigate and explore all the beautiful sights along the way. Get ready
to immerse yourself in the wonders of the lake with the help of your
trusty guide!
Facts
Get ready to be blown away by the wealth of knowledge your tour guide
possesses about Big Bear, including its fascinating geology and unique
environment. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible facts and
information that will make your tour an unforgettable experience.
Experience
Embark on an exciting journey with our tour, offering a unique learning
experience either in person or virtually! Whether you choose to follow
the route by car or immerse yourself in the stories and information
through a virtual tour, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable
adventure. Join us and discover the wonders that await you!
What we offer
An immersive experience with two options
Follow the tour by car as a self-drive experience guided by our maps and directions.
Follow the story as a virtual tour learning about the mountains and gold from our fascinating e-guide.
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What you will discover
How the awesome power of tectonic plates moved mountains to where they sit today
How to recognize the difference between fool's and real gold and where to search in the remains of a long disaused mine.
How one plate carried boiling water underground only to bring gold to the surface and create a stunning memorial venerated by the local tribes.
How the dam, at the time the tallest in the world, flooded the valley to make the lake we love today.
What do I need for the self-drive tour
Essentials
Your own vehicle. Please check tire pressures before starting. The dirt road section is classed as "easy". It is a little rough in a couple of places so AWD or 4WD is preferable. Suitable most SUVs, a high clearance vehicle or ATV is not required.
A fully charged cellphone or tablet with internet access.
Suitable walking shoes. Remember you will be climbing to almost 8,000ft where the UV light is strong, especially at the middle of the day, so suitable clothing, head and neck covering and good quality sunscreen are essential. Always carry plenty of water. One of the main problems of hiking at altitude is dehydration so keep hydrated.
A fully charged cellphone or tablet with internet access.
Suitable walking shoes. Remember you will be climbing to almost 8,000ft where the UV light is strong, especially at the middle of the day, so suitable clothing, head and neck covering and good quality sunscreen are essential. Always carry plenty of water. One of the main problems of hiking at altitude is dehydration so keep hydrated.
Adventure Pass
The Eye of God is on National Forest Land so a National Forest Adventure Pass is required and is not included in the fee. A day pass costs $5 and may be purchased online, go to
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410
or in person at various vendor locations such as 7 Eleven, 41901 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410
or in person at various vendor locations such as 7 Eleven, 41901 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Hunt for crystals with care
If you do decide to look for quartz crystals, remember the rule - never put your hand where you cannot see where it is going. You ever know what may be lurking under a rock or in a hole in the ground.
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A course to help you learn how Big Bear Lake developed using a tour of the Lake.
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