Big Bear Lake’s Original Gourmet Pop-Up Picnic Experience
During the pandemic, travelers rediscovered something beautiful: outdoor din
ing is not just safe — it’s magical.
In Big Bear Lake, where mountain views meet crisp alpine air, why settle for a standard restaurant meal when you can enjoy a thoughtfully curated gourmet picnic in a scenic, hidden location?
The Hungry Mountaineer created Big Bear Lake’s original luxury pop-up picnic experience to bring elevated, locally grown and organic foodie driven cuisine to visitors seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Many travelers are surprised to discover that vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly dining options in Big Bear Lake can be limited. Our experience was designed specifically to fill that gap — offering vibrant, wholesome, beautifully presented food that satisfies discerning food lovers.
This is not a boxed lunch.
This is a curated outdoor culinary experience.
Book a pop-up picnic with The Hungry Mountaineer here!
What to Expect
Your group is picked up in a comfortable SUV and transported to one of Big Bear Lake’s most scenic hidden locations — a peaceful forest setting perfect for photography, relaxation, and connection.
Your experience includes:
- Full picnic setup (blankets, pillows, tableware, glassware)
- Jeep tour to this scenic secret location
- Small charcuterie platter (With options to add on from my gourmet menu)
- Housemade dressings & spice blends with locally grown organic produce
- Scenic photo assistance
- Full clean-up service
We can host romantic getaways, birthday celebrations, proposals, family gatherings, and even intimate weddings (yes — your host is ordained).
Optional upgrades include:
- Lakefront boat dock picnic
- Champagne service
- Seasonal sunrise breakfast menu
- Lake swim add-on during warm months
You simply arrive and enjoy.
Signature Gourmet Salads
Each salad serving is for two guests
- Madras Curried Mango Chicken Salad ($18)
- Mediterranean Salumi & Herb Pasta Salad ($18)
- Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Garden Salad ($18)
- Prosciutto Peach Caprese with Fig Balsamic Reduction ($24)
- Classic Caesar Pasta with Housemade Dressing ($18)
- Watermelon, Feta & Fresh Mint Summer Salad ($18)
- Minted Chicken & Red Grape Salad with Curried Madras Yogurt Dressing ($25)
- Thai Ginger Peanut Vegetable Chop (Vegan) ($18)
- Curried Veggie Lemon Cashew Quinoa Bowl (Vegan & Gluten-Free) ($18)
- Point Reyes Blue Cheese Cobb with Cilantro Ranch ($27)
- Spinach & Swiss Market Salad with Sweet Onion Vinaigrette ($18)
- Coastal Krab-Style Garden Salad with Sweet Peas (Imitation Krab) ($15)
- Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Kale Harvest Salad (Vegan)($15) Add goat cheese crumbles + $8 extra
(Add chicken to any salad for $10)
Artisan Breads & Savory Bites
- Housemade regular or Multigrain Sourdough with Roasted Garlic Lemon Spread ($20). Sourdough bread must be ordered 4 days in advance.
- Sourdough Naan Crisps with Organic Mint Chutney ($20)
- Sweet & Spicy Maple Candied Nuts ($18)
Gourmet Baked Goods
- Valrhona Dark Chocolate Zucchini Muffins ($18)
- Candied Ginger Gluten-Free Banana Muffins ($18)
- Lemon Zucchini Tea Bread ($15)
- Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies (18)
- Cranberry Orange Butter Shortbreads ($18)
- Seasonal Pumpkin Pecan Strudel Bread ($24)
- Peach Cobbler Muffins (Seasonal) ($25)
- Wild Mountain Sourdough Blueberry Muffins ($18)
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie-Dough Coffee Cake Muffins ($21)
- Valrhona Dark Chocolate & Roasted Beet Velvet Muffins ($21)
- Sweet Mountain Sweet Potato Spice Muffins ($15)
(Can also be made gluten-free) - Organic Strawberry Sunrise Muffins ($18)
(Seasonal – Can also be made gluten-free) - Plum & Candied Ginger Harvest Muffins ($18)
(Seasonal – Can also be made gluten-free)
Cookies & Holiday Treats
Classic Chocolate Chunk Cookies (With or Without Nuts) ($15)
Candied Ginger Oatmeal Heritage Cookies ($21)
(All cookies can be made gluten-free upon request)
Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies ($12)
(Seasonal)
Holiday Artisan Christmas Cookie Collection (Inquire for Pricing)
Cakes & Specialty Bakes
Old-Fashioned Apple Fritter Coffee Cake ($15)
(Seasonal)
For Your Four-Legged Guests
Homemade Sweet Potato & Chicken Pup Biscuits ($12)
Many baked goods available vegan or gluten-free upon request.
Sunrise Brunch Add-Ons
(Available at an additional cost)
Enhance your picnic or food tour experience with a warm, chef-prepared breakfast serve
d in a scenic mountain setting.
Housemade Turkey Sausage with Organic Sage ($15)
Savory, herb-forward turkey sausage crafted with fresh organic home-grown sage and warming spices.
Garden Vegetable Scramble with Housemade Hollandaise ($20)
Fluffy local farm-style eggs folded with seasonal vegetables and finished with a silky, scratch-made Hollandaise sauce.
Seasonal Market Fruit Salad with Organic Mint ($15)
A vibrant medley of fresh organic and locally grown seasonal fruit brightened with garden-grown mint.
Breakfast Egg Protein Bites ($20)
Baked, protein-rich egg bites with rotating seasonal ingredients — perfect for a lighter but satisfying start to your day.
Beverage Enhancements
- Champagne service
- Baileys & coffee
- Frangelico lattes
- Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte (housemade)
Commitment to Quality
All dressings and spice blends are housemade.
Seasonal organic produce and homegrown herbs are used whenever available.
Menus change seasonally and are customized upon booking.
Plan Your Experience
We recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance during peak seasons, especially for holiday weekends and summer reservations.
Your host and guide is a longtime Big Bear Lake local nature guide with over 30 years of experience hiking, jeeping, and leading tours throughout the Big Bear Valley. In addition to our gourmet picnic and food tour experiences, we also offer guided Big Bear hiking tours for guests looking to explore the region’s most scenic trails and hidden gems.
With decades of local knowledge, you’ll gain insider access to the best views, seasonal highlights, and lesser-known mountain locations that most visitors never discover.
What’s Included in Your Gourmet Picnic Experience
Every picnic is fully styled and professionally hosted. We provide:
- Wireless Bluetooth speaker
- Selfie stick for scenic photos
- Napkins, plates, drinking glasses & silverware
- Pillows & luxury picnic blanket
- Gourmet snacks & beverages
- Full set-up and clean-up service
You simply arrive and enjoy.
Special Requests Welcome
Have a preferred time of day, specific scenic location, dietary restrictions, or a larger group celebration in mind? We are happy to customize your experience. Please reach out prior to booking so we can ensure every detail meets your expectations.
Always Dog-Friendly 🐾
We love welcoming well-behaved furry companions! All of our tours are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along for the adventure.
A $20 cleaning fee applies for dogs that shed.
For everyone’s safety and comfort during the Jeep tour portion of the experience, we kindly ask that dogs ride in the rear cargo area or remain secured in a crate while the vehicle is in motion.
If you have any questions about bringing your pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help make the experience enjoyable for both you and your four-legged friend.
For additional questions or special arrangements, feel free to contact us directly at:
❓ FAQ SECTION
What makes this different from Big Bear Lake restaurants?
This is a private, curated outdoor dining experience in a scenic wilderness setting. Unlike traditional restaurants, we offer customized menus with strong vegan, gluten-free, and specialty diet support.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, and food allergy requests. Please notify us when booking.
Is this suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely. Proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, small weddings, and bachelorette gatherings are popular bookings.
How long does the experience last?
Typically 2–3 hours depending on location and add-ons.
Is transportation included?
Yes. We provide off-road Jeep transport to select scenic picnic locations.
Can we swim in the lake?
Lake swim add-ons are available in warm months.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance during peak seasons.