Swim Lakefest 2025: Race Above the Clouds

Written By Blake Cauthen

In the heart of Southern California, nestled 6,700 feet above sea level, lies a hidden gem for endurance athletes: Big Bear Lake. And on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, this alpine lake will once again come alive as hundreds of swimmers plunge into its crisp waters for the second annual Swim Lakefest—the highest-elevation open water swim in the western U.S.

Last year, Swim Lakefest made history with Big Bear Lake’s first-ever sanctioned open water swim. The 1-mile race was intimate but electric—mountain air, cheering crowds, and swimmers crossing the finish line grinning in disbelief at what they had just done. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” said one participant. “Swimming at this altitude felt epic.”

This year, we're going bigger—and bolder.

Distances for Every Athlete

Whether you're training for your next triathlon A-Race or gunning for gold, Swim Lakefest has a challenge that fits:

  • 1.2-Mile Swim – Perfect for those training for 70.3 races.

  • 2.4-Mile Distance – Go all in. This is your Everest.

All swims are point-to-point, chip-timed, and supported by lifeguards and safety boats. The water is clear, cold, and clean—this is mountain lake swimming at its finest.

The Ultimate Racecation

Big Bear isn’t just a place to race—it’s a place to escape. Bring the family or your training crew and make a weekend of it. Hike, ride, or paddle in the morning. Grab coffee in the Village. Hang out on the beach post-race and soak in that high-elevation stoke.

Swim Lakefest is part of Big Bear’s Lakefest, a high-altitude summer celebration featuring original live music, local food vendors, craft beer, and a full weekend of family-friendly programming on the shores of Big Bear Lake. The festival stage comes alive all weekend long with an eclectic lineup of bands and performers from across Southern California—ranging from high-energy funk and indie rock to soulful acoustic sets.

Whether you're racing, spectating, or just soaking in the mountain vibes, Lakefest transforms the lakefront into a vibrant community gathering with something for everyone. Wander the vendor village, grab a drink from the beer garden, or take part in one of the many outdoor activities happening all weekend. You can even bring your bike, paddleboard, or trail shoes—Lakefest celebrates all the ways we play outside.

Plus, everyone who bikes, shuttles, or walks to the event gets a free beer and good vibes. (We’re keeping this a car-free, community-friendly event.)

So make it a full “racecation”: swim in the morning, dance in the afternoon, and stay the weekend to experience one of Big Bear’s most beloved summer events.

Why Train at Altitude?

Swimming at elevation isn’t just scenic—it’s strategic. Big Bear Lake sits at nearly 6,800 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest-altitude open water swim venues in Southern California. Training or racing at elevation challenges your cardiovascular system in ways that sea-level workouts can’t. With less oxygen available in each breath, your body works harder, improving efficiency, building endurance, and triggering a natural adaptation process that can lead to performance gains when you return to lower altitudes.

For triathletes especially, Swim Lakefest offers a rare opportunity to simulate high-stress race-day conditions in a stunning alpine lake. The controlled, buoy-supported course is ideal for getting comfortable in open water, dialing in pacing, and getting the open water jitters out of the way before your A-race. Whether you're prepping for a full distance triathlon or tackling a 70.3, a 1.2- or 2.4-mile swim at altitude is a powerful confidence builder.

And let’s not forget the mental edge. Training in a mountain lake surrounded by pines and peaks pushes you to embrace discomfort and find flow—two essential ingredients for endurance racing success.

Registration Is Open

All participants receive:

  • A commemorative swim cap

  • Finisher medal

  • Free gear check

  • A chance to say "I raced in Big Bear Lake."

**We also offer group discounts for swim teams and tri clubs. Just reach out!

Photos from last year tell the story better than words ever could. From sunrise swim starts to joyful finish-line embraces—Swim Lakefest is more than a race. It’s a celebration of water, willpower, and wild places.

Join Us This August 24th

Whether you're racing to test yourself, training for something bigger, or simply want to try something unforgettable—Swim Lakefest 2025 is for you.

Dive in. You’ll never forget it.

Blake Cauthen