Alternate Routes To Big Bear (2023)

FAQs

How many ways are there to get to Big Bear? ›

3 Main Routes

The three main roads to Big Bear Lake are Hwy 330 (through Highland), Hwy 38 (through Redlands) and Hwy 18 (through Lucerne Valley).

Hwy 330 / Hwy 18 – Running Springs

The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west is Hwy 330 / Hwy 18. Please note that this route can become very congested on the weekends during peak season.

15 to Hwy. 18 and up the “back way” to Big Bear. This is probably the safest bet to eliminate traffic and less mountain driving. Both of these routes drop into the east end of the Valley, near Big Bear City.

Hwy. 38 (through Redlands) is a relaxing route that meanders through the national forest. This route has the least amount of curves and turns and beautiful backcountry scenery.

Snow Summit vs Bear Mountain for Beginners

Beginner skiers may prefer Snow Summit as the resort has more beginner-friendly terrain trails plus fewer snowboarders, who can be difficult for skiers to navigate around.

Requirement 1 (R1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle.

YOU MUST CARRY CHAINS IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES DURING WINTER! Carry a sturdy shovel and cat litter - or gravel - should you need to dig out of a berm or create additional traction on icy roads. When driving during or shortly after a storm, expect delays. Plan on leaving extra early to manage heavy/slow traffic.

Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and is an easy drive from most areas in southern California. It is about 93 miles northeast of Los Angeles, an approximate 2 hour, and 10 minute drive depending on traffic and road conditions.

The drive up to Big Bear is not for the faint of heart. After the first three curves you may think you have it under control but the highway is full of windy, sudden and sharp turns. As you pass the 3,000-foot elevation sign, things get real.

Which Big Bear mountain is better for beginners? ›

The best place to find beginner slopes is at Snow Summit Ski Resort. With a vertical drop of only 1,200 feet, the mountain is a great place to learn how to snow plough without getting in the way of an expert skier. 55% of the area is designed for beginners, and is one of the most fun Big Bear Mountain things to do.

4x4 is always best, but if chain controls in effect, even 4x4 need chains. Don't just follow your navigation system. Check the traffic, often the shortest miles (through running springs) is the longest trip time with traffic and longer mountain driving.

It's among the best drives in RMNP for fall colors. At the end of the road, the Bear Lake Trailhead is a great place to start an afternoon hike or overnight backpacking trip.

Highway 330 turns into Highway 18 in Running Springs. Follow Highway 18 and turn right across the dam, to Big Bear Lake. Known by locals as the back way, Hwy. 18 through Lucerne Valley has the least mountain curves, but has some steep, short grades.

The Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (Mountain Transit) is the primary public transportation provider on the mountain-top, providing local and off-the-mountain bus service to the Big Bear Valley, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and San Bernardino.

Take the 210 Freeway North or Interstate 10 East to Interstate 15 North. Follow the 15 North over the Cajon Pass towards Victorville and take the Bear Valley Road exit. Turn right (East) at Hwy 18 through the Lucerne Valley. Hwy 18 will take you into the Big Bear Valley.

Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. We have patient and fun instructors who work hard to help you succeed.

There can be snow in Big Bear as early as October and as late as March. February is the snowiest month, with an average snowfall of 18.1″ and an average low temperature of 22.1°F. Typically, after a day of snowfall in Big Bear, an inch or more of fresh snow can be expected.

On average, Mammoth receives an estimate of 400 inches of snow whereas other local resorts like Big Bear only receive about 100 to 200 inches. Mammoth Mountain has about 28 lifts including 9 high speed quads, 2 high speed six-packs and 3 high speed gondolas.

Driving Tips

Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter, especially if you encounter stormy Big Bear road conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

Do you need chains to get to Big Bear right now? ›

R-3: Chains required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

The fact is that snow tires and chains are intended to give you more traction on slippery roads. So without them, if the road conditions are bad enough, you might be more likely to get into an accident, which could do even more damage to your car.

While you can probably safely drive your AWD (all-wheel-drive) with all-season tires in light or moderate snow, it's a common misperception that AWDs will act like a tank in slick conditions. That just isn't the case. You need snow or winter tires or even snow chains when facing severe winter roads in any vehicle.

There are 3 ways to and from Big Bear Lake, CA. During the winter months of November - April, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. By law, snow chains or cables must be carried in your vehicle at all times during winter months.

Our crews plow each street twice and usually more during a large storm. Our main goal is to ensure that City streets are cleared of snow in order to allow Fire, Paramedic, Sheriff and Utility response vehicles access.

Chains give the best traction in snow, but are cumbersome, clunky, and can be difficult to put on. They are required on some vehicles on some roads that pass over mountain passes, for example some passes in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

Big Bear Lake is the heart of the San Bernadino National Forest and is worth visiting. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or want to spend the weekend exploring nature, there are plenty of places near Big Bear Lake that will make your heart happy.

This area features some of the most popular hikes, as it's a stunning location filled with alpine trees, beautiful lakes, and views of the mountains. Bear Lake Road was built in 1928, 13 years after the opening of the RMNP. It quickly became popular, hosting about 2 million people each year.

The Fishing

Cast a line at Bear Lake where four fish species reside that are found nowhere else in the world. Bear Lake boasts the most endemic species of any North American lake, including the thriving Bonneville Cisco, Bear Lake Whitefish, Bonneville Whitefish, and Bear Lake Sculpin.

17. Test results in parts of both Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake confirmed the presence of harmful algal blooms, made from a group of organisms called cyanobacteria, officials said. The bluish-green-brown colored bacteria can produce potent toxins and are a health threat to humans and pets, officials said.

What's the difference between Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City? ›

Not to be confused with Big Bear City, which is immediately east of Big Bear Lake, the City of Big Bear Lake is comprised of the geographic area along the south shore of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear City is part of the unincorporated areas that make up the surrounding areas of Big Bear Lake in the Big Bear Valley.

Spring and Fall are usually the best time to come and avoid crowds. During these off peak seasons, there are still plenty of events and things to do in Big Bear. Fishing season starts April 1st, you can take a hike, walk the Alpine Pedal Path, go horseback riding and check out the petting Zoo.

There is an endless amount of outdoor adventure to make for a fun weekend in Big Bear! To relax and enjoy the mountain paradise of Big Bear Lake, I recommend staying a 3 day weekend to unplug and have some fun.

Located in the heart of Southern California - and an easy drive from Phoenix and Las Vegas - Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for excellent fishing, snowboarding and skiing, hiking, mountain biking and so much more!

Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 18 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

The main difference between the two is that Snow Summit has more traditional runs while Bear Mountain focuses more on terrain parks. Big Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are situated next to Big Bear Lake, making for some beautiful vistas of the lake and surrounding town when you're heading up the chair lift.

As the smaller of the two resorts, and the more family-friendly one, Snow Summit typically has more people going up and down its slopes, and it typically has better conditions.

Enjoy this 4.9-mile loop trail near Estes Park, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

It has a total distance of 48 paved miles and would require at least 2 hours of driving to complete. It has become one of the most popular byways since its opening in 1938 due to its high elevations, hairpin turns, and magnificent sceneries.

How long does it take to drive all the way around Bear Lake? ›

Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 11 min to complete. This is a popular trail for scenic driving, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Uber and Lyft operate here, and we also have Big Bear Cab Company for those who still appreciate the convenience of a good taxi.

Public Transportation. Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) provides bus service to Big Bear from both the San Bernardino and Lucerne Valley areas. Fare is approximately $10. Take the bus to the last stop in Big Bear (Fox Farm, near Vons) and coordinate a taxi/Uber/Lyft pickup from there (~1 mile from BBRC) ...

Requirement 1 (R1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle.

The drive up to Big Bear is not for the faint of heart. After the first three curves you may think you have it under control but the highway is full of windy, sudden and sharp turns. As you pass the 3,000-foot elevation sign, things get real.

You can enjoy a day trip to Big Bear Lake any time of the year, and it will be an escape from city life. Whether in summer, winter, or fall, there is always something fun to do while exploring this beautiful part of Southern California.

Big Bear Mountain Resort offers alternative transportation to get you around Big Bear Lake and to the resorts quickly. During the winter season, guests that have parked in the remote lots can hop on the parking shuttles that will take you straight to Bear Mountain or Snow Summit.

Ideally, you should put tire chains on all four tires for all types of vehicles. By using four tire chains, you'll be able to obtain the best possible traction and balance. Problems can occur by only chaining one axle.

The perfect time to visit Big Bear Lake is April-May due to the excellent weather conditions, and you might even find that the cost of flights and accommodation are lower than if you travel during the peak holiday seasons. In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 35℃ (96℉) in the middle of the day.