Driving to Big Bear - The best way to get to Big Bear CA (2023)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to get to Big Bear? ›

Hwy 330 to Hwy 18

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

The other route is through the high desert, Victorville and Lucerne Valley area, from Hwy. 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.

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.

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.

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). If you're driving to Big Bear Lake from your home in California or from an airport, study these routes and see what freeways they connect to.

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.

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.

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.

Is driving to Big Bear hard? ›

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.

Explore this 35.7-mile point-to-point trail near San Bernardino, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 11 min to complete.

All guests are required to have a valid lift ticket/area use pass or season pass for skiing and snowboarding, including those taking a group or private lesson. Purchase for only the days you know you will ski/ride as there are no refunds for unused tickets.

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.

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.

To make it worse, weather conditions such as fog, dust clouds and rain reduces visibility to almost zero, along with mudslides and waterfalls. The North Yungas Road, also known as the Death Road, was labelled as the 'world's most dangerous road'.

The top stops along the way from Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake (with short detours) are California Science Center, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and Crypto.com Arena. Other popular stops include Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Desert Hills Premium Outlets.

Yes we do! Adventure Passes are available in the Visitors Center for $5/day or $30/annual pass each purchased with cash or credit card. Day passes are good for the day you purchased them and there is no limit to the number of passes someone may purchase at one time.

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.

How do I spend my day at Big Bear? ›

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.

Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: (Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)

Warm clothes are a must!

Layer up with thermals and sweaters or hoodies. A warm, waterproof jacket and snow pants are also best for snow play or sports. Snow boots and thick socks are great if you plan on snowshoeing or tubing. Also, be sure to protect your hands and ears with gloves and hats.

The best route to Big Bear from Los Angeles is to take I-10 E out of the city, then merge onto CA-210 E. From there, you can exit to CA-330 N towards Big Bear and follow the road signs! The whole drive will only take about two hours, although you might hit some traffic if you're driving during rush hour.

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

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.

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.

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.

Is there a speed limit on Big Bear Lake? ›

SPEED LIMIT: 35 MPH maximum; 10 MPH from sunset to 7:00 a.m.; 5 MPH between buoys indicating same and the shoreline; 3 MPH in Papoose Bay, Canvasback Cove and Mallard Lagoon. SAFETY EQUIPMENT: All boats must be equipped according to California Boating Law safety requirements.

Trail Guide

And if you're looking for the best hiking trails in Big Bear with waterfalls, the Castle Rock Trail should be at the top of your list. In spring, there's a beautiful waterfall to discover along the trail.

The pass provides FREE entry at 200+ state parks and beaches. The passes for the current application process are valid for the 2023 Calendar year.

Night shuttles operates daily. Fare on Bear Transit (except line RFS) is $1 and free for faculty, staff, emeriti, and students and a valid ID. A fare or a pass is required for line RFS. Special service is available to Cal home games at California Memorial Stadium.

Big Bear Zipline Tour Options and Pricing

This option costs $129 per person. Action Ziplines also offers an “Action Pass” that offers multiple activities, such as a Segway tour, at a discount. These passes are a great value for those who want lots of adventure in Big Bear!

We do provide fans within the homes as well. How much does it cost to rent a cabin in Big Bear? The cost to rent a cabin varies by season and size. Starting at $85 per night up to $1000 per night for Luxury homes.

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) ...

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.

There is a regional Airport in Big Bear, but it only takes private planes. The closest major Airport would be Ontario International Airport, however if you are looking for flight flexibility you would need to fly into LAX. If you fly into Ontario or LAX you would need to rent a car and then drive up the mountain.

Can I drive to Big Bear without chains? ›

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 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.

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.

Tire chains for cars should only be used if there is a layer of snow or ice on the road. Using chains on bare pavement can cause substantial damage to both your tires and the road itself. If you turn onto a road that's clearly been plowed and salted, pull over and remove the chains.

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.