Getting Here — Driving Directions to Big Bear

⛓️ TIRE CHAIN REQUIREMENTS

During winter storms, Caltrans enforces chain controls on the roads to Big Bear. Even with an AWD or 4WD vehicle, you may be required to carry chains.

• R1: Chains required on all vehicles without snow tires or AWD/4WD
• R2: Chains required on ALL vehicles — even AWD and 4WD (unless you have snow tires AND AWD/4WD)
• R3: Road closed — no passage allowed

Where to buy/rent chains: Available at auto parts stores before you start climbing, or at chain installers positioned along the highway during winter. Chain installation services are typically $30–$50.

Main Routes to Big Bear

🛣️ Route 1: From the Inland Empire (Highway 330 → Highway 18)

Most Popular Route • ~45 min from San Bernardino • ~30 miles from foothills

Take I-210 East or I-10 East to San Bernardino
Take the Highway 330 (Mountain Rd) exit north toward Big Bear/Mountain Resorts
Drive up Highway 330 — winding mountain road with switchbacks (~20 miles)
At Running Springs, Highway 330 becomes Highway 18 East
Continue on Highway 18 East through the forest to Big Bear Lake (~15 miles)
You'll arrive at the dam (west end of the lake) — continue for the Village and resorts

⚠️ This route is steep and winding. Low gear recommended going down. Watch for chain controls at the base of 330.

🛣️ Route 2: From the High Desert / Victor Valley (Highway 18 from Lucerne Valley)

The "Back Way" • Gentler Grade • ~25 miles from foothills

Take I-15 North to the Highway 18 East exit (toward Big Bear)
Or from Victorville / Apple Valley, take Highway 18 South
Follow Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley — flat desert road
The highway climbs gradually through Arctic Canyon into Big Bear Valley
You'll enter from the east (Fawnskin / north shore side)

✅ Better in winter: This route has a gentler grade and is less likely to have chain controls. Some locals prefer this route during storms.

🛣️ Route 3: From Orange County / LA (Highway 38 via Redlands)

The Scenic Way • ~50 miles • Highest elevation (8,443 ft at Onyx Summit)

Take I-10 East to Highway 38 exit in Redlands
Follow Highway 38 north and east — scenic road through Mill Creek Canyon and Barton Flats
Continue on Highway 38 as it climbs into the mountains
At Big Bear City, connect to Highway 18 West to reach the Village and resorts

🌲 Beautiful drive through pine forests and along creeks. Longest but least traffic and best scenery. Passes over Onyx Summit (8,443 ft). Can be closed in heavy winter storms.

🛣️ Route 4: From Palm Springs / High Desert (Hwy 62 → Hwy 247 → Hwy 18)

High Desert Access • ~60 miles • Very little mountain driving

From Palm Springs, take Highway 62 West toward Yucca Valley / Morongo Valley
Turn south on Highway 247 toward Lucerne Valley
Connect to Highway 18 South toward Big Bear
Follow Highway 18 as it climbs gradually into the valley from the east

🏜️ Desert route: Connects Palm Springs area to the "Back Way." Minimal mountain driving — good alternative when the Front Way (Hwy 330) is congested or has heavy chain controls.

Distance from Major Cities

From	Distance	Drive Time	Best Route
San Bernardino	~40 mi	1 hr	Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
Riverside	~50 mi	1.25 hrs	I-215 → Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
Ontario	~60 mi	1.25 hrs	I-10 → Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
Palm Springs	~75 mi	1.5 hrs	Hwy 62 → Hwy 247 → Hwy 18
Orange County	~90 mi	2 hrs	I-15 → Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
Los Angeles	~100 mi	2 hrs	I-10 → Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
San Fernando Valley	~115 mi	2.25 hrs	I-210 → I-15 → Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
San Diego	~150 mi	2.5 – 3 hrs	I-15 → Hwy 330 → Hwy 18
Bakersfield	~180 mi	3.5 hrs	Hwy 58 → I-15 → Hwy 18
Las Vegas	~215 mi	3.75 – 4 hrs	I-15 → Hwy 18 (back way)

Mountain Driving Tips

⬆️ Going UP the Mountain

• Use a lower gear on steep grades to reduce brake strain
• Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass
• Watch your temperature gauge — engines can overheat on steep climbs
• Keep headlights on even in daytime
• Stay in your lane on blind curves — don't cut corners

⬇️ Going DOWN the Mountain

• Shift to a lower gear — don't ride your brakes the entire way down
• If brakes feel spongy or smell like burning, pull over and let them cool
• Use engine braking (lower gear) to control speed
• Use designated brake-cooling pullouts on Hwy 330 and Hwy 18 below Running Springs
• Speed limit is typically 35-45 mph on mountain roads
• Watch for motorcycles and bicyclists on the road

📵 Cell Service Warning

Cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent in certain stretches. Dead zones include portions of Hwy 18 through Waterman Canyon and lower Hwy 38. Verizon and AT&T have the best coverage in the Big Bear area; T-Mobile is weaker. Download offline maps before you head up and let someone know your route.

⛓️ Chain Control — What You Need to Know

Chain requirements are enforced November 1 – April 30 by Caltrans. Even if there's no snow in the forecast, chains (or approved traction devices) must be carried during winter months. There are three levels:

Level	Requirement
R1	Chains or snow tires required — AWD/4WD with snow tires may be exempt
R2	Chains required on all vehicles, including AWD/4WD — no exceptions
R3	Road closed — no vehicles allowed

• Install chains on drive wheels (front for FWD, rear for RWD; for 4WD, preferably rear axle)
• Buy chains before you head up the mountain — pick them up at Big 5, AutoZone, or Walmart in San Bernardino or Running Springs. Stores in Big Bear can sell out or charge resort prices
• Roadside chain installation services charge $30 – $50 per vehicle and are available at the base of Hwy 330 and Hwy 18
• Practice installing chains at home — fumbling in a snowstorm is not fun

🌨️ Winter Driving Checklist

✅ Tire chains (even if you have AWD) — required by law during R2 controls
✅ Full tank of gas before heading up
✅ Ice scraper and snow brush
✅ Warm blankets and extra layers in the car
✅ Phone charger / portable battery (cell service is spotty on the way up)
✅ Snacks and water
✅ Flashlight
✅ Downloaded offline maps (Google Maps / Apple Maps)
✅ Check road conditions before you leave

Road Conditions Weather Forecast

Getting to Big Bear Lake