Which road to drive up to Big Bear?
Most navigation systems will tell you to drive up from the 210 freeway in Highland, CA on the 330, then take highway 18 to Big Bear.
During normal conditions, this is the fastest way. But on a busy weekend, snow or a fender bender can cause hours of delays. Check conditions before driving up. There are two other options.
During Snowy Road Conditions - Lucerne Valley Route - Highway 18
We recommend taking highway 18 from Lucerne Valley. It is longer in miles, but this road to Big Bear has MUCH less miles of windy roads. People on 330/18 drive very slow during mandatory tire chain conditions. You will often save many hours by taking the Lucerne highway 18 route.
Highway 38 from Redlands, CA
Highway 38 is another option during heavy traffic. Its longer in miles but is less windy overall than 18/330 route.
This is also a very scenic highway and more relaxing if you aren't in a hurry.
Highway 18 Confusion
Highway 18 starts in San Bernardino, CA and goes all the way up to Big Bear from the South and through Big Bear and down the backside of the mountain into Lucerne and all the way to Victorville, CA.
During normal conditions, this is the fastest way. But on a busy weekend, snow or a fender bender can cause hours of delays. Check conditions before driving up. There are two other options.
During Snowy Road Conditions - Lucerne Valley Route - Highway 18
We recommend taking highway 18 from Lucerne Valley. It is longer in miles, but this road to Big Bear has MUCH less miles of windy roads. People on 330/18 drive very slow during mandatory tire chain conditions. You will often save many hours by taking the Lucerne highway 18 route.
Highway 38 from Redlands, CA
Highway 38 is another option during heavy traffic. Its longer in miles but is less windy overall than 18/330 route.
This is also a very scenic highway and more relaxing if you aren't in a hurry.
Highway 18 Confusion
Highway 18 starts in San Bernardino, CA and goes all the way up to Big Bear from the South and through Big Bear and down the backside of the mountain into Lucerne and all the way to Victorville, CA.
Avoid highway 330 during busy weekend traffic or snowy road conditions requiring chains. 2-6 hour delays possible.
Latest Road Conditions
Please check local road conditions on local radio news site
https://kbhr933.com/big-bear-roads/
https://kbhr933.com/big-bear-roads/
