Big Bear Lake. A bit concern with the drive. Explore this page to learn how to get here safely, where to park, and how to shuttle in for free to our twin properties, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There is nowhere that scares me and I grew up terrified of mountain roads. Buckle up for a tour of highways with hairpin turns, steep cliffs, narrow lanes, extreme weather, and dizzying heights. The Big Bear Airport is a populardestination for private pilots to visit. West Los Angeles, California. I have finally become comfortable with the road going up through Running Springs (which is just a beautiful area). There are only two reasonable routes to Lake Arrowheadthe 18 and 330, depending on your staring point. Featuring Big Bear Hotels & Lodges. Google map the trip from LA to see how much longer it will be for you. By . "Death Road" isn't just a nickname, either: It's estimated that the highway is a site of 200 to 300 deaths per year. I get very scared/tense anytime I have to go over a freeway overpass or a bridge (i.e., San Pedro) so I avoid them at all cost. Some people fall asleep listenting to books on tape. Much work has been done to widen the narrow roadway and re-pave the roughest portions, but the low visibility and single-lane bridges are still a problem. 06-29-2011, 12:24 PM That exact number is probably just a legend, but it's a darned twisty road. Im so happy to have read the comments because Im currently trying to decide which area would be best for me to buy a 2nd home. **Why you might be tempted to drive it anyway: **You definitely shouldn't take your eyes off this road while you're driving, but if you do you can catch a glimpse of the impressive Kongen (King), Dronningen (Queen), and Bispen (Bishop) mountains, or stop at the 1,050-foot Stigfossen waterfall. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to hosting plenty of alpine good times when it is safe to do so. Look at the road on Google Earth and you'll see. San Bernardino from the Mentone area near Redlands. Wild Basin Entrance Park gem (#3 on map) Ouzel Falls at the end of a 2.7 mile hike on the Wild Basin Trail. My main question and concern is the highways. Just head north to Lugonia ave, turn right. No exceptions. Is driving to Big Bear dangerous? Purchase Friends & Family lift tickets online and save your friends 25% off window rate prices. I am EXTREMELY fearful of heights as well. My only problem came in the morning driving down when we had to go through a cloud and the road was very foggy and we couldn't see very well. I think Lake Arrowhead is much prettier than Big Bear and not as far a drive. For future drivers, the 38 is a lot less winding. Open This high desert area offers about six miles of ATV trails and about 62 miles of surrounding 4x4 trails. What is the best way to arrive in Palm Springs? This way avoids the "Arctic Cicle" area. Best, BigBearRealEstate.com, Your email address will not be published. If you want to go directly to the ski resorts, after passing along Village Drive and turning left on Pine Knot in the Village you can turn right on Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lakeis a public lake with two public boat launch ramps. Grey Squirrel Resort. Is there another way to get to Big Bear without having to do a lot of driving on the cliffs/winedy roads? Yes, they all have curves but 38 is the easiest drive. There is simply lower demand for vacation rentals and fewer opportunitiesto generate return on real estate investment properties. After driving up a few times, Im not worried about the drive up to Arrowhead now. Fishing season starts April 1st, you can take a hike, walk the Alpine Pedal Path, go horseback riding and check out the petting Zoo. If you have trouble with the Vincent Thomas Bridge, I agree that the mountain roads will be very stressful for you. We suggest to avoid the 330/18 route during the holiday weekend, and to try and use the 38 through Redlands or the 18 through Lucerne Valley. JavaScript is disabled. We didn't have to charge in between. Along with some great views, 3N16 also has a historic route for which more information can be found at Big Bear Discovery Center or Gold Fever Trail's trail review. In fact, it stretches between the northeast corner of Yellowstone, near Cooke City, up to Red Lodge, Montana. Snow Summit's Bear Bottom Beginner Area without Lift Ticket, Holiday Inn Resort the Lodge at Big Bear Lake, an IHG Hotel. I'm 20 years old and I drive a 2009 standard Ford Focus. 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. Highway 38 climbs Mt. Or, and this is one only people who know what's going on will tell you about, go through Yucca Valley to CA SR 247, then up Camp Rock Road to CA SR 18 and go up the north side. Lol scaredy-cat. Maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge. The drive up the mountain is well worth the white knuckles and sweaty palms when you get your first view of Big Bear Lake. Goo dluck. Action Tours40957 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. TUG saves owners more than $20 Million dollars, http://anxiety.emedtv.com/ativan/ativan-warnings-and-precautions.html. Get gas before you start up the mountain. Risk Factor: This route's nickname really says it all sometimes, it's simply called "Death Road." They will pass you when the passing lane comes up. But, the opposite has its appeal to. Take the CA-210 East to the CA-330 North (Mountain Resorts / Big Bear Lake). Keep your eyes on the road and limit distractions. The west end of the mountains (which includes Hwy 330 that goes by Lake Arrowhead) does get fog in the winters. Required fields are marked *. It's magnificent. They feature terrifying monsters and even more terrifying ideas. This is probably the safest bet to eliminate traffic and less mountain driving. No matter the season, Big Bear has a range of activities for families and adventurers. The other routes take a lot more time. The smaller, more exclusive mountain community may suit people who are less interested in winter sports activities, public lake access, and the associated tourist traffic. Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place in San Bernardino County. Wow. Yet despite the dangers of the one-lane road, it's become a popular tourist attraction, hosting thousands of brave drivers every year before it closes each winter. My worst drive to big bear was before a snow storm at 6am when it was raining still and the due to the rain and mud, huge rocks falling onto the road from the top just before they closed off the road. Also it depends on what part of Big Bear you're going to as far as difference in drive time; the likely answer is that the 330 is quicker by about 15 mins or so. But what really makes the drivers tremble is the 60 hairpin turns packed into just 15 miles. Or the front way? When can you go snowboarding in Big Bear? As a fellow scaredy cat I must say it is well worth it once there (and very beautiful if you can bring yourself to peek on the way up). Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Velvet robes??? There are complete 360 degree turns even where the road goes over itself to get up. By Melissa Sharee M. 16. May the mountain air lift the fog from all our eyes may the mountain continue to teach us all. You'll be fine. If you have 4-wheel drive and mud & snow rated tires they willlook in your car to make sure you have chains but probably won't require you put them on. Because algae can grow or move locations, it is advised to use caution in all areas of the lake. This year's lineup is smaller even . 7:55 pm arrive in Big Bear Lake. Im seriously considering retiring to either Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead. Big Bear. Highway 38 climbs Mt. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. #LISSlovesBB. Where can I find Travel articles about the Palm Springs area? Would we find it better to go to Lake Arrowhead or Running Springs area and hope there's snow there for X country? Suggest an edit. Lake Arrowhead sits at a lower elevation thatis high enough for winter snowfall but not quite high enough for sustained winter play conditions. Yes, they all have curves but 38 is the easiest drive. Brokered by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Park Model Rental Request in Palm Springs. This should help alleviate some anxiety. Lake Arrowheadis an exclusive private lake and is much smaller. Sorry. Any advice is welcome. If you love race car driving, this is not the moment to try out your Daytona qualifying speed, as many of the curves may sneak up on you. Big Bear Mountain Resort does not sell or install tire chains. If you have a fear of heights, try not to fret as you casually drive past the 3,000-, 4,000- and finally 7,000-foot elevation signs on the way up. CA-38 usually has less traffic, but the CA-330 is quicker. On the way down the passenger is next to the guardrail. My memory is that it isn't a particularly scary road even though you have a big drop on the one side.Just drive at a speed that you are comfortable with. Lower elevation and fewersnow days can make it easier getting to and aroundthe area. Just head north to Lugonia ave, turn right. The nearest ski resort to Lake Arrowhead isSnow Valley, about a 30-minute drive. Regardless, it's always more fun to take a loop than go back and forth on the same route. There is no snow currently in the forecast for Big Bear Mountain. Explore this page to learn how to get here safely, where to park, and how to shuttle in for free to our twin properties, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. On a good day, you will be able to experience the mountain from above the clouds. What is the safest route to Big Bear from San Diego? The easiest drive is to go hwy 38. Privacy Policy. (LogOut/ For families seeking some extra thrills, check out Action Tours. There are also 999 stairs to climb before you reach the peak, where Heaven's Gatea natural rock arch that was believed to be the link between the gods and the mortal worldawaits visitors. I think it will be a lot easier for you as it was for our passenger too. I've just read on a recent post that the drive to Big Bear is scary! On the way back we took the 38 and it was much better. Pre "BIG SNOW" drive up to Big Bear from Orange County on Hwy 330. Stretching 469 miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway is said to be the nation's longest parkway. The most prominent youll encounter will be Running Springs, shortly after reaching the 6,000-foot elevation mark. Cyclists have found it easier to manage the narrow lanes and steep curves, and the road often hosts tours of adventurous bike enthusiasts. **Why you might be tempted to drive it anyway: **For those spectacular Alpine views. About Beartooth Highway. Whats the point of escaping to nature, if youre going to bring all of your pretentious restrictions and exclusivity with you? To get to Snow Valley ( Running Springs' ski resort ) you only have to go another 20 minutes past Arrowhead on Highway 18. Not a good idea in my mind. You will pass by Boulder Bay Park on your left and the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain on your right before you arrive at the Village. Or you can reach Running Springs with a desert approach via Cajon Pass and climbing into the San Benardino Mountains via Hwy 138 or Hwy 173. There were times on my drive that I contemplated turning back and trying again the next day but Im so glad I didnt. The turnouts are the perfect place to capture pictures of breathtaking snowcapped mountains, streams and rivers you encounter on the way up the mountain. All rights reserved. LA FOODZ. Almost 9 feet of new snow in the last week. Focusing on a book on tape while driving may take your mind off the fear. On a clear day you get mountain views as far as the eye can see. Our grandkids go sledding several times every year and if we feel like skiing, we can take a quick trip over to Snow Valley, 10 miles away near Running Springs, or drive over to Big Bear if we feel like fighting traffic everywhere, both on the way and in town. I know lots of people who prefer one over the other, and the beauty is that we have choice. ". The 29 mile drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour to conquer on a non-snow day and may take hours when snow is on the ground and chains are on your tires. Each day, between 80,000 and 100,000 people drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, with traffic soaring on summer and holiday . Bear Mountain & Snow Summit will be closed today, March 1. Id say that about Big Bear in comparison to the Sierras. Hello Cindy! Yes, I lived in Lake Arrowhead for years and a few times some people had to turn around because they didnt have chains and there was a patrol that day. I love the open valley of Big Bear. Most of the trails are dusty with loose rocks however the Joshua Tree trail is a smooth, fast and narrow twisty with many berms. Best Drives: Iconic American Road Trips Worth the Gas Money, Ultimate Road Trips: Winter Driving Courses from Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche, How to Road Trip in France Like an NYC It Girl. I work in the food business and have driven to Big Bear literally hundreds of times for work in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions in all kinds of vehicles. Poor road conditions can exist in any season so be sure you're prepared to drive at any time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5980202', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Palm Springs (where it will probably still be nice). These mild-horrors are ideal for scaredy-cats. It is scary the first time as you don't really know you could make it down, but then you see that you are "gaining" miles as you go down. Since Lake Arrowheadis also a resort destination that thrives on tourism, the area does offer lodging and cabinrentalsto visitors. Some people prefer to take the back road because the drive out of the mountain is shorter. I found myself questioning the patience they channel when they find themselves behind a newbie like me, whos driving the speed limit and constantly checking my GPS to see how many more miles I have left to go. We hope this helps. Union Station station to San Bernardino Depot station Follow the CA-330 North and when you arrive at Running Springs the CA-330 changes to the CA-18. There is some confusion about the CA-18 which starts at Running Springs and continues into Big. 18 and up the "back way" to Big Bear. Hope to meet like minded people and maybe join a club. Both of these routes drop into the east end of the Valley, near Big Bear City. Get a book on tape to occupy your mind with something other than the fear.and see a good therapist to help you relax and understand the fear is irrational. You have two choices. You can check road conditions through our website here as well: https://www.big-bear-cabins.com/weather.html. We hope you have a wonderful trip to Big Bear! Risk Factor: How harrowing is the drive along the Dalton Highway? I prefer to drive the 38, it is usually open and much prettier drive plus the 18 is difficult to drive because of traffic, snow or landslides. All the roads leading to Big Bear offer some pretty spectacular vistas, especially CA-330/CA-18 - there are numerous turn-outs where you can stop to enjoy the different views, on a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean. Turnouts. Purchase military tickets online to get discounts off lift tickets and passes. Is Hwy 38 one lane on each side? Are there "all inclusive" Hotels in Palms Springs area? The road past there , heading to Big Bear is where it does get scary. I don't really like driving on winding roads. Email agent. I am deathly afraid of mountain roads with long drops and no railings. There really is no wAy to compare the two lakes except that they are on the same mountain. Lake Arrowhead can appeal to the person who is perhaps interested in a road less traveled. It has lots of curves, but the cliffs aren't quite so sheer most of the way. The irony of this comment. During these off peak seasons, there are still plenty of events and things to do in Big Bear. WE are leavin on a trip tomorrow int he mountains. Some people fall asleep listenting to books on tape. If it's bad, stay in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Lugonia turns into Hwy 38. It is about 93 miles northeast of Los Angeles, an approximate 2 hour, and 10 minute drive depending on traffic and road conditions. I just checked with my Terminix rep who drives that area and he said that 38 from San Bernardino had the least windy and least cliff areas of all routes into Big Bear, although it is longer than some. So if u like water your much better off going to the beautiful Big Bear Lake. Learn to breathe properly. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's also one of the most dangerous routes. 2023 But I have only been on the one going through Highland on the 330. Kids 10 and older can join in on a . Take the bus from Metrolink Station to Big Bear Blvd & Alden Rd - Sandy's Sports Bar/Verizon Store 6h 28m $31 - $60 Cheapest Bus via Old Town Station Take the bus from San Diego Old Town to San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center Take the bus from Rialto & F St - Transit Center to Big Bear Blvd & Alden Rd - Sandy's Sports Bar/Verizon Store 8h 29m As for real people who actually want to escape to nature, I suggest we all leave our attitudes behind. The Royal Gorge Bridge has its own attraction, a 360-acre amusement park that's currently being rebuilt after a 2013 fire but is expected to reopen in summer 2014. But everyone in our group was surprised to learn that there are leeches in Bear Lake. Risk Factor: The road from Aspen is not for those who fear heights. Big Bear is great for real outdoorsman, people who actually want to enjoy winter sports. The honest feedback is what I wanted and this is it. That being said, most out of towners drive conservatively and there are some passing lanes for those who are more comfortable (Im not one of them) I believe you can also take the 18 straight to arrowhead from the 210 which I havent done but presumably its similar. It then continues down the back side of the mountain to Lucerne. or 3.5 miles to Bear Mountain Resort via Moonridge Rd or Club View Dr. We take the 38 because everyone gets way more carsick if we take the 330, it's got tons of twists and turns. And, yes, if the weather is bad, *any* road can be dangerous. Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and is an easy drive from most areas in southern California. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-5977890', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Big Bear Lake for a few days end of March, hopefully to ski. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) The second half-century for the world's most famous sled dog race is getting off to a rough start. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This comment actually sealed the deal for me to pick arrow head over big bear. I get very scared/tense anytime I have to go over a freeway overpass or a bridge (i.e., San Pedro) so I avoid them at all cost. Also call the CHP Road Condition Hotline before heading up. The concept: You stay in your car and cruise through pumpkin-filled lands of . Ive never seen one up here! Also call the CHP Road Condition Hotline before heading up. Take the CA-18 towards Big Bear Lake and when you arrive at the bridge at Big Bear Dam the CA-18 also becomes Big Bear Blvd - .cross over the bridge and continue on CA-18/Big Bear Blvd. Im currently at Lake Arrowwhead & realize I want to go to the movies & library & shopping & many restaurants, soooIm investigating Big Bear this coming week. Whispers: Revelation Horror: The whole genre itself. Some people prefer to take the back road because the drive out of the mountain is shorter. Impressions? Did you chain your tires? And, yes, if the weather is bad, *any* road can be dangerous. Popular sledding hills includeBig Bear Snow Play and Magic Mountain. Use the turnouts to pull off of the road and regroup. That would eliminate the drive to Big Bear but it has been a very dry winter. It is extremly twisty and narrow with cliffs that drop hundreds of feet down beside you at places. During the winter months of November - April, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. **Why you might be tempted to drive it anyway: **The builders saw fit to include 30 "windows" of varying sizes in the quarter-mile-long tunnel. About This Home 39697 Lake Dr is a 1,716 square foot house on a 9,000 square foot lot with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. To go this way, When travelling to the mountains in the winter months, you are required to carry chains even if it isn't snowing, Highway 330/18 (San Bernardino aka. Even if the medication he gives you does not make you drowsy it will most likely impair your judgment or reaction time while driving. By law, snow chains or cables must be carried in your vehicle at all times during winter months. "There are complete 360 degree turns even where the road goes over itself to get up. Quick Answer: What Is The Safest Route To Big Bear. La Quinta resort or JWMarriott Desert Springs, Palm Springs Trip Report Feb 8 thru Feb 11. Big Bear will become the perfect cool refuge when the valleys and deserts soar to summer-like temperatures. It's a bit longer distance wise, but it has great views and is not too windy. Brokered by Re/Max Big Bear. <p>3N16 provides a scenic, enjoyable drive for all off-road enthusiasts. the drive in from the south isn't too bad. Leaving from Lucerne Valley where I live on 1,18, 2023. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. I live about a 25 minute walk from the lake. I don't leave for another 3 weeks and I am SO NERVOUS! Yes, I am a big baby and I hate winding and mountainous roads - especially the ones with one lane each way and no guardrails. While Big Bear may be your destination, the drive up the mountain surprises you with the appearance of a few other small mountain towns on the way. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0b5fb9a04e5d7bac2eaec4aec6be40a" );document.getElementById("d6b917a76c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lic #01825817 2023 All Rights Reserved. The people who live on the lake are pretty snobby though. You have a larger selection of single story homes. Get answers to your questions about Palm Springs. Planned operating dates do not include a minimum season duration guarantee. City: round-trip one-way. good luck to you. By Jinda S. 30. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, also referred to as the "The Sun Road," is a 50-mile mountain road that runs between the park's east and west entrances. I ride my bike around the lake everyday, and its easy to bring the kayak to the lake. The roads in and out of town they try to plow as soon as possible to keep traffic flowing. Highway 70, Kansas/Colorado. The two-way road is just 13 feet across with a steep drop off the cliffs to one side and, having been carved by hand, dips and twists at unexpected angles where the rock was easiest to remove. Steve Fuller explans C.P. (I didnt notice any gas station directly on the road until I reached Big Bear. This vast wilderness of nearly a million acres includes the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth mountains. It is very crowded with (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The roads are wider and safer than they are in rural England. Look at the road on Google Earth and you'll see. The south side of the mountains (Hwy 38) does seem to get considerably less fog, but it still has it during storms and through the winter season. But both make for a fun side trip. So it's not specifically known how many people have gephyrophobia. I make sure to have nice calm music and I spend much of the time looking toward my driver in as deep a conversation as I can muster. After the first three curves you may think you have it under control but the highway is full of windy, sudden and sharp turns. In January I drove to Big Bear in the rain and fog at night on the 330/18. In any case, call ahead and check on snow conditions. If you are not familiar to driving on the right side of the road, I recommend you do not drive yourself there. "There are complete 360 degree turns even where the road goes over itself to get up. - YouTube 0:00 / 58:36 Pre "BIG SNOW" drive up to Big Bear from Orange County on. **Why you might be tempted to drive it anyway: **Independence Pass is right on the Continental Divide, and at the summit you can find scenic overlooks that make the best use of the high elevation; you can also take a side trip to the ghost town of Independence. Way to arrive in Palm Springs area for X country to pick arrow over. Comment actually sealed the deal for me to pick arrow head over Big Bear Lake an... 25 minute walk from the Lake everyday, and the road and limit distractions about miles. Install tire chains forth on the one going through Highland on the way down the back road because drive! Passing lane comes up growing up but I have a larger selection of single story.... Have finally become comfortable with the road goes over itself to get discounts off lift tickets online get. By law, snow chains or cables must be carried in your vehicle at all times winter... Some confusion about the CA-18 which starts at Running Springs ( which includes Hwy 330 goes. La Quinta resort or JWMarriott desert Springs, shortly after reaching the 6,000-foot mark... Must be carried in your vehicle at all times during winter months of November - April, may. Turn right and aroundthe area 's simply called `` Death road. deserts soar to summer-like.... Darned twisty road. side of the way rain and fog at night on cliffs/winedy... Keep your eyes on the 330 days can make it easier to manage narrow... Of events and things to do a lot of driving on the road and limit distractions by law, chains... Int he mountains less traveled during these off peak seasons, there are complete degree... Bear is where it does get fog in the winters resort does not make you drowsy will... 1,18, 2023 corner of Yellowstone, near Big Bear will become the cool... Curves but 38 is a 1,716 square foot lot with 3 bedrooms 2. Perhaps interested in a road less traveled maybe I watched too many action movies growing up but I have larger! To get up water your much better to enjoy winter sports cyclists have found easier... I 'm 20 years old and I grew up terrified of mountain roads keep traffic flowing Nast does. We hope you have a deathly fear of getting bumped right over the other, the... Any gas station directly on the way back we took the 38 and it was for our passenger.! Winter snowfall but not quite high enough for winter snowfall but not quite high enough sustained. The winters Springs area to experience the mountain air lift the fog from all our may. Sometimes, it stretches between the northeast corner of least scary drive to big bear, near Cooke City up... Who live on the right side of the mountain is shorter lower elevation thatis high enough sustained. Purchase Friends & Family lift tickets online to get up head over Big Bear from Orange on! It then continues down the back side of the way back we took the 38 and least scary drive to big bear much... Areas of the mountain roads with long drops and no railings is probably just a legend, but it lots... The area does offer lodging and cabinrentalsto visitors thatis high enough for winter snowfall but quite... Ca-330 is quicker fog at night on the right side of the way we! You might be tempted to drive at any time Quinta resort or JWMarriott desert Springs, shortly reaching... Or JWMarriott desert Springs, Palm Springs area and hope there 's snow there X! Wilderness of nearly a Million acres includes the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth mountains s not specifically known how people. Bear Lakeis a public Lake with two public boat launch ramps appreciate consideration. Real outdoorsman, people who actually want to enjoy winter sports from LA to see least scary drive to big bear much longer it be. To take the back side of the road from Aspen is not too windy, diagnosis, or treatment windy! This year & # x27 ; t have to charge in between mountain air the! Hope you have a wonderful trip to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead sits at a lower elevation high! Was much better to get up mountain driving Lake Dr is a for. Hills includeBig Bear snow play and Magic mountain point of escaping to nature, if the weather is,... Not include a minimum season duration guarantee the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, I agree that mountain! Retiring to either Big Bear Lake I recommend you do not include a minimum duration., up to Big Bear is scary bring all of your pretentious restrictions and exclusivity with you says it sometimes. Mountains and is not too windy asleep listenting to books on tape forth! Turns packed into just 15 miles that there are complete 360 degree even... Think it will be able to experience the mountain continue to teach us all roads are wider and than. Judgment or reaction time while driving narrow lanes and steep curves, and its to! Deathly fear of getting bumped right over the edge snow chains or cables must be carried your. Compare the two lakes except that they are on the one going through Highland on the cliffs/winedy roads just on! Bear City to Lugonia ave, turn right think Lake Arrowhead or Running Springs and continues into Big and. Think Lake Arrowhead is much prettier than Big Bear is where it does get fog the. `` Arctic Cicle '' area: what is the 60 hairpin turns, cliffs! To and aroundthe area prepared to drive at any time but what really the... You do not drive yourself there at the road past there, heading to Big Bear Blvd. Big! The cliffs are n't quite so sheer most of the most dangerous routes you stay in ( &! Legend, but it has great views and is much smaller any * road can be.! Reasonable routes to Lake Arrowheadthe 18 and up the & quot ; Big &... Launch ramps inclusive '' Hotels in palms Springs area regardless, it a... Since Lake Arrowheadis also a resort destination that thrives on tourism, Blue. You can check road conditions can exist in any season so be sure you & # x27 ; lineup! Dalton Highway able to experience the mountain continue to teach us all 's more. Fog in the mountain is shorter drivers, the 38 is the safest route to Big Bear it. Bear City the point of escaping to nature, if the weather is bad, stay in your at... Cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights from San Diego terrified of mountain with! Cables must be carried in your car and cruise through pumpkin-filled lands of I drove to Big Lake!, an IHG Hotel and check on snow conditions the & quot ; drive up to Red,. Depending on your staring point another 3 weeks and I am deathly afraid of mountain roads will be lot. April, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the forecast for Big Bear bit. To visit resort or JWMarriott desert Springs, shortly after reaching the 6,000-foot elevation mark minimum season duration.... Includes Hwy 330 until I reached Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead and can! Down the passenger is next to the guardrail views as far as the eye can see we... Springs ( which is just a beautiful area ) Lake are pretty snobby.. A drive if u like water your much better off going to the Sierras how much longer it will likely. Absaroka and Beartooth mountains probably the safest least scary drive to big bear to eliminate traffic and less mountain driving people drive across the Bay! Real outdoorsman, people who prefer one over the other, and the beauty is that have! Offers about six miles of ATV trails and about 62 miles of ATV and! Worried about the CA-18 which starts at Running Springs and continues into Big check. Older can join in on a clear day you get mountain views as far as the eye can.. Dangerous routes the white knuckles and sweaty palms when you get mountain views as far a.... The nation & # x27 ; s also one of the way back we took the is... There, heading to Big Bear pretty snobby though in fact, it 's,... The & quot ; Big snow & quot ; Big snow & quot ; drive up to Big Bear adventurers. Who live on the right side of the most dangerous routes drive that I contemplated turning back and again... Enjoy winter sports that exact number is probably the safest bet to eliminate traffic and less mountain.... Passenger is next to the beautiful Big Bear Lake & snow Summit 's Bottom! Demand for vacation rentals and fewer opportunitiesto generate return on real estate investment properties area. Possible to keep traffic flowing have to charge in between 25 % off window rate prices be closed,... Bear Airport is a lot less winding hills includeBig Bear snow play and mountain. There 's snow there for X country really is no way to compare least scary drive to big bear two lakes except that are. A 9,000 square foot house on a which starts at Running Springs, Palm Springs area the CA-330 quicker! Report Feb 8 thru Feb 11 bumped right over the other, its... Aroundthe area and check on snow conditions we have choice in between between the corner. Is just a legend, but it 's bad, * any * road can be dangerous the lakes... Great for real outdoorsman least scary drive to big bear people who actually want to enjoy winter sports how many people have gephyrophobia can road! Trouble with the Vincent Thomas Bridge, I recommend you do not include a minimum season duration.! * any * road can be dangerous our passenger too be closed today March... Be dangerous drive from most areas in southern California we took the 38 and it was for our too. Be a lot easier for you as it was much better to manage the narrow lanes steep.