State Route 38 Now Open to Residents

3/7/2023 – 6:23 am

State Route 38 now open to traffic, in addition to SR 18 from Lucerne Valley for local residents, we expect the roads to open soon for guests.

Please visit out Weather and Road Conditions Main Page –

A message from the Visitors Bureau

First, the actions the Big Bear Visitors Bureau taken:

• Their public relations agency has proactively reached out to local and regional TV, radio, print and online outlets with information about the closure and the two alternate routes up to Big Bear Lake. We’re already starting to see those efforts reflected in coverage of the storm system that’s hitting Big Bear now.
• On the Visit Big Bear website and on our social channels, they’ve posted the same information.
• They’re monitoring road conditions and repair efforts and will continue to provide updates as they become available.

The Big Bear Visitors Bureau would also appreciate your help in getting out the message. The last thing we want to do is discourage visitation by talking about road closures, but they’re a reality and we’d like to avoid having visitors turned around trying to come up 18 from San Bernardino.

With that in mind, a few message points you might consider including in your communications, on your website, confirmation emails, on your social media platforms, etc:

• Highway 18 to Big Bear Lake from San Bernardino is closed due to a rock slide until at least March 9. There are two alternate routes:
  • From the West: HWY 38 from Redlands (it’s about 30 minutes longer than HWY 18 From San Bernardino)
  • From the East: HWY 18 up from Victorville (referred to locally as the back route)
• Before departing check CalTrans for the latest on road conditions, carry chains and know how to use them.
• When traveling in winter conditions make sure to bring extra water, food, warm clothes and a flashlight in case of emergency.
• Attached you’ll find a PDF of a map that Big Bear Mountain Resort has posted to its website. We’re providing it here as it may be useful to you as well. 
• For road closures and traffic information visit: CalTrans Quick Map
• For more winter mountain tips visit: BigBear.Com Winter Driving Tips

Current road restrictions and chain requirements are in effect on all highways to Big Bear. Stay up to date with road conditions and visit our blog for more tips to get on the hill quicker including current road restrictions, chain requirements and FREE child lift tickets.