Last Updated: March 2026
Quick Answer
Big Bear Lake, California sits at 6,750 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 2 hours east of Los Angeles. The primary route climbs via Highway 330 (the Rim of the World Highway), one of Southern California's most famous mountain drives. Winter trips require snow chains, and peak weekend traffic can be brutal. Plan accordingly.
| Route | Drive Time | Distance | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Los Angeles | 2 hours | 100 miles | I-10 East to CA-210 East to CA-330 North |
| From San Diego | 3 hours | 150 miles | I-15 North to I-215 North to CA-210 East |
| From Orange County | 2.5 hours | 110 miles | CA-91 East to I-215 North to CA-210 East |
| From Palm Springs | 1.5 hours | 50 miles | CA-62 West to CA-247 North to CA-18 West |
Explore Big Bear → | What to Do in Big Bear →
From Los Angeles (2 Hours)
Take I-10 East to CA-210 East, then exit at CA-330 North near Highland. Highway 330 is the Rim of the World Highway, climbing through Running Springs before connecting to Highway 18, which takes you into Big Bear.
This route has the most dramatic elevation change: you go from about 1,000 feet to 6,750 feet in 30 miles. Expect tight switchbacks, 25 mph zones, and stunning views.
Gas stop: Fill up in Highland or Redlands. Big Bear gas is about $1 more per gallon.
Traffic warning: Friday afternoon traffic on I-10 East and Highway 330 can stretch a 2-hour drive to 3.5 or even 4 hours during ski season (December through March) and summer weekends. Leave before 2:00 PM or after 7:00 PM.
From San Diego (3 Hours)
Take I-15 North to I-215 North, then follow signs for CA-210 East toward Redlands. Exit at CA-330 North (Mountain Resorts). The mountain portion is the same as the LA route from Highway 330 onward.
This is a straightforward drive. Budget 3 hours with no traffic, closer to 3.5 on winter weekends.
From Orange County (2.5 Hours)
Take CA-91 East to I-215 North, then follow signs for CA-210 East toward Redlands. Exit at CA-330 North (Mountain Resorts). Same mountain ascent as above.
The "Back Way" via Highway 18
Take I-15 North over the Cajon Pass to Victorville, then CA-18 East through Lucerne Valley. This is the "desert route." It is longer in miles but has fewer hairpin turns and significantly less mountain-side exposure than Highway 330.
This is a good option when Highway 330 has heavy chain-control traffic backups, or for drivers who prefer a gentler ascent.
Winter Driving
Big Bear receives significant snowfall from November through March. Snow chains are required by CalTrans during and after storms. Even on clear days, CHP may enforce chain controls if ice is present.
- Carry chains even if the forecast looks clear. Conditions change fast at 6,000+ feet.
- 4WD/AWD vehicles with M+S (Mud and Snow) or Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake tires are exempt from R1 and R2 conditions but must still carry a set of chains in the vehicle by law. R3 requires chains on all vehicles regardless.
- Check conditions: Caltrans QuickMap has real-time road status.
- Chain installers are stationed along Highway 330 for $30 to $40 if you need help.
Pro Tip: Arrive Thursday evening for winter weekends. Friday afternoon traffic combined with chain controls can turn the drive into a 4-hour ordeal.
Parking in Big Bear
- The Village: Free parking lots on Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue. Fills on winter weekends by 10:00 AM.
- Ski Resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain have large parking lots ($10 to $20 on busy days).
- Trailheads: Most trailhead parking is free. A National Forest Adventure Pass ($5/day) is required at some locations.
- Big Bear Trolley: If parking in The Village or at the resorts is full, look for the Mountain Transit "Big Bear Trolley" (free/low cost), which runs between the resorts and The Village.
FAQs
Q: How long is the drive to Big Bear from LA? A: About 2 hours without traffic (100 miles). On winter Friday afternoons, expect 3 to 4 hours due to traffic and chain controls on Highway 330.
Q: Do I need chains for Big Bear in winter? A: Yes. CalTrans requires chains on Highway 330 and Highway 18 during and after snowstorms. Even 4WD vehicles must carry chains. Fines for driving without them during chain control start at $160.
Q: Is there a way to avoid the mountain switchbacks? A: Yes. The "back way" via Highway 18 from Lucerne Valley approaches Big Bear from the desert side with gentler grades. It adds time but avoids the steep Highway 330 switchbacks.