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Directions to Big Bear Lake

Routes and Road Conditions in Big Bear

There are three main routes to Big Bear Lake. The most popular route is state route 18 through Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. The back route takes you through Yucaipa then winds through the San Gorgonio Mountains. The High Desert Route is the best route from Las Vegas.

Highway 330 to 18

This route offers breathtaking views as you ascend into the mountains with scenic vistas as you descend into the valley, with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. 


This is typically this fastest route for those coming from Southern California. The 330 is accessible from the 210 in Highland, Ca. The 330 offers high desert views as it slowly gains elevation and winds up the mountain. You will pass through Running Springs where the 330 will then become highway 18 which is often referred to as the Rim of the World Highway. Highway 18 will then bring you into Big Bear Lake by Boulder Bay. If staying in Big Bear, you will remain on Highway 18 and if you are heading to Fawnskin you will continue onto Highway 38.  It is a fairly calm ride through Arrowbear Lake, then you will experience significant elevation and sharp turns on a two lane road. The views are magnificent and thrilling. Be sure to stop at designated turn offs at viewpoints to grab a few pictures.

The Scenic Route

State Route 38

This route will take you longer to get to Big Bear Lake but it is still a beautiful drive. The "back way" is less traveled than the Scenic Route and can be less congested on peak weekends. This route begins near Redlands and Yucaipa. Begin state route 38 heading towards Forest Falls. This road wind and inclines up the moutain but is still less steep than the scenic route. You will be driving through the San Gorgonios with magnificent views. As you approch Big Bear City, be sure to stay on state route 38 as you will need to make a left turn. You will continue to head east on the 38 or Big Bear Blvd until reaching Big Bear Lake. 

The Back Way

Highway 18

This route via State Route 247 provides a scenic, yet different, drive through the desert and a gradual ascent into the mountains, allowing you to experience the contrasting landscapes of the region on your way to Big Bear Lake. 


This route is the most common route from Las Vegas. Route 247 is accessed in Barstow. However, if coming from Southern California, route 247 is easiestly accessed in Victorville. Route 247 is a two lane highway through the open desert and depending on time of day and year can be fairly quiet. Once reaching the Lucerne Valley, the route continues on State Route 18 which begins the journey up the mountain to Big Bear until reaching Baldwin Lake. 


At Stanfield Cutoff you will make a left, be sure to check out the views of the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve, then make a right onto highway 18. You will then find yourself in on the east side of Big Bear Lake approaching the Moonridge part of town.

High Desert Route

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do I Get to Big Bear Lake from LA?

    Driving Directions from Los Angeles:


    • Start on Interstate 10 East from Los Angeles.
    • Continue on I-10 East until you reach the interchange with Interstate 210 East.
    • Take the exit onto I-210 East toward San Bernardino.
    • Continue on I-210 East, which merges with State Route 330.
    • Follow State Route 330 up into the mountains.
    • At the junction with State Route 18, take the exit and merge onto State Route 18 East.
    • Follow State Route 18 East until you reach Big Bear Lake.

  • How do I get to Big Bear Lake from San Diego?

    Driving Directions from San Diego:


    • Start on Interstate 15 North from San Diego.
    • Continue on I-15 North until you reach the interchange with State Route 210 East.
    • Take the exit onto State Route 210 East toward Highland.
    • Continue on State Route 210 East, which merges with State Route 330.
    • Follow State Route 330 up into the mountains.
    • At the junction with State Route 18, take the exit and merge onto State Route 18 East.
    • Follow State Route 18 East until you reach Big Bear Lake.

  • How do I get to Big Bear Lake from Las Vegas?

    Big Bear Lake from Las Vegas:


    • Start by driving south on Interstate 15 from Las Vegas.
    • Continue on I-15 South until you reach the interchange with Interstate 40.
    • Take the exit onto Interstate 40 East.
    • Continue on I-40 East until you reach the interchange with State Route 247 in Barstow.
    • Take the exit onto State Route 247 South.
    • Follow State Route 247 South through the desert towards Lucerne Valley.
    • In Lucerne Valley, turn left onto State Route 18 East.
    • Continue on State Route 18 East until you reach Big Bear Lake.

  • How long is the drive from La to Big Bear Lake?

    The drive from Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake takes approximately 2 hours.

  • How long is the drive from San Diego to Big Bear Lake?

    The drive from San Diego to Big Bear Lake takes approximately 2 1/2 hours.

  • How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Big Bear Lake?

    The drive from Las Vegas to Big Bear Lake takes approximately 3 1/2 hours.

  • What the "Back Way" to Big Bear Lake?

    • Take the exit onto I-210 East toward Highland.
    • Merge onto State Route 330 and continue up into the mountains.
    • At the junction with State Route 18, take the exit and merge onto State Route 18 East.
    • Stay on State Route 18 East until you reach the junction with State Route 38.
    • Take the exit onto State Route 38 and continue on this scenic mountain route to Big Bear Lake.

    State Route 38 offers a picturesque drive through the mountains, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. It may take slightly longer than other routes, but it is a popular choice for those seeking a scenic drive to Big Bear Lake. As always, it's a good idea to check for any road closures or construction updates before your journey.

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