Navigate Like a Pro

Make getting here and getting around a breeze so you can maximize your leisure time.

COME SEE US!

Make our Visitor Center (40824 Big Bear Blvd.) your first stop. Knowledgeable local staff are there to provide advice and recommendations daily. Plan your activities using our interactive table map and kiosks, and if you intend to do any hiking, be sure to purchase an Adventure Pass, which you’ll need to park in designated trailhead lots. And this is the spot to shop for official Big Bear merch!

One big way to be a responsible traveler is to consider when and how you get to and from Big Bear. With a few simple hacks, you can avoid getting stuck in traffic and be prepared for changing road conditions.

1 Visit midweek. You won't have any traffic, lodging rates are generally lower, and you’ll feel like you’ve got Big Bear all to yourself.

2 Leave before the slopes close. Leaving just an hour or two before the slopes close will save you hours of time driving home.

3 Take the long road home. Locals know that when it’s snowing, you’re less likely to encounter snow taking the longer route via Hwy. 18 through Lucerne Valley. It might seem counterintuitive, but the time you’ll save from not getting stuck in snow traffic will be well worth it—plus the changing landscape with the high desert views makes it an extra scenic route. (You might be lucky enough to see bighorn sheep, too!)

4 Use the free trolley. Keep your car parked and go car-free once you get to town. The Free Big Bear Trolley makes stops in all the hot spots. See the trolley map on page 16 to plan your route.

5 Check road conditions. Follow @visitbigbear and visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest weather and road conditions.

Tire Chains

WHEN DRIVING TO THE CALIFORNIA MOUNTAINS, YOU MUST CARRY TIRE CHAINS NOVEMBER 1 - APRIL 30.

• Buy chains before heading to Big Bear. While chains are sold at most auto supply shops, hardware stores, and convenience stores, they often sell out quickly when conditions are snowy.

• Check your owner's manual. To buy the right set of chains, you need to know whether your car is front- or rearwheel drive. Your manual will also be helpful for specs like tire size.

• Keep gloves in the car to wear while chaining your tires.

• Go slow in the snow. Drive 25 to 30 mph when chains are on.

• Learn to install chains via dot. ca.gov/travel/ winter-driving-tips /chain-controls

Winter Road Rules

AVOID WINTERTIME

DRIVING MISHAPS WITH THESE TRAVEL TIPS:

• Take it slow. Allow ample time to get to Big Bear. Leave plenty of distance between your car and the car ahead of you.

• Keep your windows and windshield clear. When you notice ice buildup, stop at a safe turnout to use a brush or scraper to clear the view.

• Keep your gas tank full in the unlikely event of a road closure or detour due to snow.

• Ensure your cell phone is fully charged before you hit the road.

• Print out a map of the area before leaving home in case your cell service drops along the way. Find maps and alternate routes at bigbear. com/travel-tools/ maps

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ROAD CONDITIONS

• Follow @visitbigbear, where information is posted in real time.

• Visit quickmap. dot.ca.gov for the latest travel info.

Be Prepared

KEEP AN EMERGENCY CAR KIT STOCKED WITH THESE WINTER-DRIVING NECESSITIES:

• Blankets

• Nonperishable food and bottled water

• Hand warmers

• Waterproof gloves

• Kitty litter (to provide traction on slick roads, in case you—or someone else—gets stuck)

• Battery-powered cell phone charger

• Flashlight

• Extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Ice scraper

Care For Big Bear

Help everyone arrive safely and on time by using turnouts to keep traffic flowing smoothly. During peak travel times, Hwy. 38 through Redlands is the fastest route to and from Big Bear. In town, don’t forget to use your turn signal!