Info. About Routes

[Azusateach]

I took a drive up to Big Bear today, just because I could.    I went up 330 and came home all the way down 18, past Dogwood.  Both ways felt steep and awfully curvy to me.  While I did that kind of driving on my big trip this summer, the roads weren't nearly as busy as these are.  Even driving my VW Rabbit I felt pushed at times by people who were driving way too fast.

Can anyone tell me about the other route getting into Big Bear?  I know it comes from the high desert ... I think.  Is it as busy, steep and curvy?

BTW, I drove through the Serrano campground -- nice!  If we could get there and get the loop that has W&E it would be a great place for a rally.

Thanks for your help!

Laura -- and Jed

[Jamesdad]

The back way up to Big Bear is through the hight desert, Apple Valley. Take 15 north like your going to Vegas, once you get over Cajon Pass, go a little farther and exit Bear Valley. Go right and follow it all the way out, it will end at hwy 18. It has been many years since I have been up 18 to Big Bear. I drove a large furniture truck up there with a store I worked at and I do remember it being curvy, but I think it was wide enough for trailers. If my memeory still works, I believe it maybe a little to steep for trailers. If you drive it, let us know. Hope this helps.
 
Jamesdad

[Jamesdad]

My bad,
 
I didn't read your message close enough. Try hwy 138 at the Cajon Pass. I believe it goes there as well.
 
Jamesdad

[Recumbentman]

Laura
Hwy 38 which starts out in the Yucaipa/Redlands area is a long climb, but it is not a steep climb. it starts in the Forrest falls area and goes up though the east side of the mountain. Call up Mentone ca. and you will see Hwy 38, zoom out and you will see the Hwy going into big Bear. I have always wanted to go to Serrano campground . So let me know when you set-up this rally and we will be there.

[Hoagie]

We have driven Hwy 38 many times. It is my preferred route to Big Bear over the "front route" of Hwy 330. I've towed our trailer as far as Barton Flats CG with no problems. I don't see where getting to Serrano would be an issue either. Getting into Pine Knot might be a bit trickier.
 
Incidentally, semis regularly use both the front and rear routes to bring supplies into Big Bear. You'll also see large MHs, tour buses and other large vehicles. Towing a trailer is not an issue on these roads.
 
As for the people speeding up there, the speed limit is 55MPH most of the time on these roads. People being people, many will push this to 65 or better. Let them. There are plenty of turn-outs on these routes where you can let them speed on by. The CHP is very prevalent on these roads and almost every time we go up we see someone pulled over.

[rsgault]

Stephanie and I just got back from Serrano yesterday.  We went up 330 on Thursday night because it is a little shorter route and we wanted to get up before dark.  We came back down yesterday on 38 and had a much more enjoyable trip home.  It is a bit further mileage wise but not nearly as twisty.  The summit over the mountain is over 8000 feet however it is not too steep a climb.  I would recommend this route over 18 or 330 anyday.  

The campground is nice and just steps from the lake.  Our site even had a partial lake view.  We are planning to return next season so we might be able to put something together.  The campground does fill up quickly and can be hard to get into on the weekends during the season.  I believe that it closes in the fall and does not reopen until spring.

Rich

[cjpoppin]

I took a drive up to Big Bear today, just because I could.    I went up 330 and came home all the way down 18, past Dogwood.  Both ways felt steep and awfully curvy to me.  While I did that kind of driving on my big trip this summer, the roads weren't nearly as busy as these are.  Even driving my VW Rabbit I felt pushed at times by people who were driving way too fast.

Can anyone tell me about the other route getting into Big Bear?  I know it comes from the high desert ... I think.  Is it as busy, steep and curvy?

BTW, I drove through the Serrano campground -- nice!  If we could get there and get the loop that has W&E it would be a great place for a rally.

Thanks for your help!

Laura -- and Jed

Laura you do not want to come up the back way through the desert it is very steep and has some very bad switch backs not advised for trailers....
We go the 215 to the 210 to Hwy 18 which goes right by Dogwood this to is steep but we did it last week with the TT and it was OK.

[cjpoppin]

Stephanie and I just got back from Serrano yesterday.  We went up 330 on Thursday night because it is a little shorter route and we wanted to get up before dark.  We came back down yesterday on 38 and had a much more enjoyable trip home.  It is a bit further mileage wise but not nearly as twisty.  The summit over the mountain is over 8000 feet however it is not too steep a climb.  I would recommend this route over 18 or 330 anyday.  

The campground is nice and just steps from the lake.  Our site even had a partial lake view.  We are planning to return next season so we might be able to put something together.  The campground does fill up quickly and can be hard to get into on the weekends during the season.  I believe that it closes in the fall and does not reopen until spring.

Rich

We also go this way with the TT to Big Bear not a bad drive at all......To bad for us because Big Bear is only 45 min away for us doing the back way....