Hi Everyone,
I plan on going to Bear Mountain/Snow Summit in December with my friend. My mom is being a bit of a pain about the drive and I was wondering what State Route 18 was like from the Lucerne Valley? How serpentine is the drive? The mountain's website says it is the least weather affected and least mountain driving, but I want to hear it from you.
Thanks!
2007-11-30 13:40:49 · 6 answers · asked by HockeyDude87 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Los Angeles
It can be a little twist. But it is well maintained and wide.
2007-12-03 06:47:48 · answer #1 · answered by copestir 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've driven up and down this road and many like it. If you are a good driver, you should be OK, and the only way you are ever going to learn how to drive mountain roads is to drive mountain roads. The road to Big Bear is not that difficult. There are other much more treacherous roads, such as the road to Idyllwild, and the Ortega Highway. Just don't try to learn with a carload of people. You need to learn something like this with no distractions, as driving mountain roads takes 100 percent concentration. If you can, plan your trip so you are not driving at night, in fog, rain, or snow. The weather on that mountain can turn evil in a short time. I have gotten up there in beautiful sunny weather and within two hours it turned foggy and raining, on the verge of snowing. You absolutely must not drive like an idiot on a mountain road. The same small mistakes you make on the street in front of your house can get you killed on a mountain road. If you are the least bit nervous driving, you should by all means practice more and wait before you try anything like this. But if you feel confident, go ahead. Maybe you could let someone more experienced drive up there, then you could practice a bit while you are there. There is no substitute for experience.
2016-05-27 01:24:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going from Lucerne Valley, that's the least amount of mountain driving. Definitely the long way around if your're coming from LA, but great if you're worried about mountain driving.
The front way, highway 18, is fine if there's no snow, but it does wind quite a bit.
Good luck!
2007-12-01 12:52:14 · answer #3 · answered by Capt. Obvious 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Highway 18 up from Lucerne is by far the easiest drive to get up here. It does have some hairpin curves but you are only on the curvy section for about 20 minutes and it's not a fast road. You will be driving very slowly. Also it really is the least weather affected. Check the road conditions before you drive up http://www.bigbearinfo.com/weather.shtml
When driving back down keep your car in low gear and avoid riding your brakes. Also pull out if a local gets on your *** otherwise you will feel like you need to drive faster than you want to keep them from tailgating you.
Enjoy your trip!!!
If you have any other questions about Big Bear feel free to email me directly.
2007-12-02 12:15:31 · answer #4 · answered by Big Bear CA Realtor 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I heard 18 at Snow Summit is closed due to numerous rock slides today. Check ahead. Take chains just in case of snow. The road is pretty hairy in spots. Traffic can be bad on weekends. Have fun!
2007-11-30 17:33:26 · answer #5 · answered by daryle.leiker 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check out the hiway before you go. with all the fires and now rain and mud some of them are closed.
2007-11-30 17:12:19 · answer #6 · answered by kingsley 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋