Big Bear to Lake Arrowhead
A Charming Escape Beyond Big Bear
Drive Overview
The drive from Big Bear Lake to Lake Arrowhead is approximately 28 miles and usually takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes without major traffic delays. The route follows CA-18 west through Running Springs before descending slightly into the Lake Arrowhead area.
For most visitors, this works best as a half-day or full-day outing, especially if you plan to spend time exploring the Village, eating by the lake, or taking a boat tour.
Main route:
- CA-18 West from Big Bear Lake
- Through Running Springs
- Into Lake Arrowhead Village
Alternate return option:
- CA-173 toward Rimforest and Hesperia Road for additional forest scenery and wider mountain views
This drive works especially well for:
- Families
- Couples
- Visitors looking for shopping and dining
- Casual sightseeing
- Easy day trips from Big Bear
What to Expect
This is a scenic mountain drive with steady elevation changes, forested sections, and winding curves throughout much of the route. While the roads are paved and maintained year-round, visitors unfamiliar with mountain driving should plan to take their time, especially during weekends or winter weather.
Compared to Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead feels more developed and resort-oriented. The Village area is compact and walkable, with shopping, restaurants, lake views, and seasonal events all centered near the waterfront.
Expect:
- Forest scenery throughout the drive
- Mountain curves and elevation changes
- Busy weekend traffic near the Village
- Cooler temperatures year-round
- A more polished resort-town atmosphere compared to Big Bear
The drive itself is scenic but not overly remote. You’ll pass through small mountain communities, pine forests, and occasional overlooks before arriving in Lake Arrowhead.
Best Stops Along The Way
Running Springs
Running Springs makes a convenient mid-drive stop if you want coffee, fuel, or a short break before continuing toward Lake Arrowhead. It’s one of the main mountain communities connecting the different lake towns and can also become busy during snow season weekends.
Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead Village is the heart of the area and the main reason most visitors make the drive. The alpine-style shopping center sits directly beside the lake and combines restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and lakefront walkways in a compact area that’s easy to explore on foot.
On weekends and holidays, the Village often hosts live music, seasonal decorations, and small community events that add to the atmosphere.
Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour
The Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat is one of the most popular activities in Lake Arrowhead because it gives visitors access to views of the private lake that cannot otherwise be seen publicly.
The narrated cruise explores hidden coves, lakeside estates, and local history while offering some of the best water-level views in the area. Tours typically run most of the year depending on weather conditions.
Mountain History Museum
Located near Highway 173, the Mountain History Museum offers a smaller but worthwhile stop for visitors interested in local history. Operated by the Rim of the World Historical Society, the museum covers the region’s logging industry, mountain communities, and film history.
Because it’s compact and free to visit, it works well as a quick stop without taking up too much of the day.
Belgian Waffle Works
Belgian Waffle Works has been a longtime Lake Arrowhead favorite since the early 1980s and remains one of the most popular places to eat near the water.
The lakeside patio is one of the biggest draws, especially during warmer months. While the menu includes sandwiches, salads, and savory waffles, many visitors come specifically for dessert waffles and pie.
This is often one of the busiest restaurants in the Village during weekends.
Best Time of Year
Lake Arrowhead is a year-round destination, but the experience changes quite a bit depending on the season.
Spring
Spring brings greener forests, cooler temperatures, and lighter crowds compared to summer. Snow may still remain on surrounding peaks during early spring.
Summer
Summer is the busiest season thanks to boating weather, outdoor dining, and Village events. Expect heavier weekend traffic and crowded parking lots near the waterfront.
Fall
Fall is one of the best times to visit thanks to cooler temperatures, changing leaves around parts of the lake, and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Winter
Winter gives Lake Arrowhead a completely different atmosphere, especially when snow reaches the Village. Holiday lights, cooler temperatures, and mountain scenery make this one of the more scenic winter drives in Southern California, though winter weather can also impact road conditions.
THings to Know Before you Go
Mountain Roads
The drive between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead includes winding mountain roads, changing elevations, and sections with limited passing opportunities. Take your time and expect slower travel speeds than normal highway driving.
Visitors sensitive to mountain curves may want to sit toward the front of the vehicle and avoid reading during the drive. Always carry snow chains.
Chain Requirements
Winter storms can bring chain controls to highways throughout the San Bernardino Mountains, including portions of CA-18 leading between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead.
Before traveling during winter, check:
- Caltrans road conditions
- CHP chain control updates
- Local weather forecasts
Even if roads appear clear in town, conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
Adventure Pass
Most stops within Lake Arrowhead Village itself do not require an Adventure Pass. However, if you plan to stop at National Forest trailheads, picnic areas, or recreation pullouts along the drive, certain locations may require a San Bernardino National Forest Adventure Pass.
Requirements vary by location and season.
Additional Tips
- Allow 4–6 hours total if exploring the Village and stopping for meals or activities
- Paid public parking near the Village can fill quickly on weekends
- Bring a light jacket even during summer — temperatures stay cooler than lower elevations
- Arrive early for easier parking and fewer crowds
- Winter weekends can bring heavy traffic delays throughout the mountain communities
Mountain weather changes quickly throughout the year. A sunny morning can turn into afternoon rain, snow, wind, or fog depending on the season. Dress in layers and check conditions before leaving.
Gas stations become less common outside the main town areas, especially on longer scenic drives. It’s best to fuel up before starting your route, particularly during weekends and busy holiday periods.
Cell service can become unreliable in parts of the San Bernardino Mountains, especially near forest roads, overlooks, and canyon areas. Download maps offline if possible and avoid relying entirely on GPS navigation.
Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area, especially during early morning and evening hours. Deer, hawks, coyotes, and even black bears may be seen near forested sections of the drive. Slow down and stay alert.
Do you Have an Adventure Pass?
Some trailheads, picnic areas, scenic pullouts, and National Forest recreation sites may require a San Bernardino National Forest Adventure Pass.
Winter weather can change quickly in Big Bear Lake and surrounding mountain communities. Chain controls may be required during storms, even for some AWD and 4WD vehicles. Before visiting during winter, always check current Caltrans road conditions and carry chains when required.