Drive Overview
The drive from Big Bear Lake to Oak Glen is approximately 40 miles and usually takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes depending on traffic and stops along the way.
The route follows:
- CA-38 west from Big Bear Lake
- Through Angelus Oaks
- Down into Oak Glen and Yucaipa
This drive combines mountain scenery with a noticeable landscape change as you descend from pine forests into oak-covered hills and orchard country.
The roads are paved and maintained year-round, but visitors should expect:
- Mountain curves
- Steep grades
- Slower travel speeds
- Seasonal traffic during fall harvest months
For visitors wanting different scenery on the return trip, CA-18 through Lucerne Valley offers a longer desert-view alternative back toward Big Bear.
This drive works especially well for:
- Families
- Couples
- Fall day trips
- Food-focused outings
- Scenic drives with easy walking stops
Traveling with A Dog?
The route into Oak Glen includes mountain roads and a steady descent, which can be challenging for some dogs. Once you arrive, many orchards welcome leashed dogs, making it one of the better day trips for visitors traveling with pets.
Drive Quick facts
Best Stops Along The Way
Angelus Oaks
Angelus Oaks is a small mountain community along CA-38 that works well for a quick stop before descending toward Oak Glen. The surrounding stretch of highway is one of the quieter mountain drives in the region and offers dense forest scenery with fewer crowds than other mountain routes. Its a great place to stop for snacks and coffee.
Los Rios Rancho
Los Rios Rancho is the oldest operating apple ranch in Oak Glen and one of the area’s most scenic stops. Originally established in the early 1900s, the ranch is known for seasonal apple picking, fresh cider, berry picking, live music events, and wide-open orchard views.
Depending on the season, visitors may find:
- U-pick apples
- Pumpkin patches
- Raspberry picking
- Nature trails
- Outdoor farm events
The property feels more spread out and scenic than some of the busier roadside orchard stops.
Snow-Line Orchard
Snow-Line Orchard is one of the most famous stops in Oak Glen and is especially known for its mini cider donuts, cider mill, baked goods, and seasonal apple picking.
The orchard dates back to the late 1800s and remains one of the busiest attractions during harvest season. Visitors can also find:
- Hard cider
- Wine tasting
- Fresh jams and honey
- Seasonal berries
- Farm market goods
Weekend lines here can become very long during fall afternoons, especially for donuts and cider.
Oak Glen Preserve
Managed by The Wildlands Conservancy, the Oak Glen Preserve protects hundreds of acres of oak woodland, meadows, and streams just outside the main orchard area.
The preserve is free to visit and offers easy-to-moderate walking trails that work well after lunch or orchard visits. Compared to the busier farm areas, this stop feels quieter and more natural.
The preserve is especially scenic during:
- Spring wildflower season
- Fall color changes
- Cooler morning hikes
Apple Annie’s Restaurant & Bakery
Apple Annie’s is one of Oak Glen’s longtime local favorites and a popular lunch stop during day trips from Big Bear Lake.
The restaurant focuses on comfort food and homemade baked goods, including:
- Pot pies
- Sandwiches
- Soups
- Apple pie
- Cobbler
- Apple turnovers
Many visitors stop here specifically for dessert and cider after exploring the orchards. The nearby village shops also make it easy to browse local crafts, jams, and gifts before returning to Big Bear.
Best Time of Year
Spring
Spring brings green hillsides, wildflowers, and lighter crowds. This is one of the quieter times to visit and works especially well for hiking and peaceful orchard walks.
Summer
Summer offers warm weather and farm activity without the heavy crowds of apple season. Some berry picking and outdoor events begin during this time.
Fall
Fall is the most popular season in Oak Glen thanks to apple harvests, cider season, pumpkin patches, and cooler temperatures. September through November is by far the busiest time of year.
This is also when:
- Orchard lines are longest
- Parking lots fill quickly
- Weekend traffic increases significantly
Winter
Winter is much quieter and more relaxed. Some farms operate with reduced seasonal activities, but the area still offers scenic countryside views, bakeries, and peaceful mountain surroundings.
More Scenic Drives
THings to Know Before you Go
Mountain Roads
The drive between Big Bear Lake and Oak Glen includes winding mountain roads, steep grades, and changing elevations. While the drive is very scenic, visitors unfamiliar with mountain driving should allow extra travel time and avoid rushing.
CA-38 is generally calmer than some other mountain highways, but curves remain consistent throughout much of the route.
Chain Requirements
Winter weather can impact portions of CA-38 between Big Bear and Oak Glen, especially at higher elevations near Big Bear Lake and Angelus Oaks.
Before visiting during winter months, check:
- Caltrans road conditions
- CHP chain control updates
- Current mountain weather forecasts
Even when Oak Glen itself is clear, upper elevations near Big Bear may still have winter driving conditions.
Adventure Pass
Most orchard stops, restaurants, and businesses in Oak Glen do not require an Adventure Pass. However, some National Forest pullouts, hiking areas, or picnic sites along the drive near Big Bear or Angelus Oaks may require a San Bernardino National Forest Adventure Pass.
Requirements vary depending on location and season.
Additional Tips
- Plan for 4–6 hours total including stops and meals
- Arrive early during fall weekends for easier parking and shorter lines
- Bring a cooler if purchasing cider, pies, or perishable farm goods
- Comfortable walking shoes are helpful for orchards and trails
- Temperatures can vary significantly between Big Bear and Oak Glen
- Mid-week visits are usually much quieter during apple season
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.
Big Bear Lake to Oak Glen
Southern California's Apple Capital
At A Glance
One of the best food-focused day trips from Big Bear Lake, this drive takes you from alpine forests into Oak Glen’s famous apple orchards, cider mills, bakeries, and countryside scenery. Fall is especially popular, but the route is scenic year-round.
Adventure pass
Many popular stops along Big Bear's scenic routes are located on National Forest land where an Adventure Pass may be required.
Discover More of Big Bear Lake
There's so much to see and do in every season. Explore hiking trails, wildlife, attractions, and more.