Do I Need Chains on SR-38?
Highway 38 from Redlands to Big Bear via Barton Flats — 8,443 ft
SR-38 over Onyx Summit is currently clear. No chain controls are in effect.
View Live Route Conditions on MapCommon Chain Control Checkpoints
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need chains on Highway 38 to Big Bear?
During winter storms, chain controls apply on SR-38. Onyx Summit reaches 8,443 feet -- the highest paved pass in SoCal -- so chain requirements can be stricter than on SR-330. Check the live status at the top of this page.
Is Highway 38 a good route to Big Bear in winter?
SR-38 has gentler grades than SR-330 but reaches higher elevation at Onyx Summit. It gets less traffic but also lower priority snow removal. Best as a weekend alternative when SR-330 is congested, but avoid during active storms.
Are there services on Highway 38?
Very few. There are no gas stations or services for long stretches through Barton Flats. Fill your tank in Redlands, carry water and snacks, and have offline maps downloaded -- cell service is spotty to nonexistent.
What is R1, R2, R3 chain control?
R1 means chains required except for vehicles with snow tires or AWD/4WD. R2 means chains required except AWD/4WD with snow tires on all four wheels. R3 means chains required on ALL vehicles. R3 usually precedes highway closure.