SR-38 Road Conditions
Redlands to Big Bear via Barton Flats
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Driving SR-38 to Big Bear
Highway 38 from Redlands is the scenic back road to Big Bear Lake, passing through Barton Flats and the San Bernardino National Forest. It is longer than SR-330 but features gentler grades and less traffic. Onyx Summit on this route reaches 8,443 feet -- the highest paved pass in Southern California.
Chain Control Locations
Know Before You Go
- Onyx Summit at 8,443 ft gets more snow than the SR-330 route
- Long stretches without cell service through Barton Flats
- Narrower road with fewer guardrails compared to SR-330
- Can be closed longer after storms due to lower priority clearing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highway 38 a good alternative to Highway 330?
SR-38 is longer (about 45 minutes more) but has gentler grades and is much less crowded. It is a great option when SR-330 is backed up or if you prefer a more relaxed mountain drive. However, because it reaches higher elevation at Onyx Summit, it may have more chain requirements.
Does Highway 38 close in winter?
Yes, SR-38 can close during winter storms, especially near Onyx Summit. Because it carries less traffic than SR-330, it may be lower priority for snow removal and can remain closed longer. Always check conditions before planning this route in winter.
Winter Driving Guide for SR-38
The back road to Big Bear offers solitude and scenery but requires extra preparation in winter.
The Barton Flats Route
SR-38 climbs gradually through the San Bernardino National Forest, passing through Barton Flats campground and over Onyx Summit at 8,443 feet. The grades are gentler than SR-330, but the higher elevation means more snow and ice.
Limited Services
There are very few services along SR-38 between Redlands and Big Bear. No gas stations, no cell service for long stretches, and limited chain-up areas. Fill your tank, download offline maps, and be self-sufficient.
Chain Requirements
- R1: Chains required except for vehicles with snow tires or AWD/4WD.
- R2: Chains required except AWD/4WD with snow tires on all four wheels.
- R3: Chains required on ALL vehicles -- no exceptions.
When to Use SR-38
- Weekend Traffic: When SR-330 is bumper-to-bumper, SR-38 is often clear.
- Clear Weather: SR-38 is best in clear conditions when the scenery is spectacular.
- Avoid in Active Storms: The higher elevation and lower priority plowing make SR-38 riskier during active snowfall.