Lake Arrowhead Road Conditions Today

Live closures, chain controls, and driving conditions for Highway 18, Highway 330, and Highway 173 — straight from Caltrans, updated every 15 minutes.

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Live Road Cameras on the Way Up

Caltrans cameras along Highway 18 and the approach routes. May be unavailable during fire, snow, or weather events.

Hwy 18 at Lake Gregory

Hwy 210 at Waterman Ave (Hwy 18 turnoff)

I-215 North at Vine St, San Bernardino

Hwy 210 East of Milliken, Rancho Cucamonga

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Current Mountain Weather

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Next 6 Hours: Rain & Snow

Minute-by-minute precipitation outlook for Lake Arrowhead

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Routes to Lake Arrowhead

Three state highways carry traffic into the Lake Arrowhead area, and they do not close together. When one route is under chain control or shut for a slide, another is often still moving — so it is worth knowing all three before a storm.

Highway 18 — Rim of the World Highway

From San Bernardino, via Waterman Avenue

The main route to Lake Arrowhead and the one most visitors take. Highway 18 climbs from the Waterman Avenue exit off Highway 210 through a long series of switchbacks to the Crestline and Lake Arrowhead turnoffs. It is the road most likely to be under chain control during a storm, and the first one Caltrans reports on.

Highway 330 — City Creek Road

From Highland, joining Highway 18 at Running Springs

The shorter, steeper approach from the east side of the valley. Highway 330 meets Highway 18 at Running Springs, where you turn west for Lake Arrowhead. It closes for rockslides and storm damage more often than Highway 18, so check it before committing to this route.

Highway 173 — Hospital Road / Lake Arrowhead access

From Highway 18 into Lake Arrowhead Village

The connector that carries you from Highway 18 down into Lake Arrowhead Village and around the north shore. The paved section serving the village stays open year round; the unpaved stretch continuing north toward Silverwood Lake is closed to through traffic.

Chain Controls Explained

When snow reaches the highways, Caltrans posts a chain requirement level. The level tells you which vehicles may pass and what equipment they need. Requirements can change within the hour, so check the live conditions above before you leave rather than relying on the forecast.

R-1

Chains required on all vehicles except those with snow tires on the drive axle.

R-2

Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel and all-wheel drive with snow tires on all four wheels.

R-3

Chains required on every vehicle, with no exceptions. R-3 is rare and usually precedes a full closure.

Carry chains that fit your vehicle from November through April. Installers work the chain-up areas along Highway 18 and Highway 330 for a fee, but they are not always present and cannot be relied on during a heavy storm.

Lake Arrowhead Driving Questions

What are the road conditions to Lake Arrowhead right now?

Live Caltrans conditions for Highway 18, Highway 330, and Highway 173 are shown at the top of this page and refresh every 15 minutes. Green means the highway is open with no restrictions; yellow means chain controls, closures, or other restrictions are in effect.

Do I need chains to drive to Lake Arrowhead?

During and after winter storms, yes. Caltrans posts chain requirements as R-1, R-2, or R-3 depending on severity. Requirements change quickly, so check the live conditions above before you leave and carry chains in your vehicle from November through April even when the forecast looks clear.

Is Highway 18 open to Lake Arrowhead?

Highway 18 is the primary route and stays open most of the year. It closes temporarily during heavy snow, rockslides, and accidents. The live Caltrans feed above reports its current status, and the Hwy 18 camera at Lake Gregory shows the road surface.

Which route to Lake Arrowhead is best in the snow?

Highway 18 from San Bernardino is generally the safer winter choice. It is wider, better maintained, and plowed first. Highway 330 from Highland is shorter but steeper and closes more often for storm damage.

How long does it take to drive to Lake Arrowhead?

About 30 to 40 minutes from San Bernardino on Highway 18 in clear conditions. During a snow event with chain controls in place, allow two to three times that, and expect delays at the chain installation areas.

Road condition data is sourced live from Caltrans. Always confirm conditions before travelling in winter weather.

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