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Topic: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA (Read 332 times) previous topic - next topic
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Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
We arrived at Big Bear Lake California Monday coming up the mountain from  north to south on Highway 18 from Vegas on I-15.

The pulls were 10% grades for 30 minutes or more.  And we are towing our Honda CRV.

Our 2010 RB has no issues at all with the climb at slow speeds (the speed limits are 20-30 mph).   Because of switchbacks every 200 yards.

Any suggestions for another route with easier gradients going down?  Especially welcome are suggestions from our Lazy Daze family who have actually experienced the Bear Lake Beast.  And the route you took.

I am considering keeping the Toad off until more suitable flat land.  The elevation here is near 7,000 feet. The climb is 3,500 feet in 10-15 miles.

As always, any constructive suggestions from our LD family are welcome.

Cheers!

Tony R (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #1 –
No easy way down…D2 the entire way down.
I recall parts of Hwy 49 D1 - thank the Lord we had no issues.
1994 Twin King
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #2 –
Anytime I'm overly concerned about a long, steep upgrade or downgrade, we disconnect and have the copilot drive the toad.
On this summer's 4000-mile trip to Wyoming, we never disconnected for any grade, most can be done safely using a low gear and the proper braking techniques.
I check the Mountain Grade Directory when planning trips to new areas so have an idea of what to expect.

Long, 10% grades are worth disconnecting for if a second driver is available, no need to stress either the LD or the brakes on the toad, it is much easier on the equipment to separate them. Fuel usage will not change much.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #3 –
Hi Tony;  We just spent the past week (8 days) at Serrano Campground near Fawnskin, with Kent (Heckethorn) and a few days with Harold & Cyndi (BlueOx25).  We left the Monday that you were arriving. We took 18 west to 38 and 330 down to Redlands, then 210 south  to 10 East.   Lots of switchbacks, but many unofficial places to pull over, many more designated turnouts and several passing lanes. Very well organized but make sure your brakes are good.  Many other motorhomes were towing, along with a lot of truck/trailer combinations.  We spent a lot of time in second gear and some time in third gear.  The more local traffic, that goes up and down the hill frequently are used to slower vehicles like us. Every one seemed very courteous, despite most cars being 'in a hurry'.  Conditions were sunny (warm) and clear until we got to Redlands where it was what I considered to be too hot.  It is August after all.  The nights were in the mid 50's, daytime warm and dry.  Big Bear City just a mile or two away.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #4 –
Tony.

We always catch Bear Valley Blvd off the 15 at Hesperia. Bear Valley takes us directly to the 18 and from there we pass through Lucerne Valley where 18 takes us up and over the top in about 30 minutes from the bottom of the hill.

Several switch back turns that require shifting to 2nd or 1st gear for short periods. Very doable without a Toad. Our e450’s have no issues going up or down these grades. Many call this route “going up the backside”. It’s quick and easy compared to coming up the “front side”.

Heading back home I generally come down the back side again if I’m heading out on a Monday thru Thursday. The backside route generally has only a handful of cars. The frontside has hundreds of travelers. 😵‍💫

Southbound on the 15 out of Hesperia on the weekends can be very heavy with Vegas to LA travelers. I headed home from Big Bear this past Monday and the traffic was moderate with no slowdowns.

If I head home from Big Bear on the weekends, I take the 38 to 18 to 330 to the 210 to avoid the traffic that builds up on the 15 on weekend traveler’s. Ron and I actually stayed til Monday to avoid the weekend traffic. He went down the frontside and I went down the backside.

So to answer your question, the route down the backside is the quickest route. Maybe a twenty minute drive. Switchbacks are slow. Gearing down and Tow Haul is recommended. Frontside is doable but the road down is an hour of switchbacks.

You didn’t mention your CG in Big Bear. Ron, Harold and I were at Serrano CG on the Fawnskin side of the lake. Very nice CG with easy access to town.

Enjoy your time at the lake.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #5 –
Thanks to all of you wonderful LD family.

This was the info I inquired about and of course you did not disappoint.  Ever.

We are at the Lighthouse RV Resort in Fawnskin, perhaps a mile north of where you were at Serrano. We actually planned to be here last week but had to push back a week.  Sorry we missed you.

Interesting that the owners here also have a 2001 LD.

Cheers my friends.

Tony Romano (aka codefour)
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #6 –
Hi Tony,

The Lighthouse RV Park and it’s store is directly across the road from Serrano. I often avail myself of the store’s refreshing ice cream selection.

You’ll have to let us know how the RV Park is. Enjoy your stay. 

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Coming Down the Mountain from Big Bear Lake CA
Reply #7 –
Kent

Lighthouse RV has been here since the early 60’s.

Family owned and operated it is quaint, very clean and secure. In/out of campground only by key pad code to open the entrance gate.

Full hook up’s.   No pool or children's play areas. A nice doggie park and wonderful store for needed essentials and gifts if desired. It is quiet. Calm. We consider this park a 55 and older ideal respite.

If you are seeking the park to provide you with entertainment, you would be disappointed. For avid readers as we are this site is ideal.

There is a bike (electric) rental and kayak in front of the park. The bike path to town is right outside the gate of Lighthouse.

This park is and has been the destination for antique campers and RVs. As mentioned in my earlier post the owners have a Lazy Daze.

There are several trailers from the 50’s here today. Some earlier.

Please confirm this but I think they open 1st May and close the end of October each year.

Rates for us were mid sixty-dollars a day and if you stay a full week you receive one free day (I believe).

Of course these are only our opinions and yours may differ.

Cheers.

Tony R (aka codefour)

 
Tony R
2010 LD RB - Sold to another happy LD Family