From a U.S. Forest Service Press Release
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. —Visitors to San Bernardino National Forest are urged to plan ahead before heading out this weekend. Damage and snow levels from multiple winter storms this month have prompted the closure of several mountain arteries and U.S. Forest Service roads.
Damage to highways 18, 74 and 243 has prompted Caltrans to close routes leading to the Idyllwild and Big Bear areas. Idyllwild and surrounding communities, accessible only via Highway 74 from the Palm Desert/Anza side, is open to “residents, cabin occupants, and business owners/employees,” according to the California Highway Patrol. The Big Bear Valley is accessible via Highway 38 and the backside of Highway 18 from Lucerne Valley in the Mojave Desert.
As things may change, the public is urged to keep checking Caltrans’ Quickmap tool athttp://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/for new closings and any re-openings over the weekend and beyond. The tool also informs the public about requirements for chains, which all vehicles should be carrying. Visitors are advised to also stock their vehicles with water, snacks, blankets, a charged cell phone, flashlight and a full tank of gas before going to mountain regions