Big Bear access cut off as California landslide washes out Highway 38 after Tropical Storm Mario

An iconic Southern California gateway to Big Bear Lake has been closed indefinitely after a landslide washed out a segment of Highway 38 during Tropical Storm Mario. The stretch from Angelus Oaks to Big Bear was shut down last week as the storm pummeled the San Bernardino Mountains.

Crews said the washout near post mile 23.9 erased sections of the roadway and pushed mud and debris onto the highway. Ten people traveling in six to seven cars became stranded Friday as the road dropped away with the hillside. Rainfall totals in the mountains reached up to two inches, with a few isolated higher totals, according to Fox Weather. Caltrans shared footage showing extensive damage to the roadway, the surrounding terrain and the infrastructure.

Caltrans District 8 officials said the damage was more extensive than initially believed, noting a complete washout of the road and debris flow from the El Dorado burn scar. The agency said the highway would remain closed indefinitely and is unlikely to reopen before the winter snow season.

Local business owners described a looming economic hit. Monica Aguilar, owner of The Oaks Restaurant, said the closure would take a heavy toll on winter business, as access to Big Bear is a prerequisite for many customers and staff. Residents noted longer commutes as drivers must detour around the mountain, with one person saying his usual ten-minute trip to Angelus Oaks now stretches to about two hours.

Officials advised travelers to use alternative routes: Highway 330 through Running Springs or Highway 18 from the north through Lucerne Valley.

Storms across the San Bernardino Mountains unleashed torrential downpours, triggering floods and landslides. Rainfall totals in the range of up to two inches, and higher in isolated pockets, coupled with debris from the El Dorado burn scar, amplified the risk of future slides on this corridor. The closure highlights the vulnerability of mountain transportation networks to intense weather and linked wildfire burn scars, which can magnify debris flows and road damage during severe storms.