Facility Overview

The Sandalwood Lot (commonly referred to as Big Bear Lot 1) is a spacious, open-air surface parking facility situated at 100 Sandalwood Drive, just off Big Bear Boulevard (CA-18) in Big Bear Lake, California. Primarily serving as an essential satellite and park-and-ride shuttle hub for Big Bear Mountain Resort (Snow Summit and Bear Mountain), this outdoor lot offers generous capacity to absorb high-demand resort and regional tourist traffic. Because it is an expansive open sky surface lot without low overhangs or parking garage height clearance barriers, it comfortably accommodates full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs equipped with ski and snowboard roof racks, camper vans, and crossover vehicles. Drivers should be mindful that strictly no overnight parking or camping is permitted on the premises.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Conveniently located along the central commercial and recreation corridor of Big Bear Valley, the Sandalwood Lot places visitors within seamless reach of prime attractions across the mountain community:

• Big Bear Mountain Resort (Snow Summit & Bear Mountain): Connected directly via resort express shuttles operating frequently during ski season, transporting winter sports enthusiasts straight to the base lodges and chairlifts within an 8 to 12 minute transit ride.
• Big Bear Rodeo Grounds: On-site host location for the annual Big Bear Lake PRCA Rodeo and Carnival, offering direct step-out access during event weekends.
• Meadow Park & Swim Beach: Located roughly 1.5 miles west, offering public lakefront recreation, picnic facilities, and playgrounds.
• Big Bear Lake Village: Approximately 2 miles away, home to high-density alpine dining, apres-ski brewpubs, boutique shopping, and seasonal entertainment.
• Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve: Less than 1 mile east along CA-18, featuring scenic lake-marsh boardwalk walking trails.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing the lot is straightforward for motorists arriving via CA-18 (Big Bear Boulevard). Turning onto Sandalwood Drive leads immediately into clearly marked entry gates with directional signage. Ingress and egress are supervised by resort parking attendants during peak ski weekends and special festival dates to maintain smooth traffic flow. Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA / Mountain Transit) operates fixed routes along Big Bear Boulevard with stops near Sandalwood Drive, connecting travelers between the Village, Boulder Bay, and Bear City. During active winter operations, complimentary Big Bear Mountain Resort shuttle buses circle the facility continuously, picking up passengers directly from designated staging zones.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Expansive Open-Air Surface: Level asphalt and packed gravel parking areas capable of holding hundreds of passenger vehicles.
• Unlimited Vertical Clearance: No height barriers or ceilings, making it ideal for tall utility vehicles, roof cargo boxes, and oversized SUVs.
• Complimentary Resort Shuttles: Free bus shuttles running continually to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain throughout winter ski operating hours.
• Directional Parking Attendants: On-site traffic marshals guide vehicles swiftly into open bays during peak morning arrival waves.
• ADA Accessible Staging: Dedicated access points near shuttle loading shelters for travelers with mobility needs.
• Perimeter Lighting: Basic illumination for morning arrivals and late-afternoon return shuttle transfers.

Ideal For

• Skiers and Snowboarders: Winter day-trippers seeking a cost-effective, stress-free alternative when upper mountain resort base lots reach capacity.
• Festival and Rodeo Attendees: Visitors attending the summer Big Bear Lake PRCA Rodeo, local carnivals, and outdoor community gatherings.
• Day Tourists with Large Vehicles: Drivers with rooftop equipment boxes, heavy-duty pickups, and lifted mountain vehicles needing hassle-free flat parking.

Visitor & Driver Tips

When heading up during peak winter weekends or fresh powder days, arrive early in the morning (between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM) as remote satellite lots fill quickly once the primary base lots close to incoming traffic. Remember to note the shuttle pickup post where your bus dropped you off, as return routes separate between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter-rated tires or chains as required by Caltrans highway checkpoints along Route 18 and Route 330. Most importantly, strictly observe the posted no-overnight parking restrictions; vehicles left after resort or event operating hours are subject to immediate citation or towing by local code enforcement.