Facility Overview
The Sandalwood Lot is an essential remote staging and overflow parking facility operated for Big Bear Mountain Resort (BBMR) in Big Bear Lake, California. Located at 103 Sandalwood Drive, just off the primary mountain artery of Big Bear Boulevard (CA-18), this open-air, level surface lot is deployed to handle peak winter and summer guest overflow. Because the facility is entirely uncovered and open-sky, it offers virtually unlimited vertical clearance, making it fully accessible for standard passenger vehicles, large four-wheel-drive trucks, full-size SUVs outfitted with roof ski boxes, and high-clearance passenger vans. As explicitly noted in its local naming, strictly no overnight parking or vehicle camping is permitted at this location, and the lot is actively monitored.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Strategically situated within the Moonridge / central Big Bear Lake corridor, the Sandalwood Lot serves as a vital transit gateway to the area\'s premier winter sports and alpine recreation centers. When active, dedicated Big Bear Mountain Resort shuttles connect drivers directly from this lot to the base areas of Snow Summit (approximately 2 miles west) and Bear Mountain Ski Resort (approximately 2.5 miles south). Beyond the ski slopes, the lot sits within short driving distance or connection to the following attractions:
- Snow Summit Ski Resort & Bike Park: ~2 miles away, accessible via mountain resort shuttles.
- Bear Mountain Golf Course & Winter Resort: ~2.5 miles away, home to winter terrain parks and summer alpine golf.
- Big Bear Alpine Zoo: ~2 miles southeast, located near Moonridge corridor.
- Big Bear Boulevard Dining & Retail: Within 0.3 to 1 mile, featuring mountain outfitters, ski rental shops, local bakeries, and casual restaurants.
- Meadow Park & Swim Beach: ~2.5 miles west on the shores of Big Bear Lake.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Accessing the Sandalwood Lot is straightforward via California State Route 18 (Big Bear Boulevard). Drivers turn directly onto Sandalwood Drive, where electronic road signage and resort traffic control staff direct incoming traffic during busy weekends and holidays. Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) bus lines run along Big Bear Boulevard nearby, offering regional connections across the valley from Bear Valley Dam to Stanfield Cutoff and Baldwin Lake. Resort-operated shuttle buses provide regular, recurring loops throughout the day between the Sandalwood Lot and the mountain resort lodges, minimizing the need to fight traffic in the upper resort base lots.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Complimentary Resort Shuttles: Free passenger shuttle service operating directly between Sandalwood and the resort base lodges when the lot is open.
- No Height Restrictions: Spacious open-air layout easily accommodates lifted 4x4s, gear racks, roof cargo containers, and full-size trucks.
- Free Day-Use Parking: Complimentary daytime parking provided to alleviate mountain base traffic during peak season days.
- On-Site Traffic Attendants: Parking staff frequently guide vehicles into rows on high-volume holiday weekends and powder days.
- ADA Accessible Parking: Designated parking spaces available near the shuttle staging zone.
Ideal For
- Skiers and Snowboarders: Alpine sports enthusiasts visiting Snow Summit or Bear Mountain when primary base lots reach capacity.
- Mountain Bikers & Trail Hikers: Summer visitors heading up the mountain to experience alpine trails, summit lifts, and downhill mountain biking parks.
- Day-Trip Drivers: Visitors traveling up the mountain who want hassle-free, cost-free day staging without circling crowded residential streets.
Visitor & Driver Tips
To ensure a smooth day in Big Bear, remember that this facility strictly enforces a No Overnight Parking policy; vehicles left overnight are subject to ticketing and towing to keep the lot clear for snow plowing and morning operations. Always check dynamic highway message signs along CA-18 and the official Big Bear Mountain Resort mobile app or website before turning off, as the lot operates dynamically based on upper lot capacity. Winter drivers should carry tire chains and be prepared for compacted snow or icy conditions across the surface during midwinter storms.
