These are the nearest public or permitted snow-play options our sources name, with the agency or operator for each one.
Snow-play areas, with sources
Each spot below is named by the public agency or source linked in its card. Anything the source does not say is marked "Not stated by source".
Wrightwood snow play (Big Pines Highway)
Angeles National Forest near Wrightwood: turnouts named by a local guide
- Drive from downtown
- About 1 hr 15 min, 52 miles, with no traffic or snow (routing estimate from OSRM on OpenStreetMap roads). Snow-day traffic can double it.
- Cost or pass
- The local guide says a pass is needed
- Parking
- Not stated by source
- Rules
- The Forest Service says the Angeles has no designated sledding areas apart from tubing at private businesses. Snow play is informal.
- Call ahead
- Not stated by source
- Source
- Wrightwood Snow Play (local guide) (checked October 28, 2026) NBC Los Angeles, quoting the Forest Service (checked October 28, 2026)
Search on Google Maps
Mount Pinos area (Chula Vista Trailhead)
Los Padres National Forest, end of Mil Potrero Highway / Cuddy Valley Road
- Drive from downtown
- About 1 hr 53 min, 70 miles, with no traffic or snow (routing estimate from OSRM on OpenStreetMap roads). Snow-day traffic can double it.
- Cost or pass
- A recreation pass is required on Cuddy Valley Road, Snowbunny and Chula Vista, per the Forest Service
- Parking
- Not stated by source
- Rules
- Follow posted forest rules
- Call ahead
- Mt. Pinos Ranger District: (661) 245-3731
- Source
- USDA Forest Service, Los Padres NF (checked October 28, 2026)
Search on Google Maps
Aspen Glen Snow Play Area, Big Bear
San Bernardino National Forest, Mill Creek Road, Big Bear Lake
- Drive from downtown
- About 2 hr 37 min, 108 miles, with no traffic or snow (routing estimate from OSRM on OpenStreetMap roads). Snow-day traffic can double it.
- Cost or pass
- $5 a day or $30 a year. A recreation pass is required on Mill Creek Road and Tulip Lane when snow is present.
- Parking
- Limited parking. Vehicles must be legally parked and out of travel lanes.
- Rules
- Leash dogs (6 ft max). Pack out trash. No restrooms or water.
- Call ahead
- Mountaintop Ranger District: (909) 382-2790
- Source
- USDA Forest Service, San Bernardino NF (checked October 28, 2026)
Get directions
When snow usually arrives
Our sources do not give snow dates for these areas: Not stated by source. Mountain snow comes and goes with each storm, so call the number on the card before you drive.
Chains and road conditions
Caltrans uses three chain control levels, R1 to R3. Carry chains even with 4WD. Caltrans chain controls (checked October 28, 2026) Check Caltrans QuickMap before you leave, and do not park on shoulders where it is not allowed.