Motorists traveling in and out of the San Bernardino National Forest this weekend should prepare for significant travel adjustments. The annual REVEL Big Bear Marathon & Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026. Local authorities and race organizers are advising drivers to expect partial road closures, pilot car escorts, and delays along Highway 38 and surrounding foothills.
Following extensive rebuilding from past mudslides, the highly anticipated downhill course is fully operational. This year’s point-to-point race will take thousands of runners from the high-altitude forests of Big Bear downhill to the finish line in the City of Redlands.
To accommodate the safety of the athletes, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local law enforcement will enforce the following traffic restrictions on Saturday morning:
- Highway 38 Southbound Lane Closure: The downhill (southbound) lane of Highway 38 will be entirely closed from 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM between Jenks Lake Road and Valley of the Falls Drive.
- Local Resident Access: Residents of Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls will be permitted to travel south on Highway 38 during this window but must follow a designated pilot car escort.
- Northbound Traffic: The northbound lane of Highway 38 will remain open; however, drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and watch for runners alongside the roadway.
- Foothill Delays & Escorts: From Forest Falls down through Mentone and Yucaipa, Highway 38 will remain open, but motorists should expect slower conditions and mandatory police escorts between 6:00 AM and 1:00 PM near intersections including Bryant St. and Mill Creek Rd.
- The Full Marathon kicks off at 6:00 AM near the base of Sugarloaf Mountain (near the CODES School) and runs down the mountain via Highway 38.
- The Half Marathon begins halfway down the mountain at Valley of the Falls Drive in Forest Falls. Valley of the Falls Drive will be fully closed to all traffic from 6:00 AM to 6:15 AM to launch the race.
- The Finish Line is located at the Redlands Sports Park (1790 Dearborn St.). San Bernardino Avenue between Wabash Avenue and Dearborn Street will experience complete closures from Friday through Saturday afternoon to accommodate the finish line festival.
Due to strict safety regulations, spectators are strictly prohibited from parking or standing anywhere along Highway 38. Friends and family are encouraged to gather safely along municipal streets in Redlands or directly at the Redlands Sports Park finish line to cheer on participants…