Thanks Hiker
for reporting paved section of Rt 173 from Lake Arrowhead & Bradford Ridge trail was (2 weeks ago)/ and is usually open.
I guess the information on Caltran's road conditions site is anything but clear.
Hiker says they don't plow this road but sounds like it gets little snow and what little they get often melts in a day or 2.
.
The dirt section of rt 173 from west of trail head to dam in Hesperia, OTOH, is bad & best avoided.
Main Recommended route via Bowen Ranch is dirt and also is chancy on rainy or snowy days.