Rim of the World Scenic Byway Overview

Traversing the crest of the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, the Rim of the World Scenic Byway is an enchanting forested escape from the surrounding flatlands and urban areas of the Inland Empire. The route traces California's colorful history, and is a gateway to recreational opportunities unique to the San Bernardino National Forest.

Mormon Rocks Amid Green Trees (CA) [1]

Begin your journey at the Mormon Rock Fire Station on State Road 38 west of Interstate 15. From here, a half-mile trail takes hikers to pink sandstone formations known as Mormon Rocks. As you walk this trail, retrace routes traveled by Mormon pioneers in 1851. Continue traveling east on SR 138 to the Cajon Pass Overlook. This historic location connects the Old Spanish Trail, the Santa Fe to Salt Lake Trail, John Brown's Toll Road, and the Santa Fe Railroad. The route then travels through Horsethief Canyon, which Ute Indians used to move stolen horses out of southern California in the 1800s.

Head east and visit the State of California Recreation Area of Silverwood Lake and the Mojave River basin to the north. Climbing in elevation up to 4800 feet to the community of Crestline, State Road 138 merges and you now head east on SR 18 along the Rim. As you drive the Rim and pause in numerous pullouts, you will be rewarded with major vistas of the communities of San Bernardino and Redlands immediately south and the Los Angeles Basin to the west. State Road 18 was built in 1915 primarily as a parkway for pleasure driving. Now an urban commute road, the topography provides a drive seldom equaled.

Mill Creek Visitor Center (CA) [2]

Continuing along State Road 18, notice signs leading to side diversions such as the communities of Blue Jay, Twin Peaks, Arrowhead Lake, Skyforest, and Running Springs. If the drive becomes tiring visit numerous restaurants, shops and recreation sites in the small communities and natural recreation sites on the San Bernardino National Forest. At the elevation of 6,744 feet SR 18 and SR 38 join at the Big Bear Lake Dam. Rim of the World Scenic Byway runs on the north shore of Big Bear Lake and SR 18 travels on the south side though the community of Big Bear Lake. The lake is over 4 miles long, and you can drive both roads to loop around the lake.

Lake View Point (CA) [3]

Located on SR 38 near the community of Fawnskin on the north edge of the lake, the Big Bear Discovery Center is a large natural resources interpretive site operated by the San Bernardino National Forest Association. This site has interpretive exhibits for childern and adults and general visitor information for recreationalists seeking specific information about the San Bernardino National Forest.

Near the end of Big Bear Lake continue on SR 38 for the remainder of the drive through charming mountain communities, impressive vistas and finally to the Mill Creek Ranger Station at the end of the Byway. By now you've experienced some unique geography, history, and recreation you never knew you'd find in southern California.