John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints


Rim Of The World Drive, California (California State Highways 18 and 138) Through The San Bernardino National Forest

Location

From Cajon Junction on I-15, north of San Bernardino, take California State Highway 138 East, which is clearly signposted. At Crestline signposting was very confused when we visited, mainly due to road construction taking place. South of Crestline take California State Highway 18 East to the town of Big Bear Lake. California State Highway 18 then continues, turning north and descending rapidly to Lucerne Valley which is in the Mojave Desert.

It is also possible to take California State Highway 18 north from San Bernardino so as to join this route south of Crestline.

Most maps mark California State Highway 128 between its junction with California State Highway 138 south of Crestline and Big Bear Lake as the Rim Of The World Drive.

However, some maps mark California State Highway 18 between its junction with California State Highway 138 south of Crestline and Big Bear Lake as the Rim Of The World Highway, and California State Highway 18 between San Bernardino and its junction with California State Highway 138 south of Crestline as the Rim Of The World Drive. I do not know which is the more correct.

Description

Within a quarter of a mile of I-15, California State Highway 138 becomes a peaceful scenic rural road. There are good views of Silverwood Lake to your left (north) as you proceed eastwards.

The views from California State Highway 18 between its junction with California State Highway 138 and Big Bear Lake are generally reported as being excellent. Unfortunately there was thick fog when we drove this road, so sadly I cannot comment on the views myself. The road passes through some small rural mountain communities, most of which offer some accommodation for visitors.

A diversion to the north allows a visit to Lake Arrowhead. Due to the fog we didn't take this diversion.

The descent from Big Bear Lake to Lucerne Valley is highly scenic and the change with altitude from alpine vegetation to desert vegetation is most interesting.

Big Bear Lake is described on a separate page.


California

Amusing, Interesting And Mysterious Place Names

National Forests

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Most recently modified 8-Sep-02