Rim of the World is a Scenic Byway in Southern California
Usa, north-america
177 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a 110-mile (177 km) stretch of pure Southern California magic. Seriously, this drive lives up to its name, clinging to the ridgeline of the San Bernardino Mountains like it's the best-kept secret in the state.
You'll be winding your way from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass, soaking in the views from Hwy 138 to Hwy 18 and finally Hwy 38. Budget around two hours for a one-way trip, but trust me, you'll want to factor in extra time for photo ops and maybe a picnic by one of the many lakes.
The whole route is paved, so no need for a special vehicle, but be warned: it gets twisty and steep in places. Keep your eyes peeled for other drivers, especially on busy weekends, and make good use of those pullouts. Weekdays are your friend here, and rumor has it the local police like to keep an eye on things when the tourists are out in force.
The scenery? Absolutely unreal. Think dramatic cliffs, sweeping desert and coastal valley views that give way to high-elevation forests, and those crystal-clear lakes. You're basically road-tripping through a postcard. Just be aware that summer smog can sometimes put a damper on those distant vistas.
This road is generally open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball with occasional closures due to snow and ice. Check conditions before you go, and be prepared to use chains if you're visiting during the snowy season.
Where is it?
Rim of the World is a Scenic Byway in Southern California is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.1589, -99.3531
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 177 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.1589, -99.3531
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMountain Baldy
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Mountain Baldy in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 9,163 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Forest Road 026 is your path to glory, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of tippy moments. Basically, a 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. And if you're not a fan of heights or steep climbs, this probably isn't your jam. You'll want to tackle this one in the warmer months, as winter turns it into an impassable snowdrift. If you do brave it in wet conditions, be prepared for some seriously muddy challenges. At the very top, you'll find a radio repeater, but let's be real, the real reward is the incredible view and the bragging rights!
hardWhere is Devil’s Hole?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Devil's Hole! Picture this: you're cruising through the Nevada desert, south-central part of the state near the legendary Death Valley. You'll find it nestled in the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. First things first, you’ll be driving on Devil’s Hole Road – all 8.5 miles (13.67km) of it are unpaved, stretching between Ranch Road and Ash Meadows Road. It's a pretty isolated spot, so come prepared. You'll have to park the car for the last little bit, but it's worth it. So, what IS Devil's Hole? It's basically a collapsed limestone cave, like a window into this massive underground aquifer system stretching across Nevada, California, and even into Mexico! The water's always around 91°F (33°C), and it's seriously deep – divers have gone down over 427 feet (130 meters) without hitting the bottom! Rumor has it, it might go down over 900 feet. But it’s not just the depth that’s wild; this place is home to the super rare Devils Hole Pupfish. And of course, there's the lore. Legend says this place got its name because of the eerie sounds echoing from the cavern, like the devil himself was roaring! There are stories of things disappearing into the depths and other strange happenings. Spooky, right?
moderateDriving the scenic Emerald Bay Road in Lake Tahoe
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising along Emerald Bay Road in California is an absolute must-do if you’re anywhere near Lake Tahoe. This scenic stretch hugs the western shore of the lake, offering views that will absolutely blow you away. Okay, I’m not gonna lie – it can be a *little* intimidating. This road is carved into the side of a mountain, and in some spots, you’re driving right along steep cliffs with, gulp, no guardrails. It's part of Highway 89, running up the eastern edge of California near the Arizona border. But seriously, don’t let that scare you off! The views are SO worth it. You’re high above the most incredible mountain lakes. Just take it slow and maybe avoid it if you're super afraid of heights. This paved road winds for about 18.6 miles (29.93km) from Lake Valley up to Tahoma, nestled in the Carson range of the Sierra Nevada. The highest point is Inspiration Point, sitting at 6,837ft (2,084m), a full 600 feet above Lake Tahoe! From there, the panoramic view of Emerald Bay, the boats bobbing on the water, Vikingsholm, and tiny Fanette Island is unbeatable. Heads up: parking here can be a beast during peak summer hours, especially mid-morning to late afternoon. Keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections (up to 9% grade). There's a particularly wild quarter-mile stretch where you're riding a ridge between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake, with a 600-foot drop on either side and, yep, still no guardrails. If it’s a windy day, maybe skip it. Beautiful, but whoa!
extremeSlide Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Slide Mountain in Nevada is seriously epic! We're talking about a summit sitting at a whopping 9,606 feet! As the name suggests, expect some rocky terrain – it's known for its, well, rock slides. You'll find this adventure in the Carson Range, and the road to the top is all gravel and rocks – think ski-station service road meets chairlift access trail. Be warned, it's STEEP, with grades hitting up to 30% in places. Loose stones underfoot make for a challenging climb, especially higher up. Timing is everything! Your window of opportunity is super narrow – aim for late August. The summit is a hub for communication towers (TV, radio, emergency services, you name it!). And hold on to your hat – the wind is relentless up there. Even in summer, you might get snow! Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. But the views! Oh man, the views! Lake Tahoe shimmering to the west, the Virginia Range sprawling to the east, Mount Rose and the Carson Range to the north, and the Sierras stretching south... it's a vista that'll blow your mind.