This 110-mile route transverses the entire mountain range, from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass. You will experience a diverse and remarkable landscape while viewing the highest mountains in Southern California. The highway is part of the National Scenic Byway System, so watch for signs along the way. Interpretive panels at Heaps Peak, Meadow's Edge Picnic Area (Big Bear) and Barton Flats Visitor Center (summer only) tell the story of the early inhabitants in the mountains as well as the wildlife you can find today.

Points of Interest: Silverwood Lake, Heaps Peak Arboretum, Keller Peak Lookout, Children's forest, Big Bear Discovery Center, Big Bear lake, Onyx Summit.

Elevation: 2,940 Feet

Ending elevation: 2,750 Feet

Elevation Gain: 190 Feet

Directions: From Cajon Junction, Take Hwy. 138 east exit from I-15 in Cajon Pass (elevation 2940 feet). Follow the highway until it meets Hwy. 18 just past Crestline. Follow Hwy. 18 along the rim of the mountains to Big Bear lake. Begin following Hwy. 38 on the north side of the Lake, crossing the lake at the east end. The Byway begins climbing with Hwy 38 over Onyx summit (8443 feet) and then drops into Barton Flats, a forested flatland above the Santa Ana River. Continue downhill through Mill Creek Canyon to the forest boundary near Mill Creek Ranger Station (2750 feet) Access to I-10 is close by via Yuciapa or Redlands.

Visitor Information

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