The Rim of the World
Picture yourself driving atop what feels like a magic carpet of clouds, your everyday worries left behind you. Ziplining across majestic mountain ranges. Climbing massive boulders seemingly dropped by giants. Or cruising across a serene sapphire lake.
You have arrived at the Rim of the World — the name given to the mountain communities in the San Bernardino National Forest and a portion of the highway (SR-18) that traverses it — just a short drive, but a universe away, from the urban realities below.
Say farewell to honking horns and congested calendars. This is the serenity you’ve been seeking, complete with crisp, fresh air scented by cedar, dogwood and pine. And, it may be spring, but snow could still be on the ground.
Crestline: small-town feel
Begin in Crestline, just 13 miles north of San Bernardino, home to charming shops and restaurants. At its center is a jewel: Lake Gregory Regional Park, with land and water fun.
You’ll find an easy 2.5-mile sun-dappled trail around the 84-acre lake, two dog parks and a large picnic-worthy meadow. The frequently stocked lake has earned a reputation for outstanding fishing for trout, catfish and bass.
At the Boat House, you can pick up your fishing license and rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or fishing boats (or bring your own). Also available: nine-passenger electric Duffy Boats. With only non-motorized vessels permitted, Lake Gregory attracts swallows, peregrine falcons, Steller’s jays, great blue herons and more for superior birdwatching. You may even see a bald eagle dive for its dinner.
Lake Gregory’s swim beaches and inflatable water park open Memorial Weekend. Boating, fishing and guided ebike tours are available year-round, weather permitting.
Nearby, a don’t-miss stop is the award-winning Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery on Dart Canyon. Call ahead to reserve your wine or cider tasting.
Crestline is also a great choice for off-roading and hiking — including Heart Rock Trail with its 20-ft. cascading waterfall. And check out the top-rated paragliding launch site on Playground Drive. Schedule a tandem ride with a pro or watch the human birds soar.
Lake Arrowhead: resort living
Several miles east, you’ll discover Lake Arrowhead, with its alpine views and chic resort vibe.
The lake is private, fully accessible only to area homeowners. Visitors can experience its beauty in various ways, including a tour aboard the Arrowhead Queen paddle boat, lessons at McKenzie Water Ski School and private resort beaches. Or gaze at the glistening waters as you stroll through shops and eateries in Lake Arrowhead Village, also home to the Lake Arrowhead Visitor Center.
Is hiking more your thing? There are trails for all skill levels. The kid-friendly Will Abell Memorial Trail provides stunning views of Lake Arrowhead, while Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail presents a rocky landscape and the 7.2-mile Crafts Peak Trail appeals to experienced hikers with a 1,500-foot elevation gain.
The famed SkyPark at Santa’s Village provides no end of adventure-based activities for all ages, including ziplining, the Frozen Falls Climbing Tower, archery, ax throwing, fly fishing, pedal cars, a train ride and world-class mountain biking.
For an educational immersion, visit Heaps Peak Arboretum in Skyforest, where the gentle Sequoia Trail loops you through towering cedars, giant Sequoias and, in late spring/early summer, flowering dogwood trees.
Big Bear: four-season fun
Travel to the Rim’s eastern end for the exceptional Big Bear Lake, California’s largest recreational lake. As the elevation rises to nearly 7,000 feet, you see the landscape change as enormous boulders dot the hillsides.
Seven miles long (and one mile at its widest), Big Bear Lake offers something for everyone — from quiet inlets for kayakers to the chance to refine your jet skiing and water-skiing skills or to hop aboard all manner of motorized and non-motorized vehicles.
Away from the lake, zipline through the treetops up to 85 feet above the forest floor. Jump on your mountain bike at Snow Summit and Snow Valley ski resorts, home to lift-served downhill and cross-country riding. Or take the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair up to the 8,200-foot elevation for spectacular views.
In Big Bear, use the Cougar Crest Trail to link up to the famed Pacific Crest Trail, which extends from the U.S.-Mexico border to the U.S.-Canada border.
Animal lovers may want to stop in at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which specializes in the rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned animals and also houses animals that can’t return to the wild.
When it’s time to fuel up, pedestrian-friendly The Village at Big Bear Lake features a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars.
You’ll find a host of possibilities for lodging all along the Rim, from clusters of quaint cabins to motels, inns, lakeside resorts and campgrounds (including furnished vintage Airstream trailers at SkyPark).
At night, indulge in a meditative adventure — stargazing — always free along the Rim of the World and a wonder to behold.
