Whether you enter these mountains from the 138, the 18 or the 38, the Rim of the World Drive includes spectacular mountain views, towering alpine forests and pristine lakes. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, these mountains offer a wide variety of activities including three ski resorts, lakes stocked with trout and bass, mountain roads and trails, campsites, and an abundance of wildlife.

The San Bernardino Mountains tower more than a mile high above the coastal plain of Southern California and include 1270 square miles. They have the Mojave Desert as a northern neighbor, and rise to their highest peak (San Gorgonio Mountain) at 11,502 feet. Many other peaks reach over 10,000 feet, and the “Rim of the World Highway” crosses over 8,500 feet.

The San Bernardino Mountains are dotted with both natural and man-made lakes. The man-made lakes include Arrowhead, Arrowbear, Gregory, Green Valley and Big Bear. Natural lakes include Baldwin (dry), Erwin, Bluff, Dry and Dollar. Several lakes are well stocked with fish.

From cactus and Joshua trees on the northeastern edge, to towering Cedars and Pines on the western end, the mountains are filled with a variety of beautiful trees. Other trees include Douglas Fir, Jeffery Pine, Mountain Mahogany, Aspen and Lodgepole Pine.

Originally home to the Serrano Indians, the mountains were settled in the mid-to-late 1800’s because of the lure of gold and timber. Now, the lure of a higher altitude and change of pace bring new and repeat visits to Southern California's highest peaks, the San Bernardino Mountains.