Rim of the World Scenic Byway

California

National Forest Scenic Byway

Map

Byway Details

Designation
National Forest Scenic Byway
Length
99 mi in California
Managed by
Forest Service

About Rim of the World Scenic Byway

The Rim of the World Scenic Byway is a 99-mile drive through the Front Country Ranger District of San Bernardino National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The route links a string of communities: Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Running Springs, Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to drive it. Typical averages from the nearby Wrightwood weather station, at about 6,000 feet, show May highs near 69°F and September highs near 75°F, while winter highs sit in the upper 40s. The byway makes a natural base for exploring the surrounding area. Big Bear Lake offers fishing, and the Santa Ana River Trail and Little Green Valley are both within a short distance. Barton Flats campground is also close by.

Scenic byway data: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Facts about this place

When to go

Best time to go: Apr–Oct. The mildest months here, with typical highs of 60–83°F and lows of 32–53°F.

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Wrightwood, CA weather station, 8.5 mi away. High / low in °F.

  1. Jan48° high26° low
  2. Feb48° high25° low
  3. Mar54° high29° low
  4. Apr60° high32° low
  5. May69° high39° low
  6. Jun78° high44° low
  7. Jul83° high53° low
  8. Aug82° high51° low
  9. Sep75° high46° low
  10. Oct64° high37° low
  11. Nov55° high29° low
  12. Dec47° high25° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

Towns along the route
Crestline · Lake Arrowhead · Running Springs · Big Bear Lake · Big Bear City

Source: USFS EDW boundaries; USGS GNIS populated places

Conditions

Active alerts for Front Country Ranger District as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 2 miles of the route, PostGIS distance)

    Rim of the World Scenic Byway — Scenic drive in California | Roamze