Some of the businesses featured in this video may now be closed—either temporarily or permanently. Check the links below for the latest information.
A short drive from the surf and sand of Southern California, an entirely different landscape emerges: the mountains, 湖泊, and scenery of the Inland Empire. Head east from San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles, and take a California road trip along the 110-mile-long Rim of the World Scenic Byway, nicknamed for its stunning views along the cliffs of the San Bernardino Mountains. Here are five great stops to make along the way, culminating at 大熊 Lake.
Embark on the Rim of the World
The Inland Empire byway begins at 通过此计划, on State Highway 138 between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. You can take this California road trip year-round: You’ll want tire chains during the snowy winter, but that’s also when you can make snow angels in the Snow Play Area. Make the most of photo-op-ready turnouts, like Silverwood Lake Overlook off State Highway 138, which offers a view of the sparkling lake.
Recharge at Lake Arrowhead
Take a detour on State Route 173 to relax at this deep-blue mountain lake and the quaint town that neighbors it. Stay the night at Lake Arrowhead Resort & 水疗中心, just outside the village, where you can kayak across the lake, roast s’mores on the shore, or get a massage. While you’re here, hike a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail—about seven miles from the lake—or take a steamboat ride on the Arrowhead Queen to ogle lakefront homes and learn about the movies filmed here over the years. 停在 Shop Road Trip and pick up some hand-crafted pottery, sun-catchers, vintage rugs, and native-tribe-made sweaters (Ed. note: Shop Road Trip on the Rim of the World is permanently closed.)
Play at 大熊 Lake
Get on State Route 18 and head toward 大熊 Lake Village. Embrace the Alpine scenery on the western side of the Rim by staying in a modern version of a mountain cabin. The cottages of 中午小屋, which first opened in the 1950s, have been renovated with cedar detailing, 厨房, 壁炉, and cheeky-cabin decor (as well as TVs and WiFi). For a great breakfast or lunch, stop at 大熊 Local, owned by pro surfer Sanoe Lake Eaton and her husband, where they serve California-meets-Hawaii cuisine like teriyaki, 戳, and açai bowls, along with marshmallow-laced lattes. (Ed. note: 大熊 Local restaurant on the Rim of the World is permanently closed.)
Zipline Between the Trees
Skis, snowboards, and hiking boots may be the classic ways to enjoy 大熊, but they’re not the only way to get a head rush around here. 行动之旅 offers outings with snow shoes, Segways, and even tree-rope-climbing gear. Or, take one of their zipline tours, a three-hour adventure with nine runs amid the trees and mountain scenery.
Hike Castle Rock Trail
Get one more awesome view in the 大熊 area on the popular Castle Rock Trail, a sometimes-steep three-mile hike. The forest-lined walk takes you past huge granite boulders as you ascend through Ponderosa pines, 白冷杉, and incense cedars to get a panoramic view of 大熊 Lake. Come in spring or summer to see a waterfall, and keep an eye out for herons, 鹰派人士, and even bald eagles.
