The drive from the Rim of the World toward Cajon Pass follows winding CA-18 through the San Bernardino Mountains, offering sweeping views of forested ridges, deep canyons, and the distant Inland Empire. As you pass through Crestline, worthwhile stops include Baylis Park, a convenient mountain picnic area near Strawberry Peak, and Lake Gregory, a pine-framed alpine lake where visitors can walk, picnic, fish, and enjoy the shoreline scenery (U.S. Forest Service, 2026a, 2026b). The landscape around Crestline features Jeffrey and ponderosa pines, incense cedars, white firs, and black oaks; as the highway descends toward CA-138, these taller forests gradually give way to drier chaparral dominated by manzanita, ceanothus, chamise, live oak, and mountain mahogany (California State Parks, 2019).
Along CA-138, Lake Silverwood Scenic Overlook provides an excellent elevated view of Silverwood Lake, Pilot Rock, and the rugged slopes marking the transition between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Mojave Desert (U.S. Forest Service, 2025). Travelers with extra time can stop at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area for hiking, picnicking, fishing, or birdwatching before continuing to Mormon Rocks, whose pale sandstone formations form a dramatic gateway to Cajon Pass. Watch for mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, hawks, ravens, and other chaparral birds; around Mormon Rocks, the Forest Service specifically notes white-throated swifts, coast horned lizards, hawks, and ravens, although wildlife should always be observed from a safe distance (U.S. Forest Service, 2026c). Check Caltrans highway conditions before traveling because mountain weather, wildfire activity, or roadwork can affect the route.
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References:
California Department of Parks and Recreation. (2016). Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area [Brochure]. https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/650/files/SilverwoodLakeSRAWeb2016.pdf
California Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Current highway conditions: State Route 138. Retrieved August 23, 2026, from https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=138
U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.-a). Baylis Park Picnic Area. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/recreation/baylis-park-picnic-area
U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.-b). Lake Gregory County Regional Park. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/recreation/lake-gregory-county-regional-park
U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.-c). Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail 6W04. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/recreation/trails/mormon-rocks-interpretive-trail-6w04
U.S. Forest Service. (n.d.-d). Scenic drives. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sanbernardino/recreation/opportunities/scenic-drives
Please drive carefully and obey the speed limit.
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