Rim of the World Scenic Overlook
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and surreal cloud inversions on California's Rim of the World Scenic Drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for cloud inversions
Rim of the World Scenic Overlook
Best Time
Best chance for cloud inversions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and surreal cloud inversions on California's Rim of the World Scenic Drive.
"The Rim of the World Scenic Drive is an absolutely stunning destination that I highly recommend."
🎯 Catch the Cloud Inversion
Visit early morning for the best chance to see a cloud inversion. It's a magical sight!
🚗 Drive Safely on Hwy 18
Be aware of winding roads and other drivers. Use pull-offs for photos and rest.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cloud Inversion Views
Witness a surreal sea of clouds below, creating a dreamlike landscape. Best seen in the early morning.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains and surrounding valleys unfold at every turn.
City Lights at Night
Experience the dazzling spectacle of city lights twinkling below after sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Cloud Inversions
Navigating Highway 18
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Cloud Inversion
Visit early morning for the best chance to see a cloud inversion. It's a magical sight!
🚗 Drive Safely on Hwy 18
Be aware of winding roads and other drivers. Use pull-offs for photos and rest.
🌃 City Lights Spectacle
The view of city lights at night is unforgettable. Bring a camera!
🚯 Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful place clean by taking all your litter with you. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Cloud Inversion
Visit early morning for the best chance to see a cloud inversion. It's a magical sight!
🚗 Drive Safely on Hwy 18
Be aware of winding roads and other drivers. Use pull-offs for photos and rest.
🌃 City Lights Spectacle
The view of city lights at night is unforgettable. Bring a camera!
🚯 Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this beautiful place clean by taking all your litter with you. [^Review]
📸 Plenty of Pull-Offs
Numerous scenic overlooks allow for safe stops to admire the views. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Rim of the World Scenic Drive for its breathtaking panoramic views and the unique experience of cloud inversions. The drive itself is considered enjoyable, with ample pull-offs for sightseeing. However, some reviews mention litter in certain areas, detracting slightly from the natural beauty.
"Visited in August 2025. While the air quality was not great at that time due to some wildfires in the national forest, it was still such a breathtaking drive! I liked the amount of pull-off areas to stop at viewpoints, and they were big enough to accommodate multiple cars at a time. Beautiful views all around! I would want to go back again at night to see the city lights down below. My only gripe is that I noticed lots of litter in the grassy areas and at the base of the sign entering the national forest!. Hopefully some cleanup can be done :)"
Grace-Anna Davis
"The Rim of the World Scenic Drive is an absolutely stunning destination that I highly recommend. The road is well-maintained and safe, making it a pleasure to drive along. During my journey, I spotted police patrols twice, which added to the sense of security on this beautiful route.The scenery is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains and lush forests. Each turn reveals new vistas that make the drive feel like a continuous adventure. The area is perfect for stopping and taking in the natural beauty, whether it’s at one of the scenic overlooks or nearby attractions like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.Overall, my experience was fantastic. The combination of clean roads, beautiful landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere makes the Rim of the World Scenic Drive a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy Southern California's natural beauty. Don't miss out on this incredible drive!"
Manas Sarkar
"Five stars is not enough. This drive is amazing, and if one is willing to pull aside, get out of the car, and look, the views are stunning. Not only are there beautiful mountains and foliage to marvel, but the views of San Bernardino are like none other. I'd strongly recommend this drive."
Madison Lockport
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rim of the World Scenic Drive (Highway 18) is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Orange County and Los Angeles. Take Highway 18 North from San Bernardino. The drive itself is the attraction, with numerous pull-offs along the way. +1
Yes, the road is generally well-maintained and safe for driving. However, it is a mountain road with winding sections, so drive cautiously. [^Review]
Yes, the Rim of the World Scenic Drive is accessible in winter, and it can offer beautiful snowy landscapes. Be sure to check road conditions and carry chains if snow is expected.
The entire drive is scenic, but there are many designated pull-off areas and overlooks that offer stunning panoramic views. The 'Rim of the World' sign itself is a popular photo spot.
Highway 18 features many zigzagging sections and can be steep in parts. While beautiful, it requires attentive driving. Some users have reported aggressive drivers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to drive the Rim of the World Scenic Drive or stop at the overlooks. It's a public highway.
Typically, there are no parking fees at the designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks along Highway 18.
The scenic drive is a public highway and is open 24/7. However, visibility for views is best during daylight hours, and night views of city lights are also popular.
While the scenic drive itself is free, if you plan to stop and explore specific areas within the San Bernardino National Forest, a Forest Adventure Pass may be required for day-use parking at certain trailheads or picnic areas. Check the US Forest Service website for current requirements.
While there aren't official 'tickets' for the drive, many local tour operators offer guided trips to Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountain areas, which often include the Rim of the World Scenic Drive.
📸 📸 Photography
Any of the numerous pull-offs offer fantastic photo opportunities. The early morning for cloud inversions and evenings for city lights are particularly photogenic. +1
Absolutely! The view of the sprawling city lights below at night is spectacular and makes for stunning photographs. [^Review]
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Early mornings are also ideal for capturing the unique cloud inversion phenomenon.
The sign marking the 'Rim of the World' is a popular spot for a quick photo. Beyond that, the beauty lies in the vast, ever-changing vistas from the various overlooks.
For wide-angle shots, use a wide aperture to capture depth. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare. A tripod is recommended for low-light conditions, especially for night shots.
🎫 🌲 Nature & Wildlife
You'll encounter beautiful mountain scenery, pine forests, and diverse flora. Depending on the season, you might see snow-capped peaks or lush greenery. +1
Yes, the Rim of the World Scenic Drive passes through the San Bernardino National Forest, which offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might spot deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals in the surrounding forest areas. Always maintain a safe distance.
The diverse habitats within the San Bernardino National Forest make it a good location for birdwatching, especially for species adapted to mountain environments.
Take advantage of the many pull-offs to stop, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and truly appreciate the expansive views. Consider a short hike to immerse yourself further.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the drive itself is engaging, consider incorporating a short, easy hike within the San Bernardino National Forest if your children are up for it. This allows them to connect more directly with the natural environment. Ensure everyone is dressed in layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. The drive is generally safe, but always supervise children closely at overlooks.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan for ample stops to truly appreciate the scenery. Consider combining this drive with a visit to nearby mountain towns like Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear Lake for a more complete mountain getaway. The opportunity to witness unique phenomena like cloud inversions adds an extra layer of allure for dedicated road trippers seeking memorable experiences.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Utilize the many pull-offs for diverse shots. Consider visiting during different times of day to capture the changing light and moods of the mountains. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to encompass the vastness of the landscape. Don't forget to capture the journey itself, including the winding roads and the iconic 'Rim of the World' sign.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Cloud Inversions
To maximize your chances, aim for a clear, cool morning, especially during the fall and winter months when temperature inversions are more common. The drive up Highway 18 offers multiple vantage points, but finding a less crowded pull-off can enhance the experience. Remember to dress in layers, as mountain mornings can be quite chilly, even when the valleys below are warm. The visual impact of looking down upon a blanket of clouds is truly unforgettable and a key reason many travelers are drawn to this scenic route.
Driving the Rim of the World Scenic Drive (Highway 18)
While the scenery is a major draw, it's important to be prepared for the driving conditions. Some travelers have noted that drivers can be aggressive on Highway 18, so maintaining a safe speed and being aware of your surroundings is crucial. The road is generally well-maintained, but it's always wise to check road conditions, especially during winter months when snow and ice can be present. The numerous designated pull-off areas are perfect for safely stopping to take photos, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the panoramic views.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the grand vistas, the drive itself presents opportunities for capturing the essence of mountain life and the winding roads. The designated scenic overlooks are not just for viewing; they are prime locations for setting up your camera. For those interested in astrophotography, the clear mountain air away from city light pollution can also yield impressive night sky shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the scenery and a tripod for stable shots, especially during low-light conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit