Mountain and Valley Marvels

Hike, pedal, splash, and play in a mountain wonderland.
Trip Time: 3 Days

Day 1
San Bernardino. Save gas with a walking tour of historic downtown. Nearby, take a self-guided tour of the eco-built Highland Library and Environmental Learning Center . 

Rim of the World Scenic Byway (19.6 mi/31.5 km: 22 min). Mountain vistas line this picturesque drive along the crest of the San Bernardino Mountains . Take a hike among the giant sandstone Mormon Rocks.

Lake Arrowhead (32 mi/52 km: 42 min). From spring to autumn, bike the trails surrounding the pine-fringed lake, or hike the North Shore trail alongside Little Bear Creek.

Day 2
Big Bear Lake (22 mi/36 km: 40 min). In summer, ride the gondola to the top of Snow Summit , mountain bike Skyline Drive or climb to Grandview Point, and play nine holes at Bear Mountain Golf Course. 

Redlands (36 mi/58 km: 53 min). Hit the Thursday-night farmers’ market. Sample farm-fresh dining and wines at Farm Artisan Foods . 

Cabazon (25 mi/41 km: 25 min). Take a side trip into the Desert region for one-stop shopping at the expansive Desert Hills Premium Outlets , with 130 luxurious stores, including Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Idyllwild (16 mi/26 km: 21 min). Nestled in the trees, this little village’s downtown brims with art galleries. Top off your browsing with a date shake at Country Farms gourmet food shop.

Day 3
San Bernardino National Forest (18 mi/28 km: 23 min). Bike the 7-mile Ramona Trail Loop, or hike to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto. 

Temecula (36 mi/58 km: 1 hr 9 min). Visit Foote Print Winery’s organic farm. Sample everything olive at the Temecula Olive Oil Company in old town. 

Lake Perris State Recreation Area (39 mi/62 km: 55 min). Get wet—swimming, water-skiing, sailing, fishing—then hike to the top of Terri Peak.

Riverside (18 mi/30 km: 24 min). Stroll Main Street’s coffeehouses, eclectic stores, and the UC Riverside/California Museum of Photography , home to world-class exhibits. Finish with European-Japanese fusion cuisine at Restaurant Omakase . 

Free & Easy
Garner travel tips at the California Welcome Center in San Bernardino .  Experience the Moorish architecture and flower gardens at Redlands’ A.K. Smiley Public Library . Browse the art of students, faculty, and visiting artists at the Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Parks Exhibition Center .