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Scenic Drives

The San Bernardino National Forest has two spectacular drives that are part of the National Scenic Byway System. Both routes contain diverse and remarkable landscapes with spectacular views. Watch for interpretive panels along the way.

Remember to check on road conditions before your trip.  You can check this Cal Trans Road Conditions Website and we also recommend calling the closest Ranger Station to your destination. This is especially important during the winter months because the higher elevations of the forest get snow and roads can be icy or may even be closed. Tire chains may be required in the winter due to changing road conditions. 

Search for Scenic Drives Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 20 results

Barton Flats - San Gorgonio Recreation Area

Site Open
Winter Sports Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking Biking Fishing Hiking Scenic Drives
Includes National Forest recreational activities along State Highway 38 in Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Sand to Snow…

Big Bear Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Hiking Biking Hunting/Shooting Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning Fishing Water Activities Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking Winter Sports Scenic Drives
Includes: National Forest recreation activities in the Big Bear lake, Holcomb Valley, Lone Valley and Bighorn Mountains Wilderness

Cahuilla Tewanet Scenic Overlook

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
A nature trail and scenic overlook into the Santa Rosa Mountain range, located on State Highway 74 near Pinyon Flats, approximately ten miles south of Palm Desert.A roadside stop and destination for…

Coachella Valley Vista Point

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Vista Point is about five miles up Hwy 74 as it snakes its way out of the Coachella Valley south of Palm Desert and into the Santa Rosa Mountains. Offers great views of Bighorn Country Club, and…

Indian Vista Scenic Overlook

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
This scenic viewpoint is on Highway 243, 9.5 miles northwest of Idyllwild. Watch for songbirds in the chaparral and oak trees and red-tailed hawks and ravens soaring above. In the warmer months a…

Ironwood Group Campground

Site Closed
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Ironwood Group Camp is located in the San Bernadino Mountains, north of the town of Fawnskin, CA. This campground is in a pine forest at an elevation of 6,637 feet. Ironwood Group is a reservation…

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Scenic Drives Outdoor Science and Learning
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is a 1,210-mile historic route from Nogales, Arizona to San Francisco, California. The trail commemorates the story of the 1775-1776 Spanish…

Juniper Springs Group Campground

Site Closed
Hiking Scenic Drives
In the San Bernardino Mountains 45 miles from San Bernardino, Calif., this campground sits in a pinon-juniper woodland near a meadow. Water is NOT available at this campground.Amenities include one…

Lake Silverwood Scenic Overlook

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Located on State Highway 138 east of State Highway 173 (part of the Rim of the World Scenic Byway). This new paved overlook (built 2008) offers view of Lake Silverwood State Recreation Area and Pilot…

Last updated March 5, 2025