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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaRim of the World Panoramic Road
California

Rim of the World Panoramic Road

San Bernardino - Cajon Junction - Big Bear City

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Rim of the World Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km221 h/stage1.2

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Rim of the World Panoramic Road in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 174EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 219EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 267EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 321EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 392EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 482EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 190EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 415EUR
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Rim of the World Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Rim of the World Panoramic Road is a 221 km (137 miles) road trip that takes you through the beautiful towns of Cajon Junction and Big Bear City. It is a journey that is best experienced in the summer months when you can take in the stunning landscapes of the San Bernardino National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains. Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the San Bernardino Valley and the Mojave Desert. The roads are generally in good condition, making it suitable for even novice drivers. This road trip is a great way to experience the beauty of California, and it offers a high level of experience and memories that will last a lifetime. Although it can be managed with a high budget, the Rim of the World Panoramic Road is a must-do journey for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 221 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START San Bernardino

Distance 221 km Driving time 3.6 h Pace: modest 57.4 kWh Airports LAX
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San Bernardino, located in the heart of the Inland Empire in the United States, is an ideal starting point for the Rim of the World Panoramic Road. It is a city of contrasts, a bustling city with an urban feel, but with a stunning backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. The city has a lot to offer in terms of attractions, with the San Bernardino National Forest, the San Bernardino County Museum, and the Santa Ana River Trail all worth a visit. For those looking for some outdoor activities, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lake and river access. For travelers flying in from abroad, the closest international airport to San Bernardino is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). For those looking to get around, there are many car rental services available at the airport, with plenty of options to choose from, from compact cars to luxury vehicles. Once you've got your car, you can set out on the Rim of the World Panoramic Road, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll find plenty of attractions along the way, from the Big Bear Lake to the Mojave National Preserve. With so much to see and do in San Bernardino, it's the perfect starting point for an unforgettable road trip.

1 San Bernardino - Cajon Junction

Distance 30 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 9.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for a scenic road trip from San Bernardino to Cajon Junction? This 19mi journey will take you less than an hour, and you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the area. In San Bernardino, you should definitely visit the historic Santa Fe Depot, a beautiful building built in 1888, and the iconic Route 66 Mother Road Museum, with its extensive collection of vintage cars, memorabilia, and artifacts. As you drive to Cajon Junction, you will be able to admire the breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains, and don't forget to stop at the Summit Inn, a classic roadside restaurant established in 1952. Finally, in Cajon Junction, you should visit the Cajon Pass, an important transportation route through the mountains, and the historic Summit Inn, a great place to enjoy a meal and admire the views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

2 Cajon Junction - Big Bear City

Distance 93 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: modest 24.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip stage? Then get your car and hit the road from Cajon Junction, United States, to Big Bear City! This 58mi journey will take you fewer than 2 hours and you will find plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. Starting in Cajon Junction, you should check out the Cajon Pass, a mountain pass between the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains. It is a great spot for scenic views and photo opportunities. When you get to Big Bear City, you can explore the Big Bear Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. You can also visit the Big Bear Discovery Center, where you can learn about the area's wildlife, or take a stroll in the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. There are many more attractions and activities to discover in this stage of your road trip. If you need more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get your car and enjoy the ride!

3 Big Bear City - San Bernardino

Distance 98 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 29.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! Let's take a journey through Big Bear City and San Bernardino, two beautiful cities in the United States. This 61-mile journey should take you less than two hours to complete. Start your trip in Big Bear City, where you can explore the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and the Big Bear Solar Observatory. Take a break and enjoy the breathtaking view of Big Bear Lake. Continue your road trip to San Bernardino, where you can visit the San Bernardino National Forest, the San Bernardino County Museum, and the historic Route 66. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the San Bernardino Mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

  San Bernardino

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San Bernardino, located in the heart of Southern California, is the perfect end to the “Rim of the World Panoramic Road” road trip. The city is home to a variety of attractions that make it a great place to explore. From the historic Glen Helen Raceway to the annual Route 66 Rendezvous, there's something for everyone in San Bernardino. The historic Glen Helen Raceway hosts a variety of motorsports events throughout the year. From drag racing to motocross, there's plenty of action to be found here. Visitors can also take in the sights and sounds of the annual Route 66 Rendezvous, an event that celebrates the classic American road trip. For those looking to take in some of the local culture, San Bernardino is home to the San Bernardino County Museum. Here visitors can explore the history of the region, from its Native American roots to its modern-day culture. The museum also houses a unique collection of artifacts from the early 20th century. San Bernardino is also a great place to explore the great outdoors. The San Bernardino National Forest offers plenty of opportunities for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With its expansive trails, scenic lakes, and stunning views, this area is the perfect place for a nature getaway. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT). From here, it's only a short drive to San Bernardino. So, whether you're looking for a fun day trip or an extended road trip, San Bernardino has something for everyone. Don't forget to make the Rim of the World Panoramic Road your final stop!

Rim of the World Panoramic Road at a glance

We believe that the presented journey idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future travels.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be effortlessly turned into a complete itinerary – options are countless.
If you are planning on travelling by car in California, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to be mindful of to make your adventure smooth. These tips will also become useful for holidaymakers who opt for vehicle hire or renting a camper.
It is essential to pay attention to the local traffic regulations when sightseeing around California. When moving around California in a car, try to stay away from alcohol at any price. Tourists should remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is not that high and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 40km/h, around the city streets may result in a speeding fine. If you are aiming for non-build-up areas, you should bear in mind that the maximum permissible speed is 72km/h. Avoid exceeding the maximum speed of 129km/h when travelling on motorways. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and driving with your headlights on at daytime.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. Depending on the needs of the holidaymakers, the amount of money that you have to pay will differ. A wide range of budget possibilities is showed below.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 221km across California will amount to 25 EUR. Travel expenses connected with economy overnight stays will cost up to roughly 77 EUR. Holidaymakers who take advantage of this option will spend more or less 72 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they choose the budget car hire offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be around 174 EUR without car hire and 219 EUR with vehicle rental.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 38 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to approximately 121 EUR. The standard option in terms of food and restaurants can cost up to about 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle should expect a cost of more or less 54 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 321 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try car rental and 267 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The available premium offer has been prepared for the most demanding travellers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 482 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend roughly 392 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of more or less 90 EUR. When it comes to the premium version of the tour, you should expect the average cost of approximately 50 EUR when it comes to gasoline. Holidayers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay more or less 198 EUR for accommodation and more or less 144 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our adventure will also be ideal for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs. When it comes to this means of transport, you will pay up to around 225 EUR. Travel costs connected with camper travel will be around 63 EUR – especially if you wish to cover all the stages around California. Holidaymakers who will go for camper hire should expect to pay roughly 55 EUR for accommodation and roughly 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
If you like Rim of the World Panoramic Road, our website is rife with picturesque road trips and scenic drives. We hope that the great diversity of travel opportunities will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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