SR-18: Palmdale Road / Apple Valley Road / Rim of the World Drive

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Palmdale Road / Apple Valley Road / Rim of the World Drive
Runs from State 138 near Llano to State 210 near Highland.

High Points:

  • Arrowhead Highlands Summit – 5174′
  • Crest Summit – 5756′
  • Lakeview Point – 7112′
  • Johnston Grade Summit – 6829′

Related Links:

This roadway is a very long one. It begins at State 138 in the high desert and ends in Highland at State 210. A large portion of the roadway, along the south front of the San Bernardino Mountains, is called Rim of the World Drive. This section offers grand vistas of the Inland Empire, and on clear days, Los Angeles. Hwy 18 is a popular route to the Big Bear ski resorts and Lake Arrowhead.

Ascending the grade up to Crestline. Built in 1967.
Ascending the grade up to Crestline. Built in 1967.
Mid way up the grade. The steepness is very apparent here.
Mid way up the grade. The steepness is very apparent here.
Just below Hwy 138.
Just below Hwy 138.
The "Interchange in the Sky" as I call it. This is the eastern end of SR-138. The four lane roadway is Hwy 18.
The “Interchange in the Sky” as I call it. This is the eastern end of SR-138. The four lane roadway is Hwy 18.
View of the 18/138 interchange from Crestline. San Bernardino is in the valley to the right.
USGS map showing the grade from San Bernardino to Crestline.
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Rim of the World Drive marker, just east of Hwy 138, at Baylis Park.
Near Skyforest.
Near Skyforest.
Junction with State 173 to Lake Arrowhead.
Junction with State 173 to Lake Arrowhead.
New concrete arch bridge in front of Big Bear Dam. Completed in 2011.
New concrete arch bridge in front of Big Bear Dam. Completed in 2011.
Big Bear Dam. Built in the 1920's, the highway formerly went on top. The old bridge was removed when the current structure was opened in 2011.
Big Bear Dam. Built in the 1920’s, the highway formerly went on top. The old bridge was removed when the current structure was opened in 2011.
1920’s postcard of Big Bear Dam

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