Day 42: Joshua Trees, Cholla Cacti, Lakes, and the Rim of the World
Joshua Tree National Park to Big Bear Lake, the Rim of the World and Cajon Junction CA
185.2 Miles | 4:54 Riding Time
It’s Wednesday, May 22, 2024, and it’s Day 42 of my cross country motorcycle trip.
I started off in the early morning visiting Joshua Tree National Park. It was early enough that the entry gate wasn’t open yet, and there was a sign saying to pay or show your pass as you exit the park. I rode down the park road to Cholla Cactus Garden, which was really pretty. Then through to Skull Rock and the rest of the park road. It was fun to ride through the Mojave desert and to see where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. The transitions of scenery are always cool to see.
I was ready for a change of scenery myself, so I said my goodbyes to the desert and headed for the hills. The San Bernardino mountains to be specific. Back to Lucerne Valley, I started the climb to Big Bear Lake. You’ll have to trust me, because I don’t have video, but it was twisty and steep and lots of fun! I threw in a sat image with my tracks for one particularly memorable section. The drive on the north side of Big Bear Lake was very scenic. I stopped for a bit to eat, and went on to the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, which was incredible.
As the name implies, it’s a mountain road, but it’s wide, well-marked and well-maintained. It’s not technically or vertiginously challenging, so I’d highly recommend it, if you’re in the area. The road passes near Lake Arrowhead Village. I decided to stop there and wander around a bit, before heading down the north side of the mountain, past Silverwood Lake, and into Cajon Junction, where I spent the night.
This was just a beautiful day of riding.
