Fall Motorcycle Rides Near the Inland Empire: 5 Scenic Roads

Fall motorcycle routes near the Inland Empire climb straight out of the valley into the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains. Five roads are worth your time: the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, the Highway 38 stretch toward Onyx Summit, Highway 330 to Running Springs, the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, and Glendora Ridge Road. Before any of them, check Caltrans QuickMap for closures, and ride for cooler air, shaded curves and debris on the pavement.

Picture a rider in Ontario looking for a Saturday loop that trades freeway traffic for pine trees. Here is where to go and how to prepare.

Before You Ride: Check QuickMap

Mountain highways can close for roadwork or emergencies, and a closed road can mean a long detour. Caltrans describes QuickMap as "a mobile app and website available to the public at no cost for travel planning." It shows "traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, emergency incidents," along with camera snapshots and "active chain control requirements."

You can also type a highway number into Caltrans' highway conditions page to see reported restrictions for that road.

Route 1: Rim of the World Scenic Byway

This is the signature ride of the San Bernardino Mountains. The U.S. Forest Service describes it this way: "This 110-mile route traverses the rim of the San Bernardino Mountains from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass." The byway uses portions of Highways 138, 18 and 38, and the Forest Service lists it as a National Forest Scenic Byway.

Two official stops make good breaks. The Forest Service scenic drives page places Red Rock Scenic Overlook on Highway 18 between Baylis Picnic Area and the community of Rim Forest. Summit Scenic Overlook, an unpaved turnout on Highway 138 west of Summit Valley Road, looks over Cajon Pass, home to Interstate 15 and four railway lines.

The byway "is open year-round, but you may need chains in the winter as this area does receive snow." On a motorcycle, that is your cue to keep late fall trips flexible and check conditions first.

Route 2: Highway 38 Toward Onyx Summit

Highway 38 is part of the Rim of the World byway, and the Forest Service calls out its scenery. It notes unique views of the Sand to Snow National Monument between Mill Creek and Onyx Summit.

The Forest Service also asks drivers to "Exercise caution entering and exiting the highway. Slower traffic please use designated turnouts."

Route 3: Highway 330 to Running Springs

Highway 330 is one of the state highways the Forest Service names for reaching Running Springs. The Forest Service directions for the Exploration Trail say: "Take State Highway 18 or 330 to Running Springs." The same page places the Children's Forest Visitor Center on Highway 18 in Running Springs, 1 mile east of Highway 330.

That makes 330 an easy way to build a loop: up one highway, across the rim on Highway 18, and down another. Look up Highway 330 on the Caltrans conditions page before you commit.

Route 4: Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

For a ride that starts in the desert, the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway is hard to beat. The Forest Service says: "This 67-mile route will take you from Palm Desert past snow-peaked mountains to Banning Pass." You can start on Highway 74 south of Palm Desert or at the other end on Highway 243 south of Banning.

The Forest Service promises "a contrast of ecosystems within a short distance," from desert palms to high country conifer forest. On the Banning Pass section, views include the valley floor, craggy mountains and the San Gorgonio Wilderness to the north. Expect temperatures to change as you climb, and pack a layer you can add at a turnout.

Route 5: Glendora Ridge Road

Glendora Ridge Road runs near Mt. Baldy. A 2010 Angeles National Forest guide to recreation at Mt. Baldy says: "For panoramic views, the Glendora Ridge Road offers a breathtaking alternative route on your return trip." Mountain roads can close for weather or fire risk, so check before you go.

If you plan to park and walk around, check whether you need a National Forest Adventure Pass. The Forest Service Adventure Pass page lists a daily pass at $5 and an annual pass at $30, for day-use fees on the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests.

Fall Riding Safety From the DMV Handbook

Fall brings cooler air and new hazards. The California Motorcycle Handbook lists slippery surfaces that include "Gravel roads or where sand and gravel collect. Mud, leaves, snow, and ice." Its advice is to "Slow down before you get to a slippery surface," and to avoid sudden moves, because "Any sudden change in speed or direction can cause a skid."

Gravel matters on mountain curves. The handbook warns: "Dirt and gravel collect along the sides of the road, especially on curves and ramps leading to and from highways." For turns, it teaches four steps: slow, look, press and roll. It also says: "If there is no traffic, start at the outside of a curve to increase your line of sight and the effective radius of the turn."

Dress for the temperature at the top, not in the valley. The handbook advises: "In cold or wet weather, layer clothes to keep yourself warm and dry, as well as protect you from injury." It also reminds riders that all riders and passengers must wear a U.S. DOT compliant motorcycle helmet under Vehicle Code section 27803. For more rider topics, see our motorcycle advice blog and our advice library.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Rim of the World Scenic Byway?

The U.S. Forest Service describes it as a 110-mile route along the rim of the San Bernardino Mountains, from Cajon Pass to San Gorgonio Pass. It uses portions of Highways 138, 18 and 38. The Forest Service says it is open year-round, but chains may be needed in winter.

What is the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway?

It is a National Forest Scenic Byway on Highways 74 and 243. The Forest Service describes it as a 67-mile route from Palm Desert past snow-peaked mountains to Banning Pass, moving from desert palms to high country conifer forest in a short distance.

How do I check for mountain road closures?

Use Caltrans QuickMap, a free app and website. Caltrans says it shows traffic speed, lane and road closures, emergency incidents, camera snapshots and active chain control requirements.

What does the DMV say about riding on leaves or gravel?

The California Motorcycle Handbook lists gravel, mud and leaves among slippery surfaces. It says to slow down before you reach them and to avoid sudden changes in speed or direction, which can cause a skid. It also warns that gravel collects on road edges, especially on curves.

Protecting Your Ride This Season

Mountain rides take you far from town, so know what your motorcycle policy covers before you head up the hill. At Farmers Insurance - Young Douglas, our agents can review options such as roadside help, damage to your bike and protection for custom parts. Coverage depends on your policy, and a quick review now answers questions before a problem does. Get a free quote and coverage review with our team.

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Written by LaMonte Douglas, owner of Young Douglas Insurance, a Farmers Insurance agency serving California from Ontario. CA License #4091974.

Sources (accessed September 23, 2026 unless dated): USDA Forest Service, Rim of the World Scenic Byway; USDA Forest Service, Scenic Drives; USDA Forest Service, Palms to Pines Scenic Byway; USDA Forest Service, Exploration Trail 2W09X; USDA Forest Service, Recreation at Mt. Baldy, 2010; USDA Forest Service, Adventure Pass; Caltrans Mile Marker, QuickMap, 2023; Caltrans, Highway Conditions; California DMV, Motorcycle Handbook DL 665, rev. 2/2024.

Last updated: September 23, 2026.