Road of the Month: Highway 18, San Bernardino
Living in a California metropolis is pure torture for a driving enthusiast. It always seems like there is no escape from the prison of lousy roadways. The streets are clogged with traffic, bad drivers and hot tempers. Miles of arrow straight highways put drivers to sleep while the strategically placed potholes keep them from nodding off. It’s more than enough to turn riders and drivers alike into mental patients.
That’s why I had to have a section dedicated to soothing roads. You know the type: faint, squiggly lines on maps that no one cares about anymore – the public and the cops alike. They would rather sit in traffic for 3 hours than to enjoy 4 hours of pure bliss. And for that, we thank them – they keep the back roads clear for the rest of us to enjoy.
Highway 18 just outside of San Bernardino is the first Road of the Month. I’ve personally driven this stretch of road, and it is amazing. Be forewarned that this is a summer-only highway. Much of these roads require chains in the winter and spring, especially the portion I drove. I took Highway 18 all the way from San Bernardino to Lucerne Valley before cutting off on 247 towards Barstow. However, the suggested route is highlighted below. I have never driven on Highway 330, but it looks too much like a 3 year old’s scribble to be boring.
The route starts at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, which is picked as a convenient meeting point. From there, follow Historic Route 66 due east and take 215 and 210 to the start of Highway 18. As it starts climbing from an elevation of 1400 feet, it turns into a two-lane divided highway with some high speed sweepers. The steep, steady climb up to the highway’s 6000ft summit is a test of climbing power at high altitude.
Towards the end of the long climb, the highway turns finally turns into the traditional one lane road that enthusiasts expected. There are some small communities up here, so there is a bit of traffic. However, most drivers are courteous and use the pullouts.
You’d be well advised to pull off to the side every once in a while too. Switchbacks like this might prove to be an unwelcome surprise when you’re enjoying the view.
The drive along the east-west portion of Highway 18 changes demeanor slightly, becoming more forested and lower speed. Kick back and enjoy the ride a little. Remember that small communities have reasons for their lower speed limits – and it’s not just for revenue. This is also a good time to relax before you turn onto Highway 330. Again, I’ve never personally driven it – but just look at it! Not does it look twistedly awesome, it also drops you back into a different city. From here, you can head down to Famous Dave’s in Redlands (the endpoint on the map) for award-winning BBQ ribs. I have eaten here before, and it’s a great place to chill with your friends after a long drive. Their All-American BBQ Feast (pictured) is served family style on a trash can lid. The story goes back to when ol’ Dave was just starting out, and he was low on cash. He used old trash can lids instead of plates to save money, and the rest is history.
As you drive along the east-west portion of Highway 18, there are a few things to remember. Just north of this section of road lies a few mountain communities. This means there will be some other cars on the road. More importantly, it means there are other roads just like this one, with beautiful scenery and great curves. If you have the time and the fuel, go get lost for a little while – you’ll be thankful later. Be careful though, remember this isn’t the big city anymore. Obstacles and dangers have changed – there might be some wild animals waiting for you around the next corner. Always keep this in the back of your mind, it’ll help you keep the shiny side up.