San Bernardino County sits at the crossroads of mountain serenity, desert wonder, and coastal beauty. Whether you’re starting out from Fontana, cruising through Ontario, or heading out of Rancho Cucamonga, some of California’s most iconic road trip routes begin right here. This year, make the most of your weekends and vacations with scenic drives that take you everywhere from the red rocks of Arizona to the peaceful shores of Big Bear Lake.
In this guide, we’re sharing 10 incredible road trip ideas you can start right from San Bernardino County. You’ll get a mix of high-desert escapes, coastal cruises, forested mountains, and iconic highways, each one perfect for your next weekend getaway or long-distance adventure. We’ll spotlight trips to Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Yosemite, Route 66, Lake Tahoe, and more. And along the way, we’ll highlight the best Chevrolet vehicles to take you there, including the 2026 Silverado, Equinox, Trax, Traverse, Colorado, and the all-electric Equinox EV.
Whether you’re looking for mountain road trips in SB County, quick desert adventures, or epic 2026 Inland Empire drives, this list is built for locals who love the open road. It’s also a perfect guide for anyone in Chino, Upland, or Ontario searching for that next great escape.
Your next adventure is waiting. Start it behind the wheel of a new Chevy from your local Southern California Chevrolet Dealer.
1. Joshua Tree National Park: Desert Tranquility and Rugged Terrain
Just a short drive east of San Bernardino, Joshua Tree is a top pick for wide open skies and wild rock views. This park offers a true desert escape with places to hike, camp, or climb. For those who live in San Bernardino County, it’s one of the most rewarding road trips you can take in a day or a weekend.
You’ll find views like no other huge boulders, tall cacti, and endless sun. It feels far from the city, but it’s close enough to make the trip easy.
Popular stops inside the park:
- Keys View for sunset and views of the valley
- Hidden Valley for short hikes and rock climbs
- Skull Rock, a must-see photo spot
- Cholla Cactus Garden for golden hour light
A truck like the Chevrolet Silverado makes this drive smooth. It can handle both paved and dirt roads with ease. If you want space for gear, power for steep grades, or a ride that stays cool in the heat, this is it.
From Rancho Cucamonga or Ontario, the route is calm and clear. For those seeking wide skies and space to think, San Bernardino County road trips don’t get much better.
2. Big Bear Lake: The Ultimate Mountain Getaway
Drive north from Chino or Upland, and in less than two hours you’ll reach tall trees, blue water, and cool mountain air. Big Bear Lake is a year-round escape with something for everyone.
Hike in summer. Ski in winter. Paddle, fish, and breathe deep. The air is crisp. The roads wind. The stress fades fast.
Things to do at Big Bear:
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Take a hike on Castle Rock Trail
- Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
- Grab lunch in the Village shopping area
Big Bear is perfect for short getaways. For the 2026 Inland Empire drives, this is one of the top picks. You don’t need to go far to feel far away.
A vehicle like the Chevy Equinox fits right in here. It’s safe, smooth, and roomy. With enough space for friends or family, and smart features for tight turns, it’s an easy choice.
When you need clean air and calm, Big Bear is close enough to recharge your week.
3. Death Valley National Park: Otherworldly Scenery Just Hours Away
Death Valley is not just dry. It’s huge, wild, and unlike any place else. In just four hours, you’ll go from suburban streets to deep desert land.
It’s hot, yes. But it’s also full of color, sand, rock, and stillness.
Top sights in Death Valley:
- Badwater Basin: the lowest point in North America
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: perfect for sunrise walks
- Zabriskie Point: views you won’t forget
- Dante’s View: great spot for photos
The Chevy Trax is a solid pick for this ride. It’s small, light, and smart on gas. You’ll want a ride that stays cool, handles well, and makes long roads feel short.
Though this is not a mountain road trip SB County folks usually pick, it offers a new kind of view and a new kind of peace.
4. Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Monica & Malibu: Beach Bliss Awaits
From Fontana or Ontario, head west until the desert gives way to the sea. The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, takes you through sun, surf, and cliff views. It’s one of the most loved roads in the state.
You’ll pass palm trees, shops, and wide beach views. It’s great for slow drives and calm days. This trip blends ocean air with city vibes.
Stops along the way:
- Santa Monica Pier for games and food
- Malibu’s El Matador Beach for sea caves
- Pacific Palisades for high-end shops and cafes
- Sunset views at Point Dume
This is a great route for those who want desert adventures from San Bernardino, then cool off near the coast. The road is long, but worth it.
The Chevrolet Colorado makes a smart match. It has power for the hills and room for beach gear. It drives smoothly but can handle rough patches when needed.
Few drives are this rich in views. The coast calls take the long way there.
5. Yosemite National Park via San Francisco: Majestic Landscapes Worth the Miles
Some trips need more time. This is one of them. Yosemite is not close, but it’s worth the drive. From Chino or Rancho Cucamonga, the route takes you through San Francisco, then into the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
You’ll see forests, falls, and sharp rock walls that rise high in the sky. It’s a full-day trip—best for a long break or one of those special weekend escapes SB travelers plan once a year.
Must-see places in Yosemite:
- Yosemite Valley: the main spot for views and trails
- Half Dome: hike if you have the time and gear
- El Capitan: famous for rock climbs and photos
- Bridalveil Fall: short walk, great view
The Chevy Traverse is a great ride for trips like this. It holds lots of bags and has smooth ride tech for long hours. If you’re going with family, this is the one.
This is a trip that clears your mind. Trees, air, and sky all in one place. Yosemite waits.
6. Classic Route 66 Adventure into New Mexico
If you're looking for history, charm, and wide skies, Route 66 delivers. This trip starts in San Bernardino County, where the “Mother Road” begins its long path east. What follows is a road trip packed with neon signs, old diners, and small-town magic.
The drive through the desert is smooth and full of views. Each mile feels like a step back in time.
Key stops on Route 66 toward New Mexico:
- Route 66 Museum in Barstow
- Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino
- Meteor Crater in Arizona
- Old Town Albuquerque
This is a long trip. You’ll need a car that’s up for the ride. The Equinox EV is smart, smooth, and quiet. With long-range battery options and fast-charge stops along the way, it’s a great match for a road like this.
Of all the San Bernardino County road trips, Route 66 may be the most iconic. If you want both views and charm, this is your route.
7. Lake Tahoe: Alpine Retreat for All Seasons
Lake Tahoe is a drive worth taking, no matter the season. In summer, the water is clear and still. In winter, the slopes are covered in snow. Year-round, the views are big, the air is clean, and the trip is pure peace.
This journey is best for a long weekend or more. Leave early, take your time, and enjoy each mile.
Things to do around Lake Tahoe:
- Hike Emerald Bay trails
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard
- Try local food in Tahoe City
- Ski or snowboard at Heavenly
For long 2026 Inland Empire drives, the Chevy Silverado is a strong pick. It rides smoothly on the freeway and holds all your gear with ease.
Tahoe gives you space to reset. Clean air, cold water, and sky-high trees help clear your mind and lift your mood.
8. San Diego to San Francisco Coastal Drive: California’s Best on One Route
This road hugs the coast, showing off the best of California. Start down in San Diego and wind your way north to San Francisco. The drive runs long, but the views make every hour count.
You’ll pass towns, cliffs, and beaches that beg you to stop and stay awhile. It’s great for first-timers and road trip pros alike.
Top places to see along the way:
- La Jolla and Torrey Pines near San Diego
- Pismo Beach and Morro Bay
- Big Sur for cliffs and waves
- Monterey and Half Moon Bay
Though not a classic mountain road trip SB County drivers might expect, this coastal stretch is just as rich in views. And a ride like the Chevy Equinox makes the miles fly. It’s quiet, roomy, and easy to park in tight beach towns.
Few drives offer this much beauty on one path.
9. Red Rock Scenic Byway (Sedona, AZ): Vivid Desert Vistas
Sedona’s red rock views are bold, bright, and full of color. Just one glance tells you this is a place like no other. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is short, but what it lacks in miles, it makes up for in wonder.
This drive is great for a weekend. Head east from San Bernardino, through the desert, and into bright red cliffs.
Sights to look for:
- Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Local shops and cafes
- Sunset over Red Rock State Park
If you’re looking for desert adventures from San Bernardino, this should be near the top. It’s peaceful, warm, and full of natural beauty.
The Chevy Trax is built for trips like this. It’s easy to steer through winding roads and light enough for hilly climbs. Plus, it’s small enough to park in Sedona’s tight spaces.
10. Southern Arizona: Mountains, Canyons, and Borderland Beauty
Some trips are for quiet days and long looks. Southern Arizona offers both. The land is dry and wide, but far from dull. From mountain trails to deep canyons, this part of the Southwest has space to roam.
Start in San Bernardino, then head east and south. You’ll pass desert towns, open plains, and a sky that never seems to end.
Top places to visit:
- Tucson and Saguaro National Park
- Bisbee, a small town with art and charm
- Kartchner Caverns for cave tours
- Chiricahua Mountains for hikes
This is one of those weekend escapes SB locals dream about. It’s not rushed. It’s not loud. It’s full of calm.
The Chevy Colorado handles the trip with ease. With strength for hills and tech for long roads, it’s a great fit.
For those who want peace, sun, and space, this trip is pure gold.
Many travelers starting their road trips in San Bernardino County want to be prepared, especially when heading into the mountains, deserts, or remote areas. Below are answers to some of the most common questions to help you plan smarter and drive with confidence.
What mountain and desert road trips start in San Bernardino County?
Several popular road trips begin in San Bernardino County, including drives to:
- Big Bear Lake (mountain)
- Death Valley National Park (desert)
- Joshua Tree National Park (desert)
- Lake Tahoe (alpine/mountain)
- Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona (desert)
- Southern Arizona (mountains and desert)
Which roads require a high-clearance or AWD vehicle?
- Most paved routes to Big Bear, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley do not require AWD under normal weather.
- Some unpaved roads inside Death Valley and Joshua Tree benefit from high-clearance vehicles.
- AWD or 4WD is recommended in snowy conditions to Big Bear, especially during winter months.
How should I prepare for altitude and weather changes?
- Bring layers; mountain temperatures can shift 30+ degrees from day to night.
- Stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes like Big Bear or Lake Tahoe.
- Check road conditions before traveling to mountain or desert regions—snow, flash floods, and wind can affect routes.
What campsites or lodges are available en route?
- Joshua Tree National Park: Jumbo Rocks and Hidden Valley Campgrounds
- Big Bear Lake: Serrano Campground and multiple lakeside lodges
- Death Valley: Furnace Creek Campground and The Oasis at Death Valley
- Lake Tahoe: Camp Richardson, and several state park campgrounds
Which routes are paved versus off-road?
- Paved: Highways to Big Bear, Lake Tahoe, Joshua Tree main entrances, and Death Valley (via Hwy 190)
- Off-road options: Backcountry roads inside Joshua Tree and Death Valley—only recommended for prepared vehicles
- Red Rock Scenic Byway (Sedona) is fully paved but may connect to unpaved trails if you venture off the main route
Start Your Next Adventure with SoCal Chevy
Ready to hit the road from Fontana, Ontario, Chino, Upland, or Rancho Cucamonga? Southern California Chevy Dealers have a wide range of vehicles built for every trip. Whether you need the power of a Silverado, the comfort of an Equinox, the compact agility of a Trax, or the versatility of a Traverse, you’ll find the right ride here. The Colorado and Equinox EV also offer great options for those who want strength or efficiency on their adventures.
If you love Southern California’s great outdoors, check out our guides on state parks and the top scenic drives in the region. These resources are perfect for planning your next getaway. For those who enjoy camping, don’t miss our list of the best camping grounds nearby.
Take your adventure up a notch. Visit a Southern California Chevrolet Dealer today and get ready to explore all that San Bernardino County and beyond have to offer. Keep browsing our site for more tips and vehicle info to fuel your next trip.
Disclaimer: All information is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, current, or error-free. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. This article may include opinions and is not endorsed by, or officially affiliated with, any vehicle manufacturer or brand. Always consult official sources – such as the vehicle’s owner’s manual, authorized dealerships, or certified professionals – for the most up-to-date and personalized information.
