Scenic drive between Las Vegas and San Diego (San Bernardino, Buena Park: 2014, bars)

[kbrown2509]

Hi all, We are driving between Las Vegas and San Diego on 21st January 2014 and were hoping to maybe take a more scenic detour via Hwy 18 - Rim of the World. Originally I was thinking to turn off near Barstow onto Hwy 247 then pick up Hwy 18 all the way to the 210. I do have to make a stop off in Buena Park and then head down San Diego. I have since found out that the weather at that time of year means that I would be needing snow chains around Big Bear. We will be driving a standard SUV. I have since revised this thought and are now thinking about turning off Hwy 15 and travelling along Hwy 138 to Hwy 18 and then coming into Hwy 210. I am wanting to know if this route will work. Google maps is suggesting that this will take approximately 6.5 hours. Can any one advise whether this would be the case or whether we would need to allow more time for this. I do need to be at Buena Park by about 4.30ish.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers

[Harrier]

If you are on a time schedule concerning Buena Park, and have any indication that a drive through the mountains may result in a delay, then Harrier would strongly suggest that you remain on the 15 until you reach the 91(not that that will help you any - just kidding!).

The issue in the San Bernardino Mountains isn't always snow, it is fog on the rim, and you can't go far quickly if you can't see the road in front of you.

Bypass the scenic route and do it during the spring or summer.

[kbrown2509]

Hmm only problem is we are travelling all the way from Australia so no chance of getting back there in the Spring/summer. Never mind maybe we will just have to take the boring route and miss some of the special stuff. Maybe we can just double check the weather when we get to Barstow and see what we decide on the day.