This loop offers a bit of everything Southern California has to offer. Start at the famed Santa Monica Pier, then wind your way along coastal mountains, citrus orchards, rural ranches, forested peaks and arid stretches before heading back on the Interstate.

    While traveling through the Southern California coastal mountains, you’ll enjoy a stunning palette of mottled scrub and chaparral grass complemented by stunning ocean views. The Santa Monica Mountains park system occupies much of the undeveloped land and offers great hiking and mountain biking trails. You’ll also find overnight campgrounds along the beaches in Ventura County. Be warned, there is ample police presence on weekends near the Rock Store.

    You will be traveling on mountain roads until you reach Hemet, where the road flattens and crosses the desert. The section of SR-74 between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano is what has made the Ortega Highway a sport rider’s dream, with plenty of sweeping curves mixed with S-turns and straights. Santiago and Carbon canyons skirt Orange County’s metropolitan areas, bringing you back to the freeway and, finally, back to the city of Brea.

    Crestline and Big Bear are nestled within beautiful pine forest. Big Bear Lake and its surrounding towns offer plenty to see and do. Descending along SR-38 is a magnificent ride with great vistas. From Beaumont to Cajon Junction is mostly desert and Interstate riding,