It seems like there is always some intriguing place I spot on the way to some other destination. The problem is, because my planned destination is more compelling, I don’t stop and check it out. Such is the case with The Mormon Rocks.

The Mormon Rocks sits on the 138 at the top of the Cajon Pass. It gets its name from the Mormons that camped near them back in the 1800’s.

On one side of the road, there is a really mild mile long trail that gives you a couple nice views. However, don’t leave without crossing the highway and taking a look up close.

This place isn’t too far off the beaten path, so it’s an easy retreat. If you’re looking for some solitude, this is a nice place to start.

Yep. You can lay back and watch a jet pass overhead here.

Need to entertain your weird nephew that’s way too into trains? Anything coming into or leaving Southern California has to pass through here. Somewhere between fifty to one hundred trains run through this little patch of the desert.

Great place to get away from it all without having to get away from it all. The Mormon Rocks is maybe fifteen minutes away from the Victoria Garden, for all you shopping fanatics.

According to the literature, Big Bear has been holding their Oktoberfest for thirty-eight years now.

Before entering, there is a line about fifty people deep. Dress warmly. It may be seventy down in the flatlands, but it will be in the fifties in the mountains. Twelve bucks a person will get you in.

Do you like oompa music, twelve dollar beers, and brats from Costco? If you answer yes, then this is the place for you.

I would love to tell you, dear reader, that I had the time of my life at the Big Bear Oktoberfest. But alas, I did not. In fact, I realized that I could go home, eat a Costco brat, drink a beer, and watch the latest episodes of Heroes without risking a DUI. And that is what we decided to do.