SR 243 is part of the National Highway System , a network of highways that are considered essential to the country 's economy , defense , and mobility by the Federal Highway Administration . SR 243 is eligible for the State Scenic Highway System , and is officially designated as a scenic highway by the California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans ) , meaning that it is a substantial section of highway passing through a " memorable landscape " with no " visual intrusions " , where the potential designation has gained popular favor with the community . In 2007 , it was named the '' ' Esperanza Firefighters Memorial Highway ' '' in honor of five firefighters who died while fighting the Esperanza Fire in October 2006 . In 2013 , SR 243 had an annual average daily traffic ( AADT ) of 1,650 between Marion Ridge Drive in Idyllwild and San Gorgonio Avenue in Banning , and 6,500 at the northern terminus in Banning , the latter of which was the highest AADT for the highway
Esperanza Fire
Esperanza Fire
California State Route 243