Driving from central coast ca to palm springs

[raidergal]

We are interested in driving down to the Palm Springs area next month.
Of course the only way is going to take us through the horrible LA basin. Trip should take 7-8 hours. Any suggestions as to what time of the day is better to leave so maybe we don't hit the worst traffic?

[McDave]

I dunno. If it were me, I think I would go out of my way to avoid the LA basin. I would go from the central coast to Bakersfield, from Bakersfield to Barstow, then 247 south to Yucca Valley, then 62 on into the Palm Springs area. Perhaps a bit "scenic," but I prefer scenic to congested.

[dkottum]

Three weeks ago we traveled from Palm Springs to Monterey with no traffic issues. In a nutshell, get to Bakersfield and get on 58 east, then US395 South working your way onto 215 around San Bernardino to Interstate 10 to Palm Springs.

[AnnArborBob]

I agree, route yourself through the Lancaster/Palmdale area which is sufficiently east of the worst part of LA and you'll be fine. We've gone from SLO to the Joshua Tree/Palm Springs area a number of times using this strategy and it works. Obviously you want to avoid the height of the AM & PM rush hours.

[coveredwagon]

Take the 5 to the 210

[DesertRat223]

Being in Palm Springs, I agree with the Bakersfield to Barstow route. The Tehachapi pass between the two is a bit steep and winding, and could have occasional snow. Check out the SpacePort in Mojave. If you want to see some real California desert, take the 247 out of Barstow instead of I-15. By the way, don't try I-15 southbound on a Sunday due to returning Vegas traffic.

[Hittenstiehl]

dkottum a forum member here just did that trip toward Monterey and avoided the basin. Send him a pm and see which roads he took.

[rucos]

we did it a week ago monday and planned to get thru the worst between 11-1;30 took I-5 to 210 and it was busy but we didn't really get stopped at all..... got in to PS around 2;30 ...i would do it that way at that time again.

[raidergal]

Thanks for all the help. We will post later how the trip went. RG

[interstateflyer]

From SLO we normally do the 101 to the 126 to the 5 to the 210 to the 10 to Palm Springs. Have towed it a few times. Leave early and avoid Fridays.

From SLO you could also take the 101 to the 46 to the 5 to the 58 to the 138 to the 15 to the 215 to the 40 to the 10 to the 111 to Palm Springs. More hills and two lane. Watch for snow in the Tehachapis in the winter.

[dmslawson]

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Morr...33.8302961!3e0

[dmslawson]

Sorry, Google posted an alternate route on my reply to you. That's not the way I have gone, so please disregard my earlier posting.