Best route: Phoenix to Bakersfield

Last Spring, I drove from Phoenix to Barstow via I10 to 72 to Parker, to 95 to Needles and then west on I40. Both 72 and 95 are single lane roads but pretty traffic free, and I'm not thrilled with Interstates or heavy traffic and hit neither. Hint, gas up in Az because gas is about 30 cents cheaper than in California.
Hint 2, If you have the time check out the little town of Kelso and Kelso dunes. I thought they were both worth the 21 mile detour and if you do, you can keep going north and meet up with I15. Road a little bumpy but paved. LOL

I would avoid the 210 and the 5 fwy, lots of traffic once you get closer to and in the Pasadena/L.A. general areas, even on weekends. The 40 and 58 is a much nicer drive. You'll get some hills on the 58 west of the 14, but not terrible or very long, and the scenery is beautiful there.

We lived in Bakersfield and I would and have taken your route 1. I really dislike LA area freeways. When we go back to visit we like to stay at Bakersfield RV Resort. Dick

" 1. Phoenix, I10, 72, Parker AZ, 95, I40, Barstow CA, 58, Bakersfield (493 miles)"

I would take route 1. Fill up at AZ exit 9, right before you get on the I 40, much cheaper than CA as a whole, way cheaper than Needles!

Route 1 can get busy on Sunday afternoons to early evening as people are returning from Las Vegas on the 58. Traffic gets backed up on the 58 at Kramer's Junction(395/58). We got stuck one time for over an hour. Thought there was an accident, but it was the delay from the stop light.

I would take route 2 if I were you.

We've taken your first route through Havasu City to I-40. Once you get on I-40, there is absolutely nothing to stop for and no campgrounds within easy reach so plan for a straight through to Bakersfield. Have a good one!

Because of family in Simi Valley we've taken 210 many times. But we stop in Q or Indio which allows us to leave Phoenix after rush hour and 210 mid day.

Given that and given adequate power for the ACs during the summer it wasn't to bad. But route 1 is generally the best.

We've also taken i10 to San Bernardion and up to 58 or through Lancaster to Gorman. Also not a bad alternative.

Traveled both routes, prefer Route 1 - Use this route every year going to Mesa & back.

Looks like we'll be giving route 1 some serious consideration :) Thanks, everyone!

It's nice to get some realworld input from experienced travelers like yourselves in order to make an informed decision.

CA Traveler, I really like the idea of taking I10 to San Berdoo then bypassing most of the LA basin by taking I215/I15 to 138 (from Cajon Junction) to Palmdale. How is local traffic on this 50 mile stretch from Cajon Junction to Palmdale?

Toobold, appreciate the heads-up about heavy Vegas to Bakersfield traffic on 58 on Sundays. If we take route 1 we'll probably spend the night in Barstow Sunday night. Hopefully it'll be clear Mon morning.

2gypsies, yup, that I40 stretch from Needles to Barstow looks pretty desolate. My only worry with that stretch is a potential breakdown. With a well-maintained, relatively new, TV and TT hopefully that won't be an issue.

Thanks again everyone!

Not to much traffic on those roads except possibly rush hour. The Antelope Fairground in Lancaster is a good stop over.