When can we expect an ice free run South from Washington to SOCAL after winter? Thinking mid-March / early April. We will need some sun by then...... thinking Palm Springs.
I have driven to Palm Springs during the first or second week of January each of the past 5 years and have never encountered any snow or ice. Plan the trip and watch the road reports. If a storm should occur when you plan to travel, take 101 along the coast until you get past any mountain snow.
Regarding timing of the trip, you mentioned early April. We head back north in early April because it is starting to get too hot for us. (Upper 90's.)