Phoenix to Temecula route suggestions

We have taken I-8 past El Centro, CA to Ocotillo, CA and picked up S2 taking you into Borrego Springs. Continue on S2 (a short steep uphill but very doable in an RV) and continue to 79 to Aguanga and into Temecula. It's a gorgeous drive! You'd have very little traffic once you leave I-8 until getting into Temecula.

I frequently make the trip from Tempe to Escondido and pass through Temecula. The I-8 is too far out of the way to go to Temecula and would put you through some really bad traffic. I take the I-10 to CA-60 at Beaumont, follow the 60 to I-215 and that will feed into I15 in the Temecula area. However, the 60 becomes really narrow through some really bad hills for around 3-5 miles a few miles past Beaumont (a white knuckler without a trailer). If I was towing a trailer, I would take the I-10 all the way to the I-215 and head south. Watch for where the 215 joins up with CA-60 and goes east (yes, east!). If you stay on the main freeway, it becomes the CA-91 parking lot. It eventually connects with the I-15 but you will die of old age getting there. After getting on the 60, follow it east to where it branches back off to the 215. The 215 will merge with I-15 in the Temecula area.

Do NOT take 74/79/371 from Palm Desert area!! It is steep, winding, and not recommended for RV's! Main problem area is on 74, 10 miles south of Palm Desert. Take I-10 to 60 to 215 south to Temecula. All easy driving. We drive this route from Phoenix several times a year.

60 does have a very short mountain pass to go through, maybe 2 or 3 miles long east of Moreno. Not steep but winds just a bit. All 4 lane. Stay in right lane as left lane is somewhat narrow with cement center divider.

If you are in the Phoenix east valley or south towards Ahwatukee area it may make more sense to take 347 (Maricopa Rd) to I-8 to I-15. That would avoid driving across metro Phoenix. I-8 has a long grade west of El Centro and traffic can be an issue on I-15 during rush hour.

We just came home from Texas to Temecula. I'd suggest I-10 to the city of Beaumont 79 and follow it south to Temecula. There are a few turns but nothing major. Don't take the 79 near Palm Springs, it will take you around a mountain and small twisting streets. By taking the 79 near Beaumont, you save an hour of the 215 route. If you go I10 to the 15, it's the longer route by an additional hour.

Drive safe and P m me if you have questions.

outdoorlovers wrote:
Take the I-10 west to 1-15 south. that takes you directly into Temecula.

Exactly. Why complicate it?

Take the I-10 west to !-15 south. that takes you directly into Temecula.