Bakersfield ca. to Phoenix

We found the best way from Bakersfield is 58 east to 247 to Yucca Valley to either 62 and drive through Joshua Tree Nat'l Park or continue on 62 to 177 south to I-10. We've also taken I-40 into Arizona and picked up Arizona 95 to Lake Havasu City/Parker and picked up 72 to Salome then 60 to Wickenburg and 74 east to Cave Creek (a very nice Maricopa County campground either at Lake Pleasant or Cave Creek.)

Just depends where you want to end up in Phoenix.

Arizona 95 is a very nice drive as opposed to California 95 from Needles.

Executive wrote:
If you like trains, the Tehapchapi Loop off 58 is worthwhile. There's a Love's station at the top of the hill on 58. We like the non stress of this route altho with the 210 north of LA now open all the way to San Bernardino, that route is pretty easy to use too. Depends on how you feel driving. 58;I40;95;10 is pretty desolate on 95. If you want the comfort of knowing people and gas stations are nearby, take the 5;210;10 route...Dennis

thank you, last year we took a side trip to see the loop, well worth it for me.
this is the first year we are heading back through Pheonix to pick up a grandchild. we go Omaha to Bakersfield then back to Omaha.

If you like trains, the Tehapchapi Loop off 58 is worthwhile. There's a Love's station at the top of the hill on 58. We like the non stress of this route altho with the 210 north of LA now open all the way to San Bernardino, that route is pretty easy to use too. Depends on how you feel driving. 58;I40;95;10 is pretty desolate on 95. If you want the comfort of knowing people and gas stations are nearby, take the 5;210;10 route...Dennis

thanks everyone. This gives me some options to ponder, I knew of the different routes but the insight into them is what I was looking for.
thanks again.

I have made a similar trip many times and I will be making that trip (in reverse) again in a couple of days. I just do the LA thing using the 210 to keep out of the majority of the traffic. The road is big and wide with lots of lanes and as long as you are outside of the normal rush hour times the traffic is usually very good. I hate LA but the 210 makes for an easy trip and not worth the longer, slower, windy roads, involved in those detours. That's just us and not meant to be a statement of right or wrong.

Janss' route is the one I usually take.

btilfan wrote:
Early June we will need to go from Bakersfield to Phoenix. I would like to avoid LA. any suggestions?

Make sure your Air conditioner has been serviced and working properly!!!!!

ArchHoagland wrote:

Janss wrote:
I like MarkTwain's idea, though I've never driven that route.

Another way is 58, I-40, then 95 in CA or 95 in AZ(along Colorado River), making your way down to I-10.

We've done that route probably 20 times. We take 95 south out of Needles on the California side. Buy gas in Quartzite.

95 is in real good condition now. Do your potty break before getting on 95 as there are not many places to pull off the road. Ask me how I know.

I have done 95 one time, 2 lane road with curves and little hills and "ZERO" space to pull over to change a tire! I have driven the other route twice a year towing a 34' 5th wheel. :)

Janss wrote:
I like MarkTwain's idea, though I've never driven that route.

Another way is 58, I-40, then 95 in CA or 95 in AZ(along Colorado River), making your way down to I-10.

We've done that route probably 20 times. We take 95 south out of Needles on the California side. Buy gas in Quartzite.

95 is in real good condition now. Do your potty break before getting on 95 as there are not many places to pull off the road. Ask me how I know.

Put the Phoenix address in your GPS and let it do the work. Just enjoy the ride.