First RV trip/drive

Learn to use your side mirrors when changing lanes to the right, small cars and motorcycles can sneak up in your bind spot. Turn on your signal well in advance and change lanes only when safe. Don't let local yokels pressure you into going faster on down hill curves than you are comfortable with. Posted speeds for curves are a good guide. Use a check list of supplies and personal items that you will need to have aboard. A basic tool kit is a good thing.

I agree with the person who said to first try a trip with less elevation change. The coast is nice. Perhaps Morro Bay.

The least traumatic route, though far from the shortest, to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is probably:

east via I-8 to Ocotillo, which has at least two lanes each way but sometimes high winds can affect high profile vehicles or even close the road. North on S-2 through the southern portions of the park. Or, adding many miles, North from El Centro on 86 and enter the park from the east side.

Next choice:
Go east via Ramona, turn north on 79 at Santa Ysabel. Turn right onto S-2, do not turn on the obvious S-22, go straight down the more gentle San Felipe Valley on S-2 to S-78. Turn left (east), proceed to Borrego Springs Road, go north (left) on that into the town. This route involves a lot of winding two-lane, but avoids the steepest grades and the big scary cliffs.

There is no route which is totally without trauma. Perhaps scout first with a daytrip in the car if you are really worried about getting there. Watch out for folks in a big hurry to get to the off-road areas.

For your first trip, the best advice is to use the transmission (i.e. downshift) on down grades to keep your speed in check.

Said another way, to not use the brake pedal for long periods of time. Use the brake pedal just long enough and do use it firmly enough to allow you to slow down enough to shift to a lower gear.

You might also pick destinations that do not have such significant elevation deltas.

Mountain Directory West

Thank you for the suggestions and support. The rv is a rental. Passing on xmas gifts and focusing on family time. We camp often and go by car so terrain was never an issue. Initial plan was Sequoia and Yosemite, but the snow got me to save that trip for the summer.

Welcome to the forum. You sound like you plan to do all your RVing on the interstate. :)

Don't be too concerned about the narrow, steep roads, etc.. Just slow down and take your time.
Find a local narrow and winding road you can use to practice. Drive it a few times before your trip. Be patient, you will be okay and safe.

If you have a string of traffic behind you, find a wide spot to pull over and allow traffic to pass.

The day we bought our 37' Southwind, I got off the interstate after about 10 miles and used two lane roads to get home. It took a couple hours.
Drive it, it's the only way to learn.

Be safe and enjoy your trip.

Welcome aboard. I think less treacherous is probably best for your first drive :) I can't help you, but there is a Road Trips and Routes forum that you might get better responses from.

Enjoy your first time out!

-Michael

I am willing to pass on the scenic drive. Would be fine in a car, but since it's an rv....

Know the feeling. However, sometimes the less treacherous roads are also less scenic.