-
Recent Posts
-
As Featured On...
Mountain Passes | Tagged Posts
2021
21
June
What are the best sightseeing stops on a road trip from Vancouver to Palm Springs?
21
June
Question:
Humans say...
Lynn
There is a lovely zoo in Palm Springs.
Marie
The 101 is a beautiful coastal drive and will have most reliable weather that time of year. If you drive I5 keep an eye on the weather as you want to avoid storm systems though the Oregon/California mountain passes.
Christy
I used to live in OC. If you take I-5, you’ll be down there in 24hrs. Not much to see on the 5 though.
If you take the 101, it’s gorgeous but will take time. There are plenty of areas you can cut across, back to the 5 to get back on track. Hit hwy 10 in LA to get to the desert.
The Siskiyou Summit can be scary this time of year. Make sure you buy tire chains no matter what before you go. If they have a chain requirement and you don’t have any, you won’t be permitted by. The local shops will double the price and also sell out.
Fabian
ChristyI have winters and chains. How does this summit compare to say the Coquihalla or the Connector 97c from Merritt to Kelowna? I travel them constantly in winter
Christy
Fabian if you can do those without problems, then you should be fine. You have experience.
It’s just at the state line at Oregon to California., it’s 4,310 feet in elevation. I used to do it every 2nd Christmas when I lived down there and it’s a fairly easy summit that they keep maintained. I’ve had worse drives through Yosemite and on the Coquihala.
Kelley
I have driven vancouver to Palm Springs a few times. Solo driver so start at 8 am finish at 3 pm, takes 2.5 days, first stop Eugene Oregon second stop around red bluff in Northern California, third day is shorter get to ps around 1 or 2 pm. I stay at best western plus, always decent and clean have free breakfast and usually indoor pool. Buy coffee and sandwich at gas station for lunch stop for half an hour at rest stop.
Jess
Kelley what about driving to LV?
View
Jess
Kelley Christy have u taken this route? Are there high mountain passes (re snow) this way to consider too? Travelling in mid Feb. (sorry to hijack ur thread Fabian
)
Kelley
Jess no I have only taken I 5 south
Margaret
If you're into historic homes there are many cities to visit, like Astoria, Eugene, Petaluma, San Fran, and more.
Jasbir
Live in delta bc. When ever we go to California we either leave 11pm to 2am time period beat seattle and Portland traffic. Only trucks on the freeway
Bree
Slight detour for the coastal route along big sur area, carmel south to Santa Barbara well worth the extra drive time and the elephant seals are there at this time of year. Also as someone else mentioned the i5 near the border of Oregon and CA has some mountain passes aswell near Mt Shasta the hwy frequently gets snow. Use the Caltrans app for updates on chain control.
We just got back from this road trip, have a great time
Jill
See you at Sandstorm! Lots of BC families going down.
Fabian
Mex Jillabsolutely will be awesome. Wanting to avoid airports with all the recent issues and also make a trip of it and explore. Will be fun.. safe travels
A.I. says...
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Vancouver to Palm Springs and Back
Are you gearing up for an epic road trip from Vancouver to Palm Springs and back? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning landscapes, unique sights, and plenty of opportunities for memory-making. In this blog post, we'll share our top tips and recommendations for your upcoming journey.
Itinerary and Route Planning
As you'll have around 13 days for your trip, you'll have ample time to explore and make stops along the way. Here's a suggested route:
- Day 1-2: Vancouver to Spokane, WA (approx. 6.5 hours)
- Day 3: Spokane to Boise, ID (approx. 5 hours)
- Day 4-5: Boise to Salt Lake City, UT (approx. 5 hours)
- Day 6-7: Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, NV (approx. 6 hours)
- Day 8-10: Las Vegas to Palm Springs, CA (approx. 4 hours)
- Day 11: Palm Springs to Reno, NV (approx. 7.5 hours)
- Day 12-13: Reno to Kelowna, BC (approx. 7 hours)
Sightseeing Highlights
Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and explore some incredible sights. Here are a few must-see destinations:
- Spokane, WA: Visit the stunning Riverfront Park and take a ride on the Skyride over the falls.
- Boise, ID: Stop by the Idaho Botanical Garden and explore the vibrant downtown area.
- Salt Lake City, UT: Take a tour of Temple Square, the iconic headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Las Vegas, NV: Experience the glitz and glamour of the Vegas Strip, and don't miss the stunning fountains at the Bellagio.
- Palm Springs, CA: Relax in this desert oasis and take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views.
- Reno, NV: Visit the National Automobile Museum and try your luck at one of the many casinos.
Tips and Recommendations
- Pack snacks and drinks: Long stretches of driving can work up an appetite, so be sure to stock up on healthy snacks and beverages.
- Plan for rest stops: Schedule regular breaks to stretch your legs and avoid fatigue.
- Bring entertainment: Audiobooks, podcasts, and music playlists can make the drive more enjoyable.
- Download offline maps: Prepare for areas with limited or no cell service by downloading offline maps.
- Be flexible: Allow room for spontaneity and be open to deviating from your planned route if you discover an interesting detour.
Whether you're cruising through the desert landscapes or exploring vibrant cities, this road trip promises to be an adventure filled with lasting memories. Safe travels, and don't forget to snap plenty of photos along the way!
Sites
Fabian
Looking for road trip advice. Leaving Vancouver Jan9 and need to be Palm springs on the 14th. Returning to Kelowna. Whole trip to take 13 days or so. Any advice on sight seeing and routes? Just me and my daughter to her Lacrosse tournament in Palm springs.