Amazing Desert Road Trip Itinerary
Start your journey in San Diego and take a 769 km journey through the amazing desert landscape in the United States. The recommended time to complete this road trip is 3 days, with the best time of the year to drive being spring or fall. Along the way you will pass through Borrego Springs, Palm Springs and Pioneertown, with plenty of attractions to explore. From the stunning desert landscape, to the impressive canyons, to the unique rock formations, there is something for everyone. The roads are generally in good condition, though some of them may be a bit narrow.
This road trip is sure to provide a very high level of experience and memories, suitable for any driver. Enjoy the journey and take in the beauty of the desert without breaking the bank. So, if you're looking for an amazing road trip, the Desert Road Trip is the perfect choice.
3
number of days
769 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
San Diego
Distance 769 km
Driving time 13.4 h
Pace: modest
200.0 kWh
Airports
SAN
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San Diego, a bustling city in the United States, is the perfect starting point for the "Amazing Desert Road Trip". It is home to a variety of attractions and activities, from historical sites to world-class museums and aquariums. Must-visit attractions include the USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN), offering car rental services.
To get the most out of the "Amazing Desert Road Trip", travelers should consider a road trip from San Diego to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The park is one of the largest and wildest state parks in the country and offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape. Visitors can explore the desert on foot or by car, and take part in activities such as camping, bird watching, and stargazing.
San Diego is also home to some of the best beaches in the United States, with stunning sunsets, surfing, and swimming. Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores, and Mission Beach are just a few of the many options that beachgoers can enjoy.
San Diego is an ideal starting point for the "Amazing Desert Road Trip" and offers something for everyone. From the stunning beaches and desert landscapes to the historical sites and world-class attractions, travelers will find plenty to explore in this vibrant city.
1
San Diego
- Borrego Springs
Distance 163 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
48.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for the ultimate adventure, as we take you on a journey from San Diego to Borrego Springs. The 101-mile drive takes less than 3 hours, offering a scenic route with plenty of surprises along the way.
Start your journey in San Diego, California, and explore its vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and stunning beaches. Don't miss out on the iconic Balboa Park, the USS Midway Museum, and the San Diego Zoo.
Continue your trip to Borrego Springs, located in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This small desert town is known for its hot springs, wildflowers, and stunning night skies. Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for hiking and camping, and don't forget to explore the Borrego Badlands.
Make sure to take plenty of breaks along the way to enjoy the beautiful landscape and take some amazing photos. Pay attention to the scenic road, as you can come across some hidden gems, like the Yaqui Pass, the Hellhole Canyon, and the Fonts Point.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Borrego Springs - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Borrego Springs
- Palm Springs
Distance 159 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: modest
41.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Borrego Springs, a small town in California's Imperial Valley. The first stop is Salton City, a unique desert oasis. Take some time to explore the local wildlife, including the famous Salton Sea. From there, continue your journey to Palm Springs. This city is known for its stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains and its vibrant nightlife. Along the way, keep an eye out for the scenic roads, which offer breathtaking views of the desert landscape. The total distance of this stage of the trip is 99 miles and can be completed in fewer than 4 hours. Be sure to take plenty of pictures and explore the unique sites along the way! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Palm Springs - United States - North America - Road Trip - Pixabay
Palm Springs - United States - North America - Road Trip - Pixabay
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3
Palm Springs
- Pioneertown
Distance 197 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
59.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Palm Springs and explore the wonders of the Joshua Tree National Park! This 122-mile journey will take you fewer than 3 hours, and you'll be mesmerized by the beauty of the desert landscape. Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of the road and the stunning scenic views. As you make your way through the park, be sure to visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and the Barker Dam. And when you arrive in Pioneertown, take a stroll through the old western-style buildings and saloons. With a little bit of adventure and a lot of exploration, you'll have an unforgettable experience. For more information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your journey!
Pioneertown - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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4
Pioneertown
- Baker
Distance 250 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: modest
65.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Pioneertown, a small town in the United States, and drive through the Mojave Desert to the town of Baker. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to take in some of the stunning views of the desert landscape. The total distance is 156 miles and the drive should take no more than 6 hours. Keep in mind that the road may be narrow in sections, so take extra care when driving. As you make your way through the desert, be sure to take in the scenic views. You’ll be able to see the unique cacti, the Joshua trees, and the sand dunes that make the Mojave Desert so special. When you arrive in Baker, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the mountains and the salt flats. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.
Baker - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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Baker
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End your "Amazing Desert Road Trip" in the charming town of Baker, United States. This small town is full of history and culture, and makes a great final stop on your journey. As you drive through Baker, you'll be captivated by its small-town charm and beautiful views of the desert landscape.
Visit the world's tallest thermometer, standing at 134 feet tall, in Baker's center. The thermometer is a must-see, and a great photo opportunity. Take a stroll through the town and visit its many shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Don't miss the Alien Fresh Jerky store, where you can find an incredible assortment of unique and delicious jerky flavors.
For a unique experience, visit the nearby Kelso Dunes. The dunes are the largest living sand dunes in the Mojave Desert, and offer a breathtaking view. Take a hike or simply relax and enjoy a picnic at the top.
The closest international airport to Baker is the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). From there, it's just a two-hour drive to Baker.
End your "Amazing Desert Road Trip" in Baker, United States for a memorable experience full of history, culture, and incredible views of the desert landscape.
Amazing Desert Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
San Diego
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End:
Baker
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Distance:
769 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
We believe that the presented Amazing Desert Road Trip gave you multiple inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse tourist attractions.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of things to keep in mind to make your journey smooth.
These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are considering renting a vehicle or hiring a camper.
There are a number of road regulations to be kept in mind while on a tour around California.
In California, if you are planning to drive, try to avoid spirits at any price.
Travellers ought to remember that the allowed consumption limit is very low and cannot exceed 0.5‰.
In order to avoid a speeding ticket, it is best to never exceed 40km/h, which is the maximum car speed around the city streets.
Around rural areas, drivers can travel at at speeds up to 72km/h.
Avoid driving faster than the maximum car speed of 129km/h when driving on highways.
We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit to increase the safety.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip.
The budget option that you select determines the amount of money that you have to spend during the whole undertaking.
A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
Travel expenses connected with fuel in the cheapest option will be approximately 100 EUR.
Budget accommodation options will cost more or less 242 EUR.
Travellers who opt for this option will spend approximately 216 EUR on food and restaurants.
Travellers will have to pay approximately 135 EUR if they aim for the cheapest car hire offer as well.
Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 558 EUR to roughly 693 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 138 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour.
Cost amounting to 352 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are searching for standard hotels.
When selecting this option, take into consideration that the restaurants and food within this range will cost more or less 324 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of more or less 162 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 976 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend approximately 814 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total approximately 1,484 EUR for drivers who are considering vehicle hire and 814 EUR for those who do not need a hire car.
Travellers who want to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 270 EUR.
If you are interested in the premium version of the itinerary, you will pay roughly 188 EUR for fuel.
You should expect to pay approximately 432 EUR for restaurants and food and more or less 594 EUR for hotels if you are interested in the exclusive standard of services during your itinerary.
Our itinerary will also be ideal for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements.
If you choose this travel mode, the expenses are approximately 675 EUR.
Gasoline to tank a camper for the whole itinerary will cost roughly 213 EUR.
Holidayers who choose camper hire should expect to pay more or less 165 EUR for accommodation and around 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the mentioned details in a simple way.
The part of California mentioned in our itinerary idea is great to be explored between September and June.
If Amazing Desert Road Trip has sparked your creativity, check out other thrilling scenic drives and road trips that are available on our website.
The great variety of road trips will surely cater to the needs of the most demanding drivers.