Best route Palm Springs to Sonoma

[Stargazer79]

Any thoughts or tips for easiest route to Sonoma from starting point near Palm Springs. Trying to figure an easier drive and avoid the 5/grapevine if possible. Leaving this week so it will be blazing hot!


'99 Newmar DutchStar
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[Waiter21]

Not necessarily easier, but I've traveled this several times

I-15 > US-395 > CA-58 > I-5 (or 99)

[twogypsies]

The Grapevine really isn't a biggie for your motorhome.

The scenic way that we would go is CA395 north to I-80 and west to Vallejo north of San Francisco. Then pick up Hwy 37 west to Novato, then north on 101 to Sonoma. It's a gorgeous drive! You'll have very little traffic compared to Hwy 99 or I-5.

[Dennis_K]

There are not many options not using I-5 or CA99 through the valley but getting around the bay area there are a few. From I-5 or CA99 try CA12 all the way to Sonoma.

To bypass I-5/CA99 you would have to use either US101 or US395/I-80 both are considerable extra milage.

[Stargazer79]

Thanks! 395 sounds good. A little less boring than the 5


'99 Newmar DutchStar
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[Parks]

Just my opinion; since there is very little that is scenic or pretty about that drive I would lead PS/PD at about midnight which will put you through very little traffic through all of LA area. You'd be heading down the Grapevine by 4am.

[B Dubya]

Yeah, it doesn't matter what time of day it is, So Cal traffic is not pleasant. I always take 58 over Tehachapi, and usually stay at the Orange Grove RV Park on Edison Ave just prior to Bakersfield proper. It's clean, nice, and always friendly folk. Then it's 99 north to 80 west, and up into Sonoma. If ya hurry you can make the Sunday NASCAR race!

[B Dubya]

..........and I just saw this thread is almost 4 days old. Boy am I slow!!

[harryn]

I realize that you are already on your way, but if you get a chance to stop by the borax mines near Boron, CA, it is kind of interesting.