Community Forums

Matt D · 12-11-2017, 06:54 AM

Well, it looks like we’re going to California again.

We will be driving from Houston to Castaic, CA.

I’ve driven I-10

and I-40 approximately a bazillion times.

Ive driven our 40’ DP towing, and our 45’ DP towing through LA traffic. Loads of fun! The last time was so entertaining that at 0300 my dog was hiding his head under my legs coming down the Grapevine.

So, here is the challenge..

..how to arrive in Castaic, without navigating LA traffic?

I’m concerned about the weather, because in the winter I-40 and roads north of the San Bernardino Mountains can get hammered with bad weather.

If the weather holds, I can angle to I-40 from the jump and go to Palmdale then over.

Or, if this doesn’t look prudent, I’m contemplating I-10 to Blythe, then go up 95 to 62, then 247 to 18 and through Palmdale. The advantage here is I can hedge the weather issue until the last minute, and it’s a route I’ve never used.

The northern route costs about 80 miles, which is not an issue. Mountains aren’t an issue either. I’m more concerned with any feedback of the route or portions of it for a large coach.

Thanks,

-Matt

reese1975 · 12-11-2017, 07:30 AM

I am from LA and now live in Houston. I routinely drive home to LA and our next trip is at the end of the year. I typically stay on I 10 all the way out this time of year. Once I reach San Bernardino, I hang out until late night and then I make my way thru the city via 210 all the way to the 5. I like night driving and its much easier navigating traffic late at night.

Glenn and Kathy · 12-11-2017, 10:09 AM

Used to live in Castaic, my route would be I10 to 95, but take 95 to I40. At Mohave take Hwy 14 south to Hwy 138 W to I5 S down the hill to Castaic. I was through Castaic just before Thanksgiving and there was construction through the Newhall pass southbound. Not sure if Northbound was affected.

Glenn

Matt D · 12-11-2017, 10:28 AM

Glenn, do you recommend that to avoid Palmdale?

I remember driving the Pearblossom Hwy a very long time ago and recall it was pretty slow.

Your suggestion is in line with what I’m trying to achieve.

I’ve done the midnight passage through LA several times with mixed results.

The last time I was on 210 east at 0300 and the freeway was completely shut down. I really don’t know if there is a magic solution.

Thanks for the great suggestions guys.

-Matt

Glenn and Kathy · 12-12-2017, 10:19 AM

Yes you will have very little traffic on that route. The last couple times I ran I10 the traffic was bad, never a problem on I40 and no weather worries in CA. You will hit traffic in PHX and Tucson on I10. In PHX I take I17 around south PHX to avoid traffic in downtown. Also some people say they take AZ 93 from PHX up to I40 as a better route. I have never done that and don't know how you catch 93 in PHX. Maybe someone else can give info on that.

Glenn