Best route from Needles CA to Calexico?

Uh ... you do not have too many choices. But the only real choice you have is a good one.

Ca 95 to Blythe. I 10 west to Ca 78. To Ca 111 South.

When you go thru the dunes watch out for idiots. Well, more idiots than normal

 

Ca 78 has a couple of 90 degree turns around property lines. The speed limit is low at those places (or its a stop and turn), and the road is wide enough that your off track should not be in the opposing lane. If its not listed as a STAA route ... that's why.

Don't get caught up in the sissyfaction of drivers. There are no crazy grades. Its a desert road. Hills, turns, narrow, soft shoulder. But, more driveable than most midwest roads with steep deep ditches.

If its raining like gangbusters watch out for flash floods. And we have wild donkeys around here. Just like driving anywhere else. Be aware of your surroundings and put er in the wind

 

There is a big parking area behind the Shell off I 40 at the 141. Lots of parking at Vidal Junction about an hour south of Needles. Fair amount in Blythe. Not too many options once you get on 78 (one rest area, or the side of the road) til you get to El Centro

 

It's a fun run IMHO. I've taken the route suggested by @MM71 and liked it. I also had a trainee trainer at the wheel on that run and it freaked him out, because there's long sections of two lane road with no shoulder and soft sand beyond the pavement. It's not a big deal if you have good lane control.

 

So...
Do not be talking or texting or watching videos?

 

Nor should you be spanking the monkey.

 

The only good thing about skating along the southern border of CA is that El Centro has a no name brand truck stop right next to In-N-Out Burger