Escaping California

58 is IMHO a beautiful drive through some spectacular country. You have some steep, curving grades to get up and over the mountains, but other than that it's smooth sailing. Drive it either at dawn or sundown for the best dramatic lighting.

 

58 is only bad between I5 and 99. going from 99 East is a really nice drive that I enjoy. You only have to climb once, no real drop. Nice run through the California Desert and you may see cool aircraft flying around Edwards AFB.

 

If you're running light (and it sounds like you are) I'd definitely suggest CA99-CA58-I15-I40. IMHO it's an easier trip. A little bit of a climb going over Tehachapi and a little more climbing out of Kingman AZ heading towards Flagstaff and that's about it. Taking 80 will subject you to Donner pass, the climb through Parleys canyon leaving SLC and all manner of crappy roads in WY before hitting the flats in NE. Plus, if you're going to the carolinas it's the most direct route.

 

I run 80 a lot because I'm always headed to Michigan...If I were going to the mid east states I'd run this route too. I've driven 40 a few times...it's a cool drive.

 

Safe travels!

 

Shouldn't be much traffic today. I almost forgot it was a holiday. I was wondering why there wasn't any traffic as I came into Stockton this morning.

 

Take I 80 its cooler in temp, should be easier on truck.

 

If you take 99 to 58 then hop on the 40, be sure to check out the sign that lists the miles to Wilmington, NC. I had never seen it before until this last trip out a month or so ago. Kind of cool as that interstate will run you all the way home.

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safe travels driver.

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