Orange County to Palm Springs Drive - Tips

The only problem will be the traffic. 91 Friday afternoon is the worst of the week as people escape the city. Your other concerns are low probability. You could take Ortega over the hill and then on to Palm Springs. Still alot of traffic and only two lanes but at least there is scenery. Earlier you leave the better no matter your route.

 

+1. My mom drove from LA to Palm Desert to pick up my grandma this past Friday. She left at 1:30pm and it took 4.5 hours (vs 2 hours normally with no traffic).

I've always liked taking the 60, relatively fun mountain drive with some sweeping turns. I am sure there are more fun back roads but I've never done that.

 

Done in many times with out any major issues

 

I head out there often as I have a place in Palm Desert...went out there last Friday afternoon for a meeting. DO NOT go Friday afternoon or any weekday afternoon in an F-car. Traffic, semi-truck/trailers, buses, ATVs/boats on trailers, motor homes etc are no bueno. When driving the Testarossa for excercise, I would leave Saturday morning at 6:00 am and cruise. Great drive on a beautiful day. I would also come back early Sunday at around 9:00am.

 

Have fun Chris! Keep an eye out for CHP after Corona. They park sideways on the side of the road and will nail you if they can.

 

First, its pretty hot and Ferrari's aren't that good in the heat while idling in bumper to bumper traffic. So, I'd make sure to leave early in the AM for this drive. Saturday before 8AM would be optimal. Take the 91 to the 60, but I'd use the 91 to the 57 to the 60 to avoid the Corona crush. Or if you are on the 57, just take it up the to the 60. Also, the 91 through Riverside is a pain due to narrow lanes through the downtown area. Plus they are always working on that road. Use the carpool lanes if you can. The 60 through the mountains is a nice drive in a Ferrari. CHP is usually camped on the final downslope on the Banning side of the pass. Once you hit Cabazon, speeds pick up. Then again once over the pass down to PS. Hit 140 on that run once. Try to arrive destination before 10AM, then hit the pool.

 

I suggest you take the 74 over the Ortega Highway, then go south on the 15 to 79 south, through the mountains for the backway to PS. Much better ride, unless you love freeways.

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FYI---If you take Ortega/79/74, stay on your toes. It can be stressful as there are many twists and turns on the 2 lane road. A very dangerous road for the amateur weekend warrior that thinks he is Lewis Hamilton. Might add the idiots over their head coming at you on Ducati's and Harley. Many head-on deaths each year.

 

Don't do it Friday afternoon! If you can't leave early Friday, you might as well find a nice place to hang out and have a cool drink for a few hours-you'll get there the same time. I can't stress just how bad sitting in 100 degree, heavy traffic with the AC on is for most cars.

 

Helicopter is the best