Avalon to Safford Road Trip Guide: Desert to Mountain

This road trip begins on the shores of Avalon, the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island. You'll take a ferry to the mainland, then drive over 600 miles east to Safford, Arizona, gateway to the Pinaleño Mountains. The route traverses Southern California's coastal plains, the Mojave Desert, and the Sonoran Desert, rising into the high desert of eastern Arizona.

The drive covers roughly 610 miles (980 km) and takes about 9-10 hours of driving time, not counting ferry and stops. The most efficient route uses I-10 E from Los Angeles to Tucson, then US-191 N to Safford. However, that bypasses the scenic route through Joshua Tree and the Colorado River. The recommended path is via CA-91 to I-10, then US-60 to AZ-77 to US-70 through the Gila Valley. This adds about 30 minutes but offers diverse landscapes.

Start with the Pacific Ocean views from the ferry. As you head east on I-10, the terrain shifts from urban sprawl to the Mojave Desert. Near Palm Springs, you'll see wind turbines. The Colorado River at Blythe marks the Arizona border. In Arizona, the Sonoran Desert features saguaro cacti. The final leg on US-70 passes through the Gila Valley, with cotton fields and the Gila River.

Local commerce along the route includes date shops near Mecca, CA, and turquoise jewelry in Quartzsite. In Tucson, visit the San Xavier del Bac mission. Safford offers the Discovery Park museum and local diners serving Navajo tacos. For a unique stop, detour to Chiricahua National Monument (about 1.5 hours south of Safford) for rock formations.

• Must-see natural features: Joshua Tree National Park (detour), Saguaro National Park, Pinaleño Mountains
• Local crafts: Apache baskets, Kachina dolls in Safford

The ferry from Avalon to Long Beach is essential; book ahead with Catalina Express. Once on the mainland, the route is primarily interstate and US highways. Fuel stations are abundant in California, but become sparse in Arizona between I-10 exits. Plan fuel stops in Quartzsite, AZ and Tucson. Tolls: none. The speed limit ranges from 65 mph on I-10 to 55 mph on two-lane highways.

• Key highways: CA-1 (briefly), I-110, I-10 E, US-60 E, US-70 E
• Major cities: Los Angeles, Tucson, Safford
• Altitude change: from sea level in Avalon to 3,500 ft in Safford

The route is safe, but desert sections require extra caution. Carry extra water (1 gallon per person per day) and a spare tire. Beware of flash floods in monsoon season (July-September). Road quality is excellent on interstates, but US-70 has some narrow bridges. Cell service is spotty between Blythe and Tucson.

For families, the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson are excellent. Pets are welcome at most rest stops and many hotels; check pet policies. Rest stops are available every 50-60 miles on I-10. Recommended stop for fatigue: Casa Grande ruins near Coolidge, AZ.

• Family-friendly: Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson
• Pet-friendly: Best Western Plus in Safford has pet-friendly rooms
• Hidden spots: The Thing? a bizarre roadside attraction near Dragoon, AZ