Del Mar to Hanksville: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 800-mile route from Del Mar, California, to Hanksville, Utah, traverses three states and a staggering variety of landscapes. The drive starts near sea level at the Pacific Ocean and climbs to over 5,000 feet in the Utah desert. Historically, the route follows the Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century trade route connecting Santa Fe to Los Angeles. Today, you'll speed along I-5, I-15, and I-70, with a final stretch on UT-24 through San Rafael Swell.

Estimated driving time is 12–13 hours without stops, but plan for two days to fully absorb the sights. The question is it worth driving Del Mar, CA to Hanksville, UT is easily answered: yes, for the dramatic geological transitions and offbeat attractions. To maximize your journey, consider how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-15 and I-70, but become sparse in central Utah. Gas up in Barstow, CA, St. George, UT, and Salina, UT. Expect fuel prices to vary; generally cheaper in Nevada than California, and comparable in Utah. For electric vehicles, Superchargers exist at major stops like Baker, CA, and St. George.

• I-15 through Nevada offers long stretches with 75 mph speed limits.
• I-70 east of Salina is remote; carry extra water and snacks.
• UT-24 from I-70 to Hanksville is two-lane, well-maintained.

Road quality is excellent on interstates, but watch for wildlife on UT-24, especially at dawn/dusk. Rest areas are frequent on I-15 in California and Nevada; I-70 has fewer but cleaner stops. For fatigue management, plan breaks every 2 hours. Popular rest zones include the Baker Rest Area (CA) and the Cove Fort rest area (UT).

Infrastructure safety is high, but rural sections require preparedness. Carry a spare tire, jumper cables, and extra water. Cell service is spotty on I-70 east of Salina; download offline maps. For families, the route offers kid-friendly stops like the Baker, CA, “world’s largest thermometer” and the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site.

Pet-friendly framework includes many motels along I-15, but check ahead for pet fees. Rest stops with pet areas are common on interstates; on UT-24, use BLM land for breaks. For fatigue management, alternate drivers or pull over at scenic overlooks like the San Rafael Reef viewpoint (milepost 131 on I-70).

• Family stop: The Bubble Gum Wall near Bishop, CA (adds 30 min detour).
• Pet-friendly: Best Western in Richfield, UT, allows dogs.
• Rest zone: Cove Fort Historical Site (I-70 exit 135) has clean restrooms and a museum.

From Del Mar’s coastal bluffs to the red rock of Utah, this route is a geology textbook. Highlights include the Mojave Desert’s Joshua trees, the Virgin River Gorge near the Arizona border, and the San Rafael Swell’s bentonite hills. While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, nearby Zion National Park (1 hour off I-15) and Grand Canyon (3 hours detour) qualify. Within the corridor, Goblin Valley State Park is a must-see.

Local commerce thrives in towns like Beatty, NV (historic mining), and Richfield, UT (gateway to Fishlake National Forest). For culinary infrastructure, try the Dutch oven dishes at Robber’s Roost in Hanksville, or date shakes in Baker, CA. Hidden off-route spots include the Rhyolite ghost town (near Beatty) and the Mars Desert Research Station (off UT-24).

• Beatty: Visit the ghost town of Rhyolite and the Goldwell Open Air Museum.
• Fillmore, UT: See the Territorial Statehouse, Utah’s first capitol.
• Hanksville: Stock up at the Hanksville Trading Post; try the homemade pies.