Hanksville to Hermosa Beach: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Spanning over 700 miles of dramatic transitions, this drive begins in the high desert of Utah's Canyonlands and ends at the Pacific coast. The route crosses the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, and the Tehachapi Mountains, with elevations ranging from 4,500 feet at Hanksville to sea level. You'll traverse portions of I-70, I-15, and I-10, and the journey typically takes 11-12 hours of pure driving, though you'll want to spread it over multiple days.

Driving conditions are generally safe, but long stretches of desert require vigilance: carry extra water, especially in summer when temperatures can exceed 100°F. The route is suitable for families if you plan stops every 2-3 hours; popular family spots include the Las Vegas Strip (for the Experience), the Children's Museum of Boise (off-route), and the park at Santa Monica Pier where kids can ride the Ferris wheel.

For pets, many hotels along the route are pet-friendly, and rest stops like the one at Baker, CA, have designated pet areas. Fatigue management is crucial on this drive; it's a good idea to break the journey into two days, stopping overnight in Las Vegas or Barstow. Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to plan breaks that match your interests.

Fuel prices vary significantly: expect around $4.50/gallon in Utah, dropping to $3.80 in Nevada, and rising again to $4.20 in California. Major fuel stops are in Green River, Beaver, St. George, Las Vegas, Barstow, and San Bernardino. The route follows well-maintained interstates predominantly, with the exception of the stretch between Hanksville and Green River which is a two-lane highway (SR-24) that is still in good condition.

• Estimated driving time: 11-12 hours non-stop.
• Total distance: approx. 720 miles.
• Best fuel economy: keep speed around 65 mph.
• Road conditions: mostly dry, but winter weather can impact mountain passes in Utah and the Cajon Pass in California.

Starting near Canyonlands National Park, you'll pass through the San Rafael Swell and the black volcanic rock of Craters of the Moon National Preserve (not on route but worth a detour). The route also passes within 30 miles of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Mesa Verde National Park (off I-70) and Grand Canyon National Park (accessible via Williams, AZ). In Nevada, the desert stretches are punctuated by the stark beauty of the Mojave and the occasional Joshua tree forest near Barstow.

Local commerce along the route is sparse but memorable: the rustic diners in Hanksville (like Blondie's) offer hearty breakfasts, while Beaver's old-fashioned Main Street has a classic soda fountain. In Barstow, don't miss the Route 66 Mother Road Museum. For hidden gems, take the short detour to Goblin Valley State Park (just 40 minutes from Hanksville) for surreal hoodoos, or exit at Zzyzx Road in California to see the Soda Springs and the Desert Studies Center.