Redlands to Hanksville Road Trip Guide: Deserts, Canyons & Hidden Gems

In 1872, John Muir famously traversed this corridor from the San Bernardino Valley to the Colorado Plateau, later writing of the "vast and silent desert." Today, the 700-mile (1,127 km) journey from Redlands, CA to Hanksville, UT takes roughly 10 hours of driving time, but the best stops along the way demand at least two full days. The route weaves through three states — California, Nevada, and Utah — across three distinct ecosystems: coastal chaparral, the Mojave and Great Basin deserts, and the high Colorado Plateau.

The key highways are Interstate 10 east from Redlands to Interstate 15 north, then Interstate 70 east through Utah, exiting onto Utah State Route 24 south into Hanksville. Consider this guide your deep dive into how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities on this epic route. Below is a summary of key logistics.

Is it worth driving Redlands, CA to Hanksville, UT? For families and pet owners, absolutely, with careful planning. The route includes eight rest areas between Barstow and Green River (every 50-70 miles). Fatigue management: schedule breaks every 2 hours or 120 miles. Laser-focused drivers can use Baker, CA (home of the world’s largest thermometer) as a quirky pit stop.

• Family suitability: Goblin Valley is a giant natural playground for kids (no climbing on hoodoos, but plenty of space). The Valley of Fire has easy trails like Rainbow Vista (0.3 miles).
• Pet-friendly framework: Most national parks allow pets on paved trails; state parks like Goblin Valley allow dogs on leash. Rest stops have pet relief areas.
• Hidden off-route spot: The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) outside Hanksville — a simulated Mars habitat run by the Mars Society. Book a tour in advance.

Road quality on I-15 and I-70 is excellent (asphalt in good condition). UT-24 is two-lane but well-marked. Safety tip: Cellular service is absent between Baker, CA and Las Vegas (50 miles), and between Green River and Hanksville (60 miles). Download offline maps.

This route passes through four national parks, two state parks, and one UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Grand Canyon (as a distant view). The best stops Redlands, CA to Hanksville, UT include the Mojave National Preserve (Kelpso Dunes), the Valley of Fire (red sandstone swirled by wind), and the San Rafael Swell (wrinkled earth).

• UNESCO Site: Grand Canyon National Park (a detour from Flagstaff, AZ, about 2 hours south of Hanksville).
• Natural Attraction: Goblin Valley State Park — thousands of hoodoos (goblins) in a 3-mile-wide bowl.
• Local Commerce: Hanksville’s diner, the Fairview Junction, serves fry bread and Utah scones. Buy local honey from Hanksville’s country store.

Things to do between Redlands, CA and Hanksville, UT also include stargazing: the route crosses two International Dark Sky Parks (Gold Butte, NV; Capitol Reef, UT). In October, the sun sets at 5:30 p.m., ideal for earlier stops.

The question how long to drive Redlands, CA to Hanksville, UT has a simple answer: 10 hours of seat time, but you should plan for at least two days with overnight stops. Fuel economy matters; between Barstow and Las Vegas, gas stations are sparse (the only one is at Primm, NV, mile marker 0 on I-15). Filling up in Barstow and again in Las Vegas is wise.

• Distance: ~700 miles (1,127 km) via I-10, I-15, I-70, and UT-24.
• Recommended fuel stops: Barstow, CA (exit 185); Las Vegas, NV; St. George, UT; Richfield, UT (for Hanksville-bound traffic).
• Unique fact: I-70 through Utah is the longest stretch of interstate with no services (106 miles between Salina and Green River).

Tolls: None on this route, but consider a FasTrak if you deviate through Southern California toll lanes. Weather: Winter snow is possible on I-70 between October and April; tire chains may be required. For real-time conditions, dial 511 in Utah.