Redlands to Kanarraville: Epic Road Trip Guide

The drive from Redlands, California to Kanarraville, Utah covers 420 miles along Interstate 15, a route that passes through the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Plateau. This journey begins at an elevation of 1,300 feet and ends at 5,300 feet, offering dramatic shifts in climate and terrain.

One little-known fact: the stretch of I-15 near St. George, Utah, was built over an ancient lava flow, creating a unique dark basalt landscape visible from the highway. The total driving time is approximately 6.5 hours without stops, but savvy travelers will extend that to two days to fully absorb the region's wonders.

The primary route is I-15 north from Redlands to Kanarraville. From Redlands, take CA-210 west to I-15 north in Devore. Stay on I-15 through the Cajon Pass, the high desert of Victorville, and past Barstow into Nevada. After Las Vegas, continue north across the Virgin River Gorge into Utah. The exit for Kanarraville is Exit 42 (UT-17) from I-15.

• Gas stations are abundant along I-15, but distances between services can exceed 50 miles in remote stretches (e.g., between Barstow, CA and Primm, NV). Plan to refuel in Barstow, Baker, and Las Vegas.
• Bathroom breaks: Clean rest areas exist at the California-Nevada border (Nevada Welcome Center) and in Utah near the exit for St. George.
• Speed limits vary: 70 mph on rural freeway sections, 65 mph in urban areas, and 55 mph on some winding stretches near the Virgin River Gorge. Nevada has 75 mph zones.

For detailed tips on discovering stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality on I-15 is generally excellent, but be prepared for heat in summer (above 110°F in desert sections) and snow in winter near the Utah mountain passes. Always carry extra water and a blanket. Cell reception can be spotty between Barstow and Las Vegas, and again north of St. George.

• Family-friendly stops: The Las Vegas Strip offers kid-friendly attractions like the Bellagio fountains and the High Roller observation wheel. St. George has the John Wesley Powell Museum and Pioneer Park with dinosaur tracks.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels along I-15 chain like La Quinta and Best Western accept pets. Rest stops have designated pet areas. However, National Parks (like Valley of Fire) require pets on leash and restrict them on trails.
• Fatigue management: Schedule breaks every 2 hours. Notable rest areas include the Valley of Fire scenic overlook (NV), the Virgin River Gorge scenic viewpoint (AZ/UT border), and the Kanarraville town park at the end of the drive.

This route traverses the Mojave Desert, famous for Joshua trees and creosote bushes, then climbs onto the Colorado Plateau with red rock formations. The most striking natural attractions include:

• Mojave National Preserve (near Kelso, CA): Sand dunes and volcanic cinder cones.
• Valley of Fire State Park (near Overton, NV): Ancient petrified wood and red sandstone arches.
• Snow Canyon State Park (near St. George, UT): Lava tubes and slot canyons.

Local commerce along the way reflects desert culture: Native American craft shops in Nevada, tourist-oriented outlets in St. George, and art galleries in Kanarraville. In St. George, browse the historic downtown for Morman pioneer artifacts and contemporary paintings of the red landscape. Kanarraville itself has a tiny population (under 500), but boasts a few local artisan workshops.