Redlands to Murphys Road Trip: Complete Guide

This drive follows a historic path from the Inland Empire's citrus belt to the Sierra Nevada foothills. The route roughly traces the old Southern Emigrant Trail and later Highway 395 before cutting west toward Murphys.

The total distance is about 400 miles, with a driving time of 6.5 to 8 hours depending on route choices and traffic. The most direct path uses I-10, I-15, CA-138, CA-58, and CA-99 before climbing into the Gold Country via CA-4.

A notable quirk: CA-138 crosses the Mojave Desert and suddenly climbs over the San Andreas Fault zone, offering a dramatic shift from scrubland to pine forests.

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

Below is a quick overview of the route's major legs.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The first leg crosses the San Bernardino National Forest (via CA-138) with opportunities to hike at Silverwood Lake. Later, the Tehachapi Mountains offer wind turbine views and wildflower blooms in spring.

• Mojave Desert: Joshua trees, cinder cones, and the El Mirage dry lake bed (off-road area).
• Sequoia National Forest: Access via CA-155 from Delano; giant sequoias at Trail of 100 Giants.
• Angels Camp: Nearby Natural Bridges and Mercer Caverns (calcite formations).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route passes near two UNESCO sites. Yosemite National Park is 1.5 hours from Murphys (via CA-120); the Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point are not relevant here, but the nearby Missions (San Antonio de Padua) are on the tentative list.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Start cool in Redlands (60s-80s°F depending on season), cross desert heat (100+°F summer) in the Mojave, then climb to alpine conditions (40s-70s°F) in the Sierra foothills. Snow possible at higher passes Nov-Mar.

Best time: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November). Avoid summer midday desert travel.

Culinary Infrastructure: Redlands has farm-to-table restaurants (The Farm Artisan Foods). In Murphys, wine tasting rooms line Main Street (Ironstone Vineyards, Twisted Oak).

• Lunch stop: Kernville (brewpub at Kern River Brewing Company).
• Dinner: Murphys牛排馆 (Murphys Grille) or Italian (Firewood).
• Local produce: Stands along CA-99 (almonds, pistachios, citrus).

Local Commerce & Culture: Antique shops in Murphys (Murphys Historic Hotel). In Redlands, the A.K. Smiley Public Library and orange grove tours. Weekend farmers markets in both towns.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Lake Isabella (25 mi detour from CA-178) for water sports; Calico Ghost Town (off I-15) for Old West flavor; the Kern River Preserve for birding.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: Highways 138 and 58 have long stretches without shoulders or guardrails. Avoid night driving on these due to deer and loose gravel. I-5 and CA-99 have median barriers and lighting.

• Cell service: Sporadic on CA-138 and CA-4 (near Murphys). Download offline maps.
• Emergency services: Limited in desert sections; have a first aid kit.

Family and Child Suitability: Kid-friendly stops include the California Science Center (if detouring to LA, but not recommended), the Tehachapi Loop viewing platform (trains), and Moaning Caverns near Murphys with a zip line.

• Best stops Redlands, CA to Murphys, CA for families: Castle Air Museum (Atwater, exit on CA-99), Pixar Pal-A-Round (not on route, but a Bakersfield trampoline park works).

Pet-Friendly Framework: Pet-friendly hotels in Barstow (Motel 6) and Murphys (Murphys Suites). Rest stops along I-5 have pet areas. Avoid leaving pets in hot cars in desert.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Caltrans rest areas on I-5 at Grapevine and CA-99 near Madera. Strategy: Stop every 2-3 hours. Ideal break points: Hesperia (coffee), Tehachapi (picnic at Wind Wolves Preserve), and Angels Camp (stretch legs).

• Things to do between Redlands, CA and Murphys, CA: Stargaze in the Mojave, hike at Red Rock Canyon (off CA-14), taste wine in Murphys.

Fuel and charging stations are plentiful along interstates but sparse on rural highways like CA-138. Plan to refuel in Redlands, Hesperia, Mojave, Bakersfield, and again in Angels Camp before Murphys.

• Gas prices trend lower in the Central Valley compared to mountain towns.
• Electric vehicle charging: Superchargers in Redlands, Barstow, Bakersfield, and Murphys (some Level 2).

How long to drive Redlands, CA to Murphys, CA without stops is about 6.5 hours via I-5 and CA-99, but the scenic route via CA-178 and CA-155 adds time but rewards with landscapes.

Is it worth driving Redlands, CA to Murphys, CA? Yes, for the transition from desert to alpine, and the concentration of historic Gold Rush towns.

Toll roads: None on recommended route. Construction zones: I-15 often has lane closures near Cajon Pass; check Caltrans.

Road quality: Interstates are well-maintained. Two-lane highways (CA-4) require caution, especially at night due to wildlife.