Safford to Malibu: Desert, Mountains, and Pacific Coast Drive

This route begins in Safford, Arizona, at the foothills of the Pinaleño Mountains, and ends at the Pacific coast in Malibu. The drive covers 585 miles and typically takes 9 hours and 20 minutes of pure driving time, but plan for a full day or more to explore.

Along the way, you'll cross the Sonoran Desert, climb through the Tejon Pass, and descend into the Los Angeles basin before reaching the ocean. The landscape shifts from high desert grassland to alpine forest and then to coastal chaparral.

Desert stretches have long gaps between services, so plan rest stops every 2 hours. Take breaks at the Tomahawk Rest Area on I-10 or the Buttonwillow Travel Center on I-5.

Family-friendly stops include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers a cool escape and kid-friendly exhibits, and the Cinnamon Bear Trail near Idyllwild for easy hiking.

Pet-friendly pit stops: most rest areas have designated pet walks; in Palm Springs, the Demuth Park has a dog park. Motels in Safford and Bakersfield typically accept pets.

For fatigue management, consider a break at the French Valley Rest Stop on I-15, or the Tejon Pass overlook with views of the Mojave on clear days.

For more trip planning on finding hidden spots, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Take US-70 west to Globe, then AZ-188 to join US-60 into Phoenix. From Phoenix, use I-10 west to the I-210 and I-5 corridor through the Mojave Desert and Tejon Pass.

Fuel costs are generally lower in Arizona than California, so fill up before crossing the border. Gas prices can spike in remote stretches like between Phoenix and Bakersfield, so monitor your tank.

• Road quality is good on interstates, but watch for strong crosswinds on I-10 near Palm Springs.
• Keep cash for tolls on the 5 Freeway if you use express lanes; otherwise, no fee.
• Winter storms can close the Grapevine section of I-5, so check conditions.

The Sonoran Desert dominates the first half, with saguaro cacti and red-rock buttes. Near Palm Springs, the San Jacinto Mountains form a dramatic backdrop, and the Coachella Valley offers date farms and boutique shops.

Just east of Safford, the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area has box canyons and hot springs—an early detour for hikers.

Off-route gems include Joshua Tree National Park and Pioneer Town, an old Western film set, about 30 miles north of Palm Springs. For a longer detour, the Rancho Los Cerritos historic site in Long Beach offers a glimpse of Spanish-era California.

Local commerce thrives in Palm Springs' vintage stores, and in Ventura, the downtown mission district has restaurants and surf shops.