Best 2 (or 3) Day Drive Between Phoenix & Palm Springs?
 

I'll be visiting Phoenix and Palm Springs from chilly Chicago next week and am looking for the best way to connect the two cities. My husband, 5 year old, 10 month old and I will have a rental car and can take 1 or 2 nights between Phoenix and Palm Springs.

I'd love your thoughts on the best way to break up the trip, what to see on the way, etc. Our goal is to enjoy the scenery rather than buzz past it, and we'd like to do some nature exploration along the way. We're not campers, and with small kids I don't think we can plan on long hikes, but some leisurely strolls under 3 miles would fit us well...

Thanks so much!

Hi. Former Chicagoan here. But a Californian since1952. I've driven that route a few times over the years and my recollection is that it's flat desert, and it's only 4 hours. There are plenty of rest stops along the way. Arizona is very good about that. So, I would not plan an overnight stop. Maybe there are some strolling paths along the Colorado river at Blythe.

There is no scenery between Palm Springs and Phoenix! If the weather holds ( I'm heading to Scottsdale this weekend and it's forecasted to be in the high 80's... I'd find a hotel with a great pool and enjoy in either city. No need to stay any nights on the road.

Thanks -- that's good to know! We were thinking about visiting Joshua Tree or Kofa National Park. Do you have any experience with them as a chance to get out and enjoy the area?

When I saw the title I had to giggle ;) The only way I'd spend 2 (or 3) days on that drive is if the car broke down and I had to hunker down in Blythe. No, you don't want to stretch it out . . .

Even w/ a detour to Joshua Tree or Kofa it won't take a whole day.

just head to palm springs would be my recommendation. but, spending several hours or all day at joshua tree is definitely worth it. if you really want to include another stop, you could go to lake havasu for lunch and a waunder around.

Thank you! This is definitely setting my expectations : ) We are thinking we'll go via rt 66, instead. That should be a little more scenic with things to see along the way, or to go a little distance extra west and then loop back to palm springs.

With small children who don't love the car, short trips are definitely a plus...

thanks again,
Jen

Pack plenty of cold drinks if you are going on a hike in the Mojave Desert. On the old US 66, aka National Trails Highway, you will find Amboy otherwise known as "Radiator Springs" http://www.route66news.com/2006/06/0...he-cars-movie/
You can go south from Amboy to get to 29 Palms on the north side of Joshua Tree National Park.