The Ultimate Guide to Driving From Beaumont to Ridgecrest

If you're planning a trip from Beaumont to Ridgecrest, you're in for a beautiful road trip through Southern California. Whether it's a family road trip or a weekend getaway with friends, planning ahead is key to a smooth drive. You'll want to consider the distance, route options, and the time it takes to get there. In this post, we'll cover all of these essential tips to help you make the most of your journey.

The Fastest and Slowest Routes

There are two main routes to choose from when driving from Beaumont to Ridgecrest: the quickest option is via the I-10 E and CA-62 E, while the more scenic route is via the CA-60 E and CA-247 N. The distance for the faster route is around 215 miles, while the distance for the slower route is approximately 240 miles.

If you're in a hurry and traffic patterns are in your favor, it should take you around 3 hours and 50 minutes for the faster route, but only add around 20 minutes for the slower route. However, the time it takes largely depends on traffic conditions and the time of day you are travelling.

Travel Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Traffic can be unpredictable, so it's wise to plan your route accordingly. For the faster route at peak traffic times, such as weekday mornings, it could take you around 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach Ridgecrest. However, if you're driving out of peak hours, it could take you as little as 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Similarly, for the slower route, the time it takes can vary. It's estimated to take around 5 hours to complete when you face peak traffic, but only 4 hours during non-peak hours. To avoid congested routes, it's best to use a GPS app that can track traffic patterns and suggest the best route.

Road Trip Stops Along the Way

If you're driving slowly and looking for fun road trip stops, try taking the scenic route via CA-60 E and CA-247 N. There are various points of interest along the way, including the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Mojave National Preserve.

For a family fun pit stop, the Cabazon Dinosaurs make for a perfect roadside attraction. The Hollywood sign-inspired giant dinosaurs offer great photo opportunities and even educational exhibits.

Final Thoughts

The journey from Beaumont to Ridgecrest is a lovely driving experience. The chosen route you take and the time it takes to arrive will largely depend on traffic patterns and the time of day you are travelling. Remember to keep in mind any potential route closures due to roadwork, and always plan ahead.

Whether you're driving for leisure or to attend an important event, our tips will come in handy when driving from Beaumont to Ridgecrest. With a little bit of planning and a sense of adventure, you're sure to enjoy the scenic views along the way. Safe travels!