The Scenic Route: Driving from Bishop, California to Grants Pass, Oregon

Are you planning a road trip from Bishop, California to Grants Pass, Oregon? If so, you may be wondering how long the drive will take. Well, the answer depends on a few factors, such as which route you take and the time of day you hit the road. Let's dive into the details!

The Fastest Route

If you're looking to get to Grants Pass as quickly as possible, you'll want to take I-5 North. The distance is about 500 miles, and if you can find a clear path, you can complete the drive in about 8 hours. However, keep in mind that you'll be missing out on some gorgeous scenery if you take this route. Also, be aware that this is the most popular route and can become heavily trafficked in peak travel times, such as holidays and summer weekends.

The Scenic Route

If you don't mind adding an extra hour or two to your drive, we highly recommend taking US-395 North. This route will take you through some of California's most picturesque landscapes, such as the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range and Mammoth Lakes. You'll get to experience a bit of small town charm in Bridgeport and take in the impressive views during the drive through Lake Tahoe. The distance for this route is roughly 550 miles. If you're traveling during low traffic times, this route can take as little as 10 hours. However, if you're driving during peak traffic times, this can add an extra 2 hours to your journey.

Scenic but Slow

If you're looking to take the scenic route but want to avoid the longer drive time, we suggest taking US-50 West. This route is just as beautiful as the US-395 North drive but is somewhat shorter, at about 540 miles. There will still be plenty of picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Lake Tahoe. However, be aware that this can be a longer route with the narrow and winding road. So, if you're afraid of heights or get carsick easily, this might not be the best choice for you. The usual time to cover this route is about 9-10 hours during lower traffic periods.

Best Time to Travel

Driving from Bishop to Grant Pass isn't a short journey, so it's always best to avoid high traffic times. The best time to travel is early in the morning or late at night. Early in the morning, when there is less traffic, can be the perfect time to drive the US-395 route and savor breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, small towns, and lakes. Late at night could be the best time for those who want to navigate US-50 at a faster and safer pace.

Conclusion

To sum up, while the US-395 North route is the most scenic and the quickest route to Grants Pass, it could take a bit longer during peak traffic hours. But if you have time on your hands and want to experience some beautiful landscapes, going scenic is surely the way. Just make sure to hit the road as early in the morning as possible for both routes, to avoid traffic and enjoy the scenery without rush. Remember to stay safe on your trip and enjoy the drive!