Driving north - Grapevine or Tehachapi?

[HB2HSV]

I live in Palmdale and I've done both routes before. A few things to keep in mind:

If you take the 15 to 395, the 395 to 58 is local and can be congested with traffic. An alternate I personally like to take is turn off on 138, take the Pearblosom highway to connect with Hwy 14, which is a 30 minute speed limit drive all the way to 58. It may appear longer on the map but it’s a quicker drive due to no traffic.

Also if you take 58 through Tehachapi to Bakersfield. It takes another 45 min - 1 hr to cut across 223 to I-5, I take the 223 through Arvin before getting into Bakersfield and get tied up with Traffic. (Edit to add: my bad. Didn’t realize you’re taking 99 all the way up. Ignore this then).

Having said that, I still think the 58 is a pleasant drive and you could avoid the potential congestion on the grapevine. The 10-210-I5 is plagued with LA traffic all hours during the day.

[JB316]

58 should be slightly quicker and has a less likely chance of being hemmed up due to traffic. Definitely take 138 to 14 at Palmdale instead of 395.

Regarding grade, the drive from the 58 up the Tehachapi Pass from the east side is an easy escalation in elevation, shouldn’t be too difficult on your rig at all.

[That_One_Girl]

Originally Posted by JB316

58 should be slightly quicker and has a less likely chance of being hemmed up due to traffic. Definitely take 138 to 14 at Palmdale instead of 395.

Regarding grade, the drive from the 58 up the Tehachapi Pass from the east side is an easy escalation in elevation, shouldn’t be too difficult on your rig at all.

Yeah I have a super old, weak, crappy car that struggles miserably going over the Grapevine, and I'm always fine going through Tehachapi Pass. If I can make it in my car, anyone can! lol