Drive from Three Rivers to Joshua Tree

Question

Hi- I had no idea what I was in for when I came to Three Rivers for Sequoia NP. While we made it to Sherman, I almost had to offer someone money to drive us back down. I cried for a while at the bottom. We attempted Kings Canyon via 180 but had to turn around- I was absolutely petrified. We are supposed to head to JT from here and stay at AutoCamp there. Is the drive from Three Rivers to Joshua Tree going to be possible for someone as afraid of heights as I am? I’m not sure I can take it.

Answer

The drive from Three Rivers (Sequoia/Kings Canyon area) to Joshua Tree National Park is much more straightforward and less intimidating than the drives inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The main route generally follows Highway 198 out of Three Rivers toward Visalia, then connects to Highway 65 south, and eventually to I-10 east toward Joshua Tree. These are standard highways and freeways with wide lanes, guardrails, and gradual grades, unlike the steep mountain roads you experienced in the parks.

Key points to keep in mind:

The drive is long—roughly 6–7 hours without long stops—so plan breaks along the way in towns like Visalia, Bakersfield, or Palm Springs to stretch and regroup.
There are no extreme cliffside roads or tight switchbacks similar to the Giant Forest or Kings Canyon drives, so it should be much more comfortable for someone afraid of heights.
Weather and traffic are usually manageable. However, always check for any road construction along I-10 or smaller highways before departure.

If you want to minimize stress:

Consider breaking the trip into two segments: Three Rivers to Palm Springs (4–5 hours), then Palm Springs to Joshua Tree (about 1 hour). This way, you have a more manageable drive each day.
Use a GPS or mapping app with real-time traffic updates to avoid surprises on highways, particularly around Bakersfield and I-10 junctions.
If driving yourself feels overwhelming, another option is to hire a driver for the trip. There are professional shuttle services or private drivers that can safely transport you directly to AutoCamp Joshua Tree.

Overall, this drive is far less daunting than the mountain roads you faced in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Most visitors—even those who dislike heights—find it entirely manageable and safe. With good planning and breaks, you should be able to enjoy the transition from the Sierra Nevada to the desert scenery of Joshua Tree without undue stress.

Drive from Three Rivers to Joshua Tree

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions