Palm Springs is a desert oasis from the business of Los Angeles. For anyone, local or not, Palm Springs is sure to be at the top of your bucket list. What better way to fully explore than to take an RV and road trip your way? With a short 107-mile journey, you will have more time to experience this stylish city.
Head on down to Travellers Autobarn Los Angeles, collect your RV and start your road trip!
LA to Cabazon Dinosaurs
Stop 1
Your first stop is at Cabazon Dinosaurs roadside attraction. These ginormous concrete structures are all that remain of the previous roadside restaurant which closed in 2013. This is the perfect selfie opportunity with Mr. Rex and Dinny the Dinosaur!
Cabazon Dinosaurs to The Indian Canyons
Stop 2
Just outside Palm Springs lies The Indian Canyons. They are perfect to stretch your legs. There are many different trails to suit everyone, whether you prefer a nice stroll or an intense hike. With the echoes of the birdsong and trickling streams in the distance, this is the perfect place for a picnic.
The Indian Canyons to Tahquitz Canyon
Stop 3
Have you ever heard of flowing water, in a desert? Take half a day to check out this must see! This two-mile loop leads to a 50-foot waterfall tucked into Tahquitz Canyon. The falls are located within the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation. For a small fee of $12.50, you will be able to experience this wonder up close and personal.
Tahquitz Canyon to Palm Springs
Stop 4
It is a swift drive to Palm Springs from Tahquitz Canyon. Once arrived, head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It travels over two and a half miles along the breath-taking cliffs of Chino Canyon. It is a short 10-15-minute journey and as the tram rotates, it offers picturesque views of the valley floor below.
Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park
One Last Stop
Your final day in Palm Springs you must take a short drive to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s around an hour away and will take you to another planet. The best time to be here is the time right before sundown as there is nothing more awe-inspiring than a desert sunset over those gorgeous rocks and Joshua Trees that cover the land. This will take your breath away.
Coachella
Festival
What better way to experience one of the most well-known festivals than in an RV? If you are lucky to score tickets to this in demand festival, you will have the time of your life. People travel from all around the world to experience Coachella first hand, with a short 31-mile drive from Palm Springs if it’s not on your bucket list, it should be!
Find other popular road trips across Los Angeles
- Check Out LA to Sacramento Road Trip
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- Check Out Los Angeles to Seattle Road Trip
- Check Out Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip
- See all Los Angeles road trips
Get the best rates on campervan rentals across Los Angeles
The journey is just as important as the destination, and we’re here to make it affordable. A budget campervan rental in Los Angeles gives you the best value for your travel needs.
FAQs about Los Angeles to Palm Springs road trip
The drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is a relatively short one, 215 miles (346 km). It would only take you around three hours to complete, depending on how often you stop. While the trip may be short, there’s a lot to do along the way. To make the trip more enjoyable, we recommend taking a 5-day road trip, stopping at some of the attractions along the way.
If you’re heading to Palm Springs from Los Angeles, this route has plenty of places to jump out, stretch your legs, and explore something different. One of the first is Cabazon Dinosaurs, where two towering concrete sculptures make for a great roadside photo stop. From there, the Indian Canyons are just the place for walking, whether you want a quick stroll or something longer.
Just nearby, Tahquitz Canyon is worth the short hike for the waterfall alone, especially if you’re after a fabulous break in the desert heat. When you get closer to town, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you high above the valley floor and offers a unique way to see the area from above. And if you’ve still got the time and energy, Joshua Tree National Park is just an hour away and a great spot to catch a desert sunset.
You can collect your campervan rental from our facility in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, we don’t have a drop-off facility in Palm Springs. Our drop-off locations are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
If you enjoy the freedom camping experience and want to factor in some freedom camping sites into your trip, then there are some lovely sites to check out along the route. Look at our freedom camping guide for California to find which sites you can use.
The best time to make the quick drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is between October and April. That’s when the desert heat backs off and it’s comfortable enough to explore, relax, or go hiking. Summer can hit triple digits, so unless you love the heat, stick to cooler months.
Yes, especially if your trip falls outside the peak travel season. Booking your campervan early may lead to an off-season offer and gives you more time to think about your drive, where to park, and how long you want to stay.
The good news is that there are no tolls from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, so the entire trip is straightforward and toll free.
Our Campervans
Seats 2-5
Tent Optional
Chairs Optional
Ice Box Optional
Ext. Table Opt.
Gas Cooker Opt.
