Ready to turn your 2026 into a year of unforgettable open-road adventures? Start in Riverside County, where sun-drenched highways, mountain switchbacks, and desert horizons converge to create some of Southern California’s most epic driving routes. Whether you’re craving a quick day trip to Palm Springs or plotting a scenic loop up the Pacific Coast Highway, we’ve mapped out 10 road trip ideas that promise big views, bold experiences, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
In this guide, you'll find routes suited for every kind of traveler from laid-back wine country drives near Temecula to rugged treks through Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and beyond. We’ll show you where to go, what to see, and which Chevrolet model makes the perfect travel companion, whether it’s the all-electric Equinox EV, the versatile Trax, or the family-ready Traverse.
Each trip is designed with real Riverside County drivers in mind, featuring starting points like Corona, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, and Palm Desert. You'll also get insider tips on timing, terrain, and the best vehicle match for every journey.
From desert escapes to coastal cruises, these are the 10 must-drive routes for your 2026 road trip bucket list.
Planning your route is easy, getting behind the wheel is even easier. Visit your nearest Southern California Chevy Dealer to test drive the vehicles built to take you there.
1. Desert Escape to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is a top pick for anyone planning Riverside County road trips. It’s less than two hours from most cities in the region, yet it feels like another world. You’ll trade traffic for wide skies, bold rock shapes, and peaceful desert air.
If you're starting from Corona, Temecula, or Hemet, this trip is a breeze. And with the Chevy Silverado, rough roads and steep climbs are no problem.
Top Stops to See:
- Hidden Valley – Short hike with cool rock views
- Keys View – Big views of the Coachella Valley
- Skull Rock – Fun photo spot right off the road
- Cholla Cactus Garden – Great near sunrise or sunset
Why Go:
- Wide open roads
- Easy day trip from Riverside
- Great for nature, hikes, and photos
- Best in spring or fall when it’s cooler
Make sure to pack:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Maps or offline GPS
- Snacks for the drive
The Silverado handles the heat, the hills, and the haul. It’s a solid pick for this desert drive.
2. Retro Vibes and Natural Wonders in Palm Springs
Palm Springs mixes fun style with wild desert views. It’s one of the best 2026 Riverside driving routes for short trips packed with cool sights. This city is bright, bold, and easy to reach.
With an Equinox, the drive stays smooth and comfy the whole way. Plus, there are plenty of places to stop and take in the view.
What to Do in Palm Springs:
- Aerial Tramway – Ride from the desert to the pines
- Downtown – Shops, art, and spots to eat
- Mid-Century Homes – Take a self-guided tour
- San Andreas Fault Tour – Go by jeep for the full story
Good to Know:
- Palm Desert and Hemet are less than an hour away
- Best times to visit: October to April
- Many local roads are EV-ready if you're in an electric model
This trip mixes fun, style, and the wild side of nature. The Equinox is a great fit for this balance.
3. Extreme Landscapes in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley may sound tough and it is but it’s also one of the most stunning Palm Springs road trips you can take. It’s not close, but the reward is big. You’ll see views that look like they came from another planet.
If you’re heading there in a Chevy Trax, you’ll get good gas use and a smooth ride for long miles.
Main Sights to Plan Around:
- Badwater Basin – The lowest point in North America
- Zabriskie Point – A short walk to a big view
- Artist’s Drive – Colorful rocks on a loop road
- Dante’s View – Great for sunrise or sunset
Tips for This Drive:
- Bring lots of water and snacks
- Cell service is limited
- Visit in winter or early spring
- Start early to beat the heat
This trip is bold, quiet, and spacious. With the right prep and a trusted ride like the Trax, it’s more than doable it’s worth it.
4. Scenic Coastal Adventure on Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur
One of the best long drives from Riverside leads to the sea. The trip up the Pacific Coast Highway offers views that go on for miles. It’s a great break from inland heat and perfect for slow drives with the windows down.
Start near Lake Elsinore or Temecula, and head west to the coast. The Chevy Colorado is great for a ride like this strong, smooth, and easy to park in small towns.
Top Stops on the Way:
- San Luis Obispo – Good for food and shops
- Morro Bay – Watch the sea otters
- Big Sur Coastline – Views from every turn
- Bixby Bridge – A must-see photo spot
Good to Pair With:
- Wine country drives Riverside locals already love
- Quick overnight stays in coastal inns
- Picnic stops along scenic turnouts
This drive is long but not rushed. Each stop adds to the story, and the Colorado gives you the space and ease to enjoy it all.
5. National Treasures in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is a drive worth taking. If you’re starting from Riverside County, plan on a longer trip. Still, it’s one of the top day loops from Riverside if you stretch it to a weekend. The views are worth every mile.
The Chevy Traverse gives you space for the whole crew and their gear, making the ride part of the fun.
Don’t Miss These Spots:
- Tunnel View – The most famous lookout
- Yosemite Falls – A tall, powerful sight
- Glacier Point – Wide views of the valley
- Mariposa Grove – Big trees, easy trails
Why Yosemite Works:
- Great for families
- Lots of hikes for all levels
- Clean air, huge skies
- Camps and inns for overnight stays
Bring:
- Jackets for cool nights
- Maps for park roads
- Snacks and water
The Traverse is built for trips like this. Big enough to bring what you need, smooth enough to make the miles fly by.
6. Alpine Adventure at Lake Tahoe
Cool air. Clear water. Mountain roads. Lake Tahoe is a great pick for Riverside County road trips that feel like a full escape.
The drive is long, but the views are worth it. Forests line the roads. Lakes reflect the sky. You’ll leave the desert behind and reach an alpine world.
The Equinox EV makes this trip smooth and quiet. You’ll find charging points near major stops, so you can plan with ease.
Things to Do in Tahoe:
- South Shore: Try swimming, paddle boats, and lakefront trails
- Emerald Bay: Hike for great views of the bay and island
- Heavenly Village: Ride the gondola or explore shops
- Truckee: A small town with old charm and good eats
Plan for:
- Cold nights, even in summer
- Quick weather shifts in spring and fall
- Lots of daylight in summer
If you want clean air, tall trees, and a calm break from the heat, Tahoe is the place to go.
7. Giant Forests in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
These parks are packed with trees so tall, they block the sun. They’re among the best 2026 Riverside driving routes for people who love nature. You won’t need to hike far to feel deep in the woods.
The roads twist and rise through hills and tall woods. A Silverado handles the climbs with ease and gives you space to bring what you need.
Must-See Spots:
- General Sherman Tree: One of the largest trees in the world
- Moro Rock: A steep trail with views at the top
- Grant Grove: Easy trails near big trees
- Cedar Grove: Less crowded and very quiet
Be Ready For:
- Tight roads with sharp turns
- Cool air, even in summer
- Few gas stops, so fill up first
This trip is best in late spring or early fall. Trees, quiet, and cool shade make it a calm break from the city.
8. Iconic Sights in San Francisco
A long drive, yes—but full of views and fun stops. San Francisco is a top choice for Palm Springs road trips that stretch over a weekend. The city is bold, full of life, and great to walk once you park.
Take the Equinox for smooth roads and room for bags. It’s built for trips like this—long but light.
Don’t Miss These Stops:
- Golden Gate Bridge: Best viewed from the north side
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Shops, food, and seals
- Chinatown: One of the oldest in the U.S.
- Painted Ladies: Bright old homes near the city park
Good Tips:
- Use hotel parking or find a safe garage
- Bring layers weather can shift fast
- Plan to walk more than drive in town
Big city meets big charm. A trip up the coast brings you views and a fresh scene, all in one ride.
9. Wine Country Drives through Napa and Sonoma Valleys
This route pairs well with a love for slow drives and small towns. It’s a calm break from the heat and noise. If you enjoy wine country drives, Riverside drivers will feel right at home—just with a cooler breeze.
The Trax is just right for this kind of trip. Small for parking in town, big enough for a few boxes from the vineyards.
Where to Sip and Stroll:
- Napa: Great food, bold wines, and river views
- Sonoma: Small shops, relaxed tasting rooms
- Calistoga: Old town charm and hot springs
- Yountville: A food lover’s dream
When to Go:
- Late spring to early fall is best
- Avoid weekends for less traffic
- Book tastings ahead of time
Peaceful roads, good wine, and small-town charm make this a trip to slow down and savor.
10. Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway via Highway 395
This route gives you wide skies and snow-capped peaks. It's one of the best day loops from Riverside if you turn it into a weekend. You’ll head up Highway 395, where towns feel small and skies feel big.
The Colorado is ideal here. It can handle mountain climbs and still keep the ride smooth and quiet.
Key Stops Along the Way:
- Lone Pine: Gateway to Mt. Whitney
- Bishop: Try the local bakery and trout streams
- Mammoth Lakes: Ski, hike, or soak in hot springs
- June Lake Loop: A short scenic side route with lakes and trails
Good to Know:
- Fuel up when you can gas stops are few
- Fall brings bright leaf color
- Snow can close roads in winter
The Eastern Sierra route is bold and calm all at once. Few crowds. Big views. Just you, the road, and the peaks.
Many travelers planning road trips from Riverside County want to know how to prepare, where to go, and what to expect on the road. The FAQs below address common concerns and help drivers make the most of their 2026 road trip routes across wine country, desert escapes, and beyond.
Which wine-country and desert routes begin in Riverside County?
Several wine-country and desert drives begin in Riverside County, including routes to Temecula Valley Wine Country, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, and Napa and Sonoma Valleys (for extended trips).
How do I book winery tours along Riverside drives?
Most Temecula Valley wineries offer online booking through their websites or platforms like Tock and OpenTable. It’s best to reserve in advance, especially on weekends.
What gas-and-go essentials should I pack?
Pack water, snacks, phone chargers, a paper map or offline GPS, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and extra layers for varying weather.
Are any sections prone to heavy traffic or closures?
Yes. The Pacific Coast Highway and areas near Yosemite, Sequoia, and Lake Tahoe often experience seasonal closures or weekend traffic. Always check Caltrans for current road updates.
Which day trips can be combined into a weekend loop?
You can combine Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, and Temecula into a weekend loop starting from Riverside County. Each stop is within 1–2 hours of the next.
Start Your Next Adventure with Southern California Chevy
Ready to plan your next drive? Our team at Southern California Chevy Dealers is here to help. Whether you're heading to the desert, the coast, or the forest, we have the right vehicle for every kind of road trip.
Drivers from Palm Desert, Corona, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and Hemet are invited to explore our wide range of new Chevy models. From the tough Silverado to the roomy Traverse, the compact Trax, and the electric Equinox EV, there’s something built for every trip.
Still planning your route? Make sure to check out more of our site. You can learn about features like the JellyFish Launcher, find summer festivals worth driving to, or read if Chevy is bringing back the Bolt.
To get more ideas for where to go next, browse our list of scenic drive options.
Stop by or contact your local Southern California Chevy Dealer today. We're here to help you hit the road with ease.
Disclaimer: All information is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all content is complete, current, or error-free. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. This article may include opinions and is not endorsed by, or officially affiliated with, any vehicle manufacturer or brand. Always consult official sources – such as the vehicle’s owner’s manual, authorized dealerships, or certified professionals – for the most up-to-date and personalized information.
