In a couple weeks, we’ll be relocating to Kanab, Utah, with 3 horses; 4 dogs; caged feral cats and 2 small birds. We are exploring routes, and wondering if anyone can suggest one that is friendly to animals. Reno and Tonopah,Nevada, are out given the frigid temps!
Any suggestions welcomed!
We’re planning a 2 day drive.
Thanks in advance.
We travel across to KY twice a year but usually in May and late fall, so sometimes we go I80, and others we head south, we go down I5 then pick whether you want to go over the grapevine and off at 138 or cut over through Bakersfield and over tehachapi on the way to I15 and Las Vegas. I99 is just too full of truck traffic for us, getting on and off.
Both of those are subject to cold temps and snow, but your warm weather alternative goes thru LA, and you still have to get over into the LA basin, ie the grapevine, which was horrid towing the cargo trailer but not impossible, then you exit on I15 back up to Las Vegas. That section of I 15 was at a crawl, very aggravating but so’s everything in the area. Victorville overnight temps are 36 tonight, Bakersfield is 44 tonight. It’s not an interesting or scenic drive at all, but fairly direct.
We have family in Lancaster where we stop but we have bypassed them before and gone I40, over tehachapi to I5.
Best of luck you get a clear weather window, we do use the weather channel radar and try to miss actively snowing and thunderstorm bands.
I think the route I would suggest is I-5 south to Bakersfield, cut across the desert via 58 through Mojave to Barstow, 15 to Hurricane, UT, and then 59/389/89 to Kanab. I think this is the route I would suggest for hauling horses in any weather; I-80 over Donner Pass is a very steep haul and 93 through Nevada is two lanes, not much in the way of services, and there’s not really much advantage to going that way.
I’ve driven all those roads, though not necessarily recently.
Finding a good overnight is a little challenging, but I might suggest looking around Bakersfield/Tehachapi/Bear Valley Springs as an area that might be able to accommodate the horses.
Kanab is an interesting place to end up! What draws you there?
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Thank you so much for taking the time to give us all that detail! There are many options we will now explore. Much appreciated!
It is so helpful to hear what has worked for you! Bakersfield/Mojave/Barstow/Kanab sounds like that would be a good route.
About us:
My husband is a retired equine veterinarian.
We’re both in our 70’s.
We moved to Red Bluff in 2017 from Granite Falls, WA when developers took over the adjoining 100 acre property and put 2 story houses practically on our property line. I have family in Eureka so Red Bluff was near. We were heading toward Utah then, but seemed dismal for horse scene. I love Eventing and Dressage.
Our son will soon be Certified as an International Mountain Guide and was employed by Zion National Park Emergency Operations Center for SAR to include helicopter rescues. He is, also, a Paramedic. He has roots there now.
We are looking to downsize and to be honest, get out of California. There, we will have help if needed and his tribe of friends.
Turning a Page on a Chapter…
And it takes a Village!
Thank you!
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As a Northern Utah dweller, I’d agree that going south to Bakersfield and then up through Barstow, Vegas, St George would be my choice at this time of year. (It’s the way we always go to shows in CA even from the Salt Lake area.) Reno/Donner Pass/80 in general can be tricky if the weather is iffy, and it can be so in May.
It’s a long haul!
You were asking a couple of weeks ago about dressage activity in the area. As well as the Utah Dressage Society, you might want to check out the Color Country Equestrian Club, they have a facebook page.
totally agree with poltroon, do not be tempted by the shorter road distance via Zion at Hurricane
Yeah, I think poltroons route sounds the best for your menagerie. And I’m happy to hear you’re taking the ferals 
Really boosts confidence to hear input from those of you who regularly travel these routes.
Long haul–about to find out about that! A new chapter so will be excitement to temper the miles:)
Will check out the Color County Equestrian Club–it has an interesting name.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Ok! Thanks:) You all agree.
We pondered the ferals a bit. They are ‘home’ here, and buyers offered to take care of them. One of them can use the doggie door into the house. The new people have dachsunds, and wouldn’t That be a surprise meeting! Just concluded there’d be no guarantee what their welcome would be so
Along They Come!
“You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed”
–The Little Prince/Antoine de St Exupery
I kinda feel that way!
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One of our last big moves was 6 horses, 2 goats, 2 parakeets, a rabbit, 6 cats including the ferals which became firmly entrenched in the house ever after, and four dogs. January move in MT. Made it 400 miles and got hit (yes, she hit us) by a freaking elk at 2 am 3 miles from our destination; -20 below. Drive carefully and enjoy all your new adventures!
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I’m smiling!—a fellow pet lover!
But
Auck
I’d prefer a boring trip:)
Thanks for sharing!
Such an intense time.
I needed that:)
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