Driving Time between Carlisle, Arkansas and Hemet, California

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip: Carlisle, Arkansas to Hemet, California

Hitting the open road for a cross-country drive can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to plan out the route to ensure a smooth ride. The drive from Carlisle, Arkansas to Hemet, California covers a distance of approximately 1,725 miles and takes around 27-28 hours, depending on the route taken and any stops along the way. Here's a breakdown of the different routes and driving time for this drive, along with some recommended stops.

Route 1: The Southern Route (I-40 West and I-15 South)

The Southern route is the most direct path, as it takes you through Little Rock and across Texas to reach California. The drive is around 1,700 miles and takes around 26-27 hours, without any stops.

If you take this route, you can stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico to enjoy the beautiful deserts, mountains, and sand dunes. There is also a chance to visit the famous UFO museum in the area, which gets many tourists every year.

Another good stop is in Flagstaff, Arizona where you can enjoy the breathtaking red rocks of Sedona and explore the nearby canyons, including the Grand Canyon, which is only a short drive away.

Route 2: The Mountain View Route (I-40 West and I-50 West)

The second route option is slightly longer, covering a distance of around 1,900 miles, but it takes you through some incredible mountain scenery if you're up for a more scenic drive. This route will take around 30 hours to complete.

If you take this route, there are many fantastic places to take a break, including Oklahoma City, Amarillo, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. But the most recommended stop is definitely in Durango, Colorado, where there is a chance to spend some time hiking in the beautiful San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness.

Route 3: The Coastal Route (I-40 West, I-5 South)

This route offers the longest drive of the three, covering around 2,000 miles and taking nearly 32 hours to complete. But, if you're a fan of those cliff lined coastlines and ocean scenery, you can take this route along the Pacific Coast.

If you take this route, you can make a stop somewhere like the Santa Monica Pier, attend a concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, or visit the quaint town of Encinitas or La Jolla in San Diego.

All these routes require long hours on the road, so it's best to take breaks and recharge when needed. Here are some interesting and relaxing places to stop and take a break during the drive.

  1. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Stop by Bricktown for a drink and watch a movie at the downstairs cinema. Or visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial, which is an honoring tribute to the bombing that happened in 1995.

  2. Albuquerque, New Mexico - Visit the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that runs every October, or check out the ride atop the longest tram ride in the world, and see the city from a bird's eye view.

  3. Flagstaff, Arizona - Take a sunset hike to the Humphrey's Peak Trail, which is the tallest summit in Arizona.

  4. Durango, Colorado - Ride the Historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that rolls through the majestic San Juan Mountains and Animas River.

  5. Santa Monica, Los Angeles - Take a walk on the beautiful boardwalk from Pacific Park to Venice Beach, where you can watch street performers, get some great food from food trucks, and relax on the beach.

Before hitting the road, check out weather conditions and traffic updates for the optimum travel experience. There are several options for lodging and restaurants on the way. Happy travels!