What do you know about Barstow?
March 25, 2024 7:51 AM Subscribe
I am planning a last-minute road trip in CA/AZ and I don't know anything about that part of the country. Looking for some specific advice about safety, etc. particularly around Bakersfield and Barstow.
I am: single, middle-aged white woman planning to drive from Santa Cruz, CA to Flagstaff, AZ in the next couple of weeks. I will be alone with a small dog (not the kind that will protect me). My hotel options will be on the level of Hampton Inn, etc. I will only drive in the daytime on interstates and large highways, and I will not stay in any lodging where the door opens directly to the outside. I have AAA.
Depending on departure time from SC, current plan is either:
Santa Cruz to Bakersfield, Bakersfield to Flagstaff OR
Santa Cruz to Barstow, Barstow to Flagstaff
1) Are Bakersfiend and Barstow places where I could safely stay alone in a mid-priced hotel? Is there something I don't know about either of those places that makes them dangerous?
2) On the map, it looks like the rest of the way to Flagstaff is just ... nothing. It's just driving though desert on I-40, right? Is this safe? It intimidates me, but people must do it. I will have lots of food and water in the car, gas up and check tires everywhere I can, keep cell phone charged.
Is there anything obvious that I'm missing here that makes this a bad idea, or something else I need to know?
Sorry if I seem paranoid or provincial, I just don't know this part of the country and I don't want to get myself in trouble without realizing it.
I am: single, middle-aged white woman planning to drive from Santa Cruz, CA to Flagstaff, AZ in the next couple of weeks. I will be alone with a small dog (not the kind that will protect me). My hotel options will be on the level of Hampton Inn, etc. I will only drive in the daytime on interstates and large highways, and I will not stay in any lodging where the door opens directly to the outside. I have AAA.
Depending on departure time from SC, current plan is either:
Santa Cruz to Bakersfield, Bakersfield to Flagstaff OR
Santa Cruz to Barstow, Barstow to Flagstaff
1) Are Bakersfiend and Barstow places where I could safely stay alone in a mid-priced hotel? Is there something I don't know about either of those places that makes them dangerous?
2) On the map, it looks like the rest of the way to Flagstaff is just ... nothing. It's just driving though desert on I-40, right? Is this safe? It intimidates me, but people must do it. I will have lots of food and water in the car, gas up and check tires everywhere I can, keep cell phone charged.
Is there anything obvious that I'm missing here that makes this a bad idea, or something else I need to know?
Sorry if I seem paranoid or provincial, I just don't know this part of the country and I don't want to get myself in trouble without realizing it.
As long as you have confidence in your vehicle, I would not worry about this drive at all. Thousands of people drive I-40 every day. Honestly, the dog is your biggest liability. It's going to limit your lodging options and will probably make it necessary to stop more often. I'd not stop overnight in Bakersfield just because its too close Santa Cruz. You can drive much farther in a day. Watch the weather. Sounds like there is a storm coming here in California for next weekend. Also, Flagstaff is at elevation and gets significant snow, although I don't think it's snowed there for at least a month.
posted by spudsilo at 8:21 AM on March 25 [1 favorite]
posted by spudsilo at 8:21 AM on March 25 [1 favorite]
1) Yes, and No.
2) Yes, since you'll be prepared in case of a breakdown.
posted by Rash at 8:21 AM on March 25
2) Yes, since you'll be prepared in case of a breakdown.
posted by Rash at 8:21 AM on March 25
I’ve road tripped thousands of miles around the southwest as a young femme. Most of them alone (including camping alone and sleeping in my car at Walmarts and rest stops) and have not had any misadventures.
You’re taking levels of precaution that will make you feel safe and that’s great!
Both options are fine and unlikely to cause you any issues. Bakersfield is a nicer town, but Barstow means your second day of driving will be a few hours shorter, which might make the trek to Flagstaff less stressful.
It’s very understandable to be anxious about traveling alone in an unfamiliar part of the country. In this instance, you’re on the right track to remind yourself that people do it. It’s a normal, unremarkable thing and many people do it on a regular basis. Same as making phone calls and giving blood. It’s boring and common place for other people, so if you act like it’s boring and commonplace for you, too, it might help your brain relax.
Though I find the landscape very special (if not always breathtakingly spectacular) so don’t be so bored you forget to look around.
posted by itesser at 8:23 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
You’re taking levels of precaution that will make you feel safe and that’s great!
Both options are fine and unlikely to cause you any issues. Bakersfield is a nicer town, but Barstow means your second day of driving will be a few hours shorter, which might make the trek to Flagstaff less stressful.
It’s very understandable to be anxious about traveling alone in an unfamiliar part of the country. In this instance, you’re on the right track to remind yourself that people do it. It’s a normal, unremarkable thing and many people do it on a regular basis. Same as making phone calls and giving blood. It’s boring and common place for other people, so if you act like it’s boring and commonplace for you, too, it might help your brain relax.
Though I find the landscape very special (if not always breathtakingly spectacular) so don’t be so bored you forget to look around.
posted by itesser at 8:23 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
Either town will offer sufficient lodging. I think Barstow would be my preference just because I find the desert more pleasant than the central valley, and it'll allow couple hours headstart on the next leg of the trip.
posted by 2N2222 at 8:24 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
posted by 2N2222 at 8:24 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
Both of those places are just fine as long as you practice big-city smarts. In particular, please make sure you're not leaving anything visible in your car overnight; car break-ins are astoundingly common. Take all your luggage into your room with you, and leave the rest of your car items in the trunk. If you have a hatchback or other open area, cover any remaining items with a dark blanket. Even the smallest stuff -- phone charger, water bottle, etc. -- can be a temptation for an easy smash-and-grab.
Beyond that, you're good.
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:24 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
Beyond that, you're good.
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:24 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
I live in Flagstaff, we had some snow this weekend, and could keep getting snow into May. By this time of year, it's not much, maybe a few inches at a time, but if a storm in comes in, it could get to a foot or so.
As to the route, yes, I-40 west of Flagstaff can be a boring bit of road. But as you said, people drive it every day. As long as you're prepared for a long-ish drive, you'll be fine. Bakersfield, the further of the two, is about a 7 hour drive, which is doable in a day, even with more frequent breaks for the dog.
posted by Meldanthral at 8:26 AM on March 25
As to the route, yes, I-40 west of Flagstaff can be a boring bit of road. But as you said, people drive it every day. As long as you're prepared for a long-ish drive, you'll be fine. Bakersfield, the further of the two, is about a 7 hour drive, which is doable in a day, even with more frequent breaks for the dog.
posted by Meldanthral at 8:26 AM on March 25
Bakersfield is a very large, sprawling suburban city. It has a cultural history of local country music. Think of it like any big suburban sprawling city: a functional-ish widespread metropolis, with variations in amenities and concerns between neighborhood.
Barstow is a small town, but is a hub for campers, climbers and misfits. It’s much smaller. With a smaller size come different security/safety concerns.
Personally, as a 40yo lady, I would be super unconcerned to stay in either town. If the weather and your route allows, I’d personally choose Barstow as I love the mountain scenery there, although note that Barstow itself is in the flatland.
posted by samthemander at 8:42 AM on March 25
Barstow is a small town, but is a hub for campers, climbers and misfits. It’s much smaller. With a smaller size come different security/safety concerns.
Personally, as a 40yo lady, I would be super unconcerned to stay in either town. If the weather and your route allows, I’d personally choose Barstow as I love the mountain scenery there, although note that Barstow itself is in the flatland.
posted by samthemander at 8:42 AM on March 25
Barstow is the first 'ok' town in CA from the eastern border on I40. It's got a fun McDonalds that's in a fake/retrired or whatever train station, and there are other food stuff and other fast food restaurants inside too, but I think only for the McDonalds can you eat in a train car. It's worth a stop IMO.
It's not the only city on I40 between the CA coast and Flagstaff. There is also Bullhead City/Laughlin (only slightly off I40) and Kingman AZ directly on I40.
Yes (IMO) unless you are desert person that area is pretty boring, but Kingman and Bullhead City are both perfectly safe places to stop for the night.
posted by The_Vegetables at 8:48 AM on March 25 [1 favorite]
It's not the only city on I40 between the CA coast and Flagstaff. There is also Bullhead City/Laughlin (only slightly off I40) and Kingman AZ directly on I40.
Yes (IMO) unless you are desert person that area is pretty boring, but Kingman and Bullhead City are both perfectly safe places to stop for the night.
posted by The_Vegetables at 8:48 AM on March 25 [1 favorite]
OMIGOSH, I was thinking of Bishop when I was writing about Barstow!
Barstow is small, kind of podunk, not much to see there. Not much wealth/money there. If I were stay in Barstow, I’d stay in a chain hotel and feel perfectly comfortable with that.
posted by samthemander at 9:13 AM on March 25
Barstow is small, kind of podunk, not much to see there. Not much wealth/money there. If I were stay in Barstow, I’d stay in a chain hotel and feel perfectly comfortable with that.
posted by samthemander at 9:13 AM on March 25
I-40 is a perfectly unremarkable drive. It's as safe as any other highway, just boring and with long stretches of mostly empty desert. The precautions you're taking are sufficient. Keep an eye on the weather, of course, same as with any other long drive, and take note when the signage tells you the number of miles between services like gas/food so you don't get caught out urgently needing a bathroom break or gas. But otherwise that's a boring stretch of freeway, nothing to worry about. Other than I guess maybe zoning out while you drive, especially if you're on your own. Maybe make sure to have some engaging music/podcasts/audiobooks?
posted by yasaman at 9:45 AM on March 25
posted by yasaman at 9:45 AM on March 25
My friend just used
RoadieTripPlanner app for a cross country move.
I believe it lets you search and plot meal/gas stops and you can find pet friendly hotels/motels.
You can send your itinerary link to folks if you want.
I would also sign up for AAA if you don’t already have a membership.
posted by calgirl at 11:15 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
RoadieTripPlanner app for a cross country move.
I believe it lets you search and plot meal/gas stops and you can find pet friendly hotels/motels.
You can send your itinerary link to folks if you want.
I would also sign up for AAA if you don’t already have a membership.
posted by calgirl at 11:15 AM on March 25 [2 favorites]
The main danger IME is coming out of that desert stretch on fumes and paying gas prices that will make you fume, because they know you have no choice. Make sure to gas up and use a restroom just before the last chance.
I like driving that stretch of desert just because it looks so interesting and different to me from anything I grew up with. I know a lot of people find it extremely dull, but I've done it several times now and haven't gotten bored yet.
P. S. If you need to eat in Bakersfield and don't mind a detour, consider Moo Creamery!
posted by wintersweet at 12:15 PM on March 25 [1 favorite]
I like driving that stretch of desert just because it looks so interesting and different to me from anything I grew up with. I know a lot of people find it extremely dull, but I've done it several times now and haven't gotten bored yet.
P. S. If you need to eat in Bakersfield and don't mind a detour, consider Moo Creamery!
posted by wintersweet at 12:15 PM on March 25 [1 favorite]
It's been awhile since I've been there, but my biggest concern would be property crime, including car break-ins. Not that it's guaranteed to happen, or even likely to happen, but that if something's going to happen that's gonna be the most likely thing. Given your level of concern, it might help to pack some plastic or "crash wrap" and painter's tape. Again, I don't think your car will get broken into, but if you are looking for peace of mind it may provide some to know that you can get up and going even if you have a broken window. (Personally I don't think the break-in risk is worse in Barstow than Bakersfield--and of course car break-ins have always been part of the cost of being anywhere in CA to begin with.)
Looking at your concerns, I'd just make double sure that whatever hotel you book has rooms that don't open to the outside, as you specify, because I feel like Barstow is more of a motel town than a hotel town, and goodness knows hotels don't always match up to what they look like on kayak.com.
posted by kensington314 at 12:24 PM on March 25
Looking at your concerns, I'd just make double sure that whatever hotel you book has rooms that don't open to the outside, as you specify, because I feel like Barstow is more of a motel town than a hotel town, and goodness knows hotels don't always match up to what they look like on kayak.com.
posted by kensington314 at 12:24 PM on March 25
Once you get out of the Central Valley, it really is a very beautiful and humbling landscape, so I hope you enjoy the drive!
posted by kensington314 at 12:25 PM on March 25
posted by kensington314 at 12:25 PM on March 25
Look for La Quinta as far as a place to say. Most of them are extremely pet friendly and the ones we’ve stayed in have all had rooms that did not open directly to the outside. Another place to look at for a stop point on the way would be Laughlin, NV. Some of the casino hotels are pet-friendly and they’re often a good bit cheaper than other lodging options.
As far as packing things in the car, make sure to pack some extra blankets. In the unlikely event you were to have a car problem in the high country, it could be pretty cold up there so you’ll want to stay warm while you wait for help. Once you get out of Ash Fork on I-40 you’re going to climb up into the mountains and pine forest and it can get chilly up there depending on how the weather is going. Having a power bank for your cell phone is never a bad idea on a road trip either.
Make sure you keep an eye on the weather, take breaks, and stay hydrated, especially important since you'll be at altitude. Drive safe!
posted by azpenguin at 3:33 PM on March 25 [2 favorites]
As far as packing things in the car, make sure to pack some extra blankets. In the unlikely event you were to have a car problem in the high country, it could be pretty cold up there so you’ll want to stay warm while you wait for help. Once you get out of Ash Fork on I-40 you’re going to climb up into the mountains and pine forest and it can get chilly up there depending on how the weather is going. Having a power bank for your cell phone is never a bad idea on a road trip either.
Make sure you keep an eye on the weather, take breaks, and stay hydrated, especially important since you'll be at altitude. Drive safe!
posted by azpenguin at 3:33 PM on March 25 [2 favorites]
We stayed in Barstow in a cross country trip and yes is it a bit rundown but adequate for a limited overnight stop. It is the home of the oldest operating Del Taco which is worth a quick stop. The menu is a bit expanded and the food is tastier than your average Del Taco experience. Also features a drive through (if memory is accurate) if you don’t want to leave the pup and reduces world interaction if you are preferring to just drive and sleep.
The driving part is quite beautiful. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, and layers. Keep your phone and your gas tank reasonably topped off.
posted by countrymod at 5:37 PM on March 25 [1 favorite]
The driving part is quite beautiful. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, and layers. Keep your phone and your gas tank reasonably topped off.
posted by countrymod at 5:37 PM on March 25 [1 favorite]
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posted by restless_nomad at 8:09 AM on March 25