Anaheim, CA to Alturas, CA is 657.6 miles and takes about 13h 18m via Route 395, with a fuel budget near $151 and enough daylight to finish in a day (though we recommend splitting it). This long-distance drive traverses California from south to north, staying entirely within the Golden State. You'll experience a significant shift in scenery as you head inland and ascend. Given its profile as a long-distance drive and the recommended two days for completion, plan for a journey that offers a substantial taste of the state's diverse landscapes.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
328.8 miles from Anaheim, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 6h 37m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Route 395
132.8 mi
2h 37m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
104.5 mi
2h 2m
Blue Star Memorial Highway
103.3 mi
2h 3m
I 580
91.9 mi
1h 45m
North Sierra Highway
87.4 mi
1h 44m
Main Street
19.3 mi
26m
Ontario Freeway
17.1 mi
19m
Pomona Freeway
16.5 mi
19m
Longest stretch:
Route 395
— 132.8 mi, about 2h 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Anaheim, CA and Alturas, CA.
1
Start on this road
200 ft·16 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto South Anaheim Boulevard
422 ft·23 sec·South Anaheim Boulevard
3
Turn right onto East Lincoln Avenue
1.5 mi·2 min·East Lincoln Avenue
Use the right lane.
4
Turn left onto North State College Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·North State College Boulevard
Use the left / uturn lanes.
5
Turn right onto South Placentia Avenue
0.8 mi·1 min·South Placentia Avenue
6
Turn right onto West Orangethorpe Avenue
0.4 mi·44 sec·West Orangethorpe Avenue
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward CA 57 North: PomonaUse the left lane.
8
Merge onto CA 57
5.9 mi·6 min·Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
2.2 mi·2 min·Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
2.6 mi·3 min·Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Merge onto CA 60; CA 57
16 mi·19 min·Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·44 sec
Exit 41Toward I 15 North, I 15 South: Barstow, San DiegoUse the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 15 North: Barstow
14
Merge onto I 15
17 mi·19 min·Ontario Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on I 15
6.8 mi·7 min·Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist; US 91 Hist; US 395 Hist
5.4 mi·5 min·CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist
2.8 mi·3 min·Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Exit 141Toward US 395 North: Adelanto, Bishop
19
Continue on this road
0.9 mi·1 min·this road
Exit 141Toward US 395 North: Adelanto, Bishop
20
Continue on US 395
67 mi·1 hr 20 min·Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on US 395
0.9 mi·1 min·Red Mountain Road
22
Continue on US 395
37 mi·42 min·Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
23
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
56 mi·1 hr 4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
24
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
2.2 mi·4 min·South Main Street
25
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
15 mi·17 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
0.7 mi·1 min·South Edwards Street
27
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
26 mi·31 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
28
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
0.2 mi·32 sec·North Main Street
29
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
7.4 mi·8 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
30
Continue on US 395; CA 168; US 6 Hist
5.0 mi·5 min·El Camino Sierra
Use the straight lane.
31
Continue on US 395; CA 168; US 6 Hist
2.4 mi·4 min·South Main Street
Use the straight lane.
32
Turn left onto CA 168
1.5 mi·2 min·West Line Street
Use the left lane.
33
Turn right onto North Barlow Lane
1.0 mi·1 min·North Barlow Lane
34
Turn left onto US 395
87 mi·1 hr 44 min·North Sierra Highway
Use the straight lane.
35
Turn right onto Sinclair Street
0.1 mi·12 sec·Sinclair Street
36
Turn left onto Emigrant Street
0.5 mi·40 sec·Emigrant Street
37
Continue on US 395
43 mi·56 min·Route 395
Use the left lane.
38
Continue on US 395
19 mi·26 min·Main Street
39
Continue on US 395
2.9 mi·7 min·US 395
40
Turn left onto County Road
1.1 mi·1 min·County Road
41
Enter roundabout onto NV 88
2 ft·0 sec·Woodfords Road
42
Continue on NV 88
0.4 mi·48 sec·Woodfords Road
43
Turn left onto US 395
11 mi·13 min·US 395
Use the straight / right lanes.
44
Take the exit onto US 395
0.9 mi·1 min·US 395
Toward I 580 North, US 395 North, US 50 East: Reno, Dayton, FallonUse the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Merge onto I 580; US 50; US 395
13 mi·14 min·Carson City Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell Memorial Freeway
46
Continue on I 580; US 395
92 mi·1 hr 45 min·I 580; US 395
47
Turn right onto CR A3
8.5 mi·12 min·Standish Buntingville Road
48
Turn right onto US 395
89 mi·1 hr 41 min·Route 395
49
Continue on US 395
0.5 mi·1 min·South Main Street
50
Turn left onto West 3rd Street
276 ft·14 sec·West 3rd Street
51
Turn right onto North Howard Street
345 ft·15 sec·North Howard Street
52
Arrive at destination
North Howard Street
Trip Plan
Given the 13h 18m duration and 657.6 miles, this trip is best split over two days. Aim to depart early to maximize your driving time on day one, especially if you plan to cover a significant portion before stopping for the night. With three recommended stops, you'll have opportunities to rest and refuel. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without services could be up to 132.8 miles on Route 395. The estimated fuel cost of $151 is a good baseline, but always check current prices.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 328.8 miles from Anaheim, CA, or about 6h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.8 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 145 miles or 2h 55m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 328.8 miles or 6h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 328.8 miles or 6h 37m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 12h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Alturas, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Anaheim, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Anaheim, CA
Aim for roughly 329 miles and 6.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Alturas, CA
Aim for roughly 329 miles and 6.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 145 miles from Anaheim, CA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Route 395 for about 132.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 3.5 and 453.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
3.5 mi into trip|~7m in
Take the ramp toward CA 57 North: Pomona
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward CA 57 North: Pomona
6
9.6 mi into trip|~14m in|CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
11.8 mi into trip|~17m in|CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
30.9 mi into trip|~39m in
Take the exit toward I 15 North, I 15 South: Barstow, San Diego
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 41
Toward I 15 North, I 15 South: Barstow, San Die...
7
453.2 mi into trip|~9h 20m in|US 395
Take the exit onto US 395 toward I 580 North, US 395 North, US 50 East: Reno, Dayton, Fallon
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 580 North, US 395 North, US 50 East: R...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$151.14 one way
$302.29 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg230 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$155.75
$311.51
premium
$6.18
$159.92
$319.84
diesel
$5.61
$145.19
$290.38
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$151
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$281–$391
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 230.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $69 in charging
· 2 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
197.3
2
$69.05
$31.56
Efficient EV
164.4
1
$57.54
$26.30
EV Truck/SUV
263
3
$92.06
$42.09
Gas CO2
230 kg
EV CO2
77 kg (67% less)
Plan for 2 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Anaheim, CA
Evening
in Anaheim on Saturday
Local time
6:26 PM
PDT
Current temp
55°F
Mostly Clear
SE 0 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 17 at 7:10PM PDT until April 18 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA
Destination
Alturas, CA
Evening
in Alturas on Saturday
Local time
6:26 PM
PDT
Current temp
35°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
20 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
13h 18m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Devils Postpile National Monument
National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery...
15 mi from route
~37 min detour
Free
near mile 340.1
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yose...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
$35
near mile 340.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway drive, with 47% of the journey utilizing major roadways. Expect stretches where you can make good time, but be prepared for the longest uninterrupted segment of 132.8 miles along Route 395. While not exclusively a scenic byway, Route 395, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and Blue Star Memorial Highway, offers a consistent driving experience. The road is generally straightforward, making it manageable for a long-distance trip, though the extensive mileage necessitates careful planning.
47% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
52 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 132.8 mi on Route 395.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
At 13h 18m, this is a long-haul route where pacing matters more than any single turn. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 657.6 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 9.6 miles (CA 57 / Orange Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.8 miles (CA 57 / Orange Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Anaheim, CA and Alturas, CA, road signs point toward Bishop, Dayton and Fallon.
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for being the home of Disneyland. Its second claim to fame is hosting the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.
Top landmarks
•Disneyland — American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company
•Disney California Adventure — theme park in California, part of Disneyland Resort
•Soarin' — flight motion simulator attraction at Disney parks
Long-haul drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 132.8 miles on Route 395. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 329 miles on day one.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Alturas, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 3 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 9.6 miles (CA 57 / Orange Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 11.8 miles (CA 57 / Orange Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Devils Postpile National Monument and Yosemite National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 13.3 hours each way, a round trip means 26.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Alturas, CA before the return drive.
