How far is Riverside, CA from Alta Sierra, CA?
The estimated driving distance from Riverside, CA to Alta Sierra, CA is about 174.1 miles (280.2 km), with a travel time of about 03h 37m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.3 miles (224.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 14m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 37m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Kern County, California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Riverside and Alta Sierra.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Riverside and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Light Rain near Alta Sierra.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Riverside to Alta Sierra?
The road trip is about 174.1 miles (280.2 km) and usually takes 03h 37m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Rosamond is a useful midpoint, sitting about 69.7 miles from Riverside and 104.5 miles from Alta Sierra.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.3 miles (224.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 34.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:46 AM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $35.42 one way or $70.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 54.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Riverside and Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Light Rain near Alta Sierra.
Stop Ideas Near Rosamond
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Rosamond.
Lancaster, California
Mojave, California
Palmdale (Amtrak Thruway), California
Tehachapi, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Riverside and Alta Sierra. Straight-line distance: 139.28 mi (224.15 km).
#1 Riverside
The most populous city in Riverside County, California and the center of the Riverside metropolitan area.
| Population | 330,786 |
| Coordinates | 33.9533500, -117.3961600 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Alta Sierra
Census-designated place in Nevada County, California
| Population | 7,047 |
| Coordinates | 35.7312600, -118.5539000 |
| Altitude | 1743 |
| Country | United States |
End: Alta Sierra (-118.5539, 35.73126)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 280 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 21m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 10m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $35.42 | $70.84 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $37.25 | $74.49 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $38.33 | $76.66 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $46.46 | $92.92 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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