Probably your least objectionable route out of Orange County will be to get up to I-10 and take that straight across to I-20 and points east. (I don't have my map with me right now.)

Let's face it, though -- mountains are there. You either have to fly over them or go through them, as going around them isn't always feasible. Even I-10 will take you over a couple of passes. Interstates HAVE to have guardrails and give you notice about downgrades (6% downgrade next XX miles, trucks use lower gears), climbs are usually evident by the addition of a third "climbing lane" or "truck lane".


Donna