Voyage by Car from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
**Scenic LA to Las Vegas Road Trip: A Journey Through Desert Landscapes and Iconic Sights**
For a memorable road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the recommended route focuses on capturing desert landscapes, natural parks, and iconic sights while keeping the drive relatively straightforward. The most common and scenic route is to take Interstate 15 (I-15) northeast directly from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, traveling through the Mojave Desert and offering various interesting stops along the way.
The journey begins just 35 minutes from LA in Santa Clarita, a good spot for a quick break to explore vineyards like Agua Dulce Winery or nature spots like Placerita Canyon Nature Center. For amusement, Six Flags Magic Mountain is nearby for thrill rides and entertainment.
As you travel east, the Victorville/Barstow area serves as a key rest stop and gateway to desert landscapes. Barstow has Route 66 nostalgia spots and various eateries, while Peggy Sue's Diner is a popular rest stop, known for its 50's theme and American classics like chicken-fried steak and meatloaf. Fill up on gas and supplies here before heading deeper into the desert.
A detour to Calico Ghost Town, near Barstow, offers a glimpse into Old West history with shops, museums, and mine tours. For nature lovers seeking desert scenery and hikes, the Mojave National Preserve, a bit off I-15, offers sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, and Joshua tree forests.
As you approach Las Vegas, the art installation Seven Magic Mountains, featuring vibrant stacked boulders in the desert, makes for a perfect photo stop. For those seeking more natural beauty, consider a detour to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area west of Las Vegas, famous for stunning red sandstone formations, scenic drives, and hiking trails.
Throughout the journey, Mojave Desert vistas with unique Joshua Trees, rolling desert hills and rock formations, and iconic Americana and Route 66 landmarks near Barstow provide scenic elements along the way.
To ensure a smooth journey, fill up your gas tank and supplies in Barstow or Victorville, download maps offline since cell reception can be spotty in desert areas, and plan for a full day to enjoy the sights. The primary route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is I-15, covering a distance of 270 miles and taking about 5 hours. However, with stops, the road trip can last for a day or longer.
Hidden gems along the route include the World's Largest Chevron Station, Mad Greek restaurant, Eddie World, and the abandoned Lake Delores Waterpark. Ancient petroglyphs carved into rock formations dating back to 2000 BC can be found in the Mojave National Preserve. For a more adventurous or nature-focused detour, adding Mojave National Preserve or Red Rock Canyon is highly recommended.
Before embarking on a road trip, it's advisable to check weather conditions and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained. As of writing, there are no safety concerns when driving from LA to Las Vegas, but it's important to be mindful of the hot weather and pack sufficient water. If you choose to drive, the average time taken is 4 to 5 hours non-stop, while the flight time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Whether you're seeking a scenic drive, a taste of history, or a glimpse into the desert's natural beauty, this LA to Las Vegas road trip offers something for everyone.
1.This road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas doubles as a journey through adventure, lifestyle, and travel, capturing desert landscapes, iconic sights, and a taste of history along the way.
- In addition to the scenic vistas and historical landmarks, this road trip offers opportunities for travelers to explore hidden gems such as the World's Largest Chevron Station, Mad Greek restaurant, and ancient petroglyphs in the Mojave National Preserve.
