I'll be visiting friends in LA/Orange County early Memorial Day weekend, then driving (through the desert, I presume) to Vegas on Sunday or Monday. Anyplace worthwhile to stop and break up the drive?

There's really nothing to see. Usually, people drive faster to get to Vegas faster. :p

There is a giant thermometer in Baker that you can look at while dring by it, no need to slow down for that. There is also Calico Ghost Town about half way between LA and Vegas. Lots of sand, rocks and scrub brush too! ;)

I am so bored with the drive now that I fly when I go.

Anything to see? In a word...NO. It's a desert. It'll be interesting for the first 10 miles. After that...it looks all the same.

There's some ho-hum outlet stores just south of Barstow and a nicer set at the CA/NV State Line at Primm. There's also a nice roller-coaster at Buffalo Bill's at Primm. The only nice thing about Barstow is the In-N-Out Burger (Lynwood Road Exit).

The section between Baker and Primm is one of the most boring drives known to man.

Look out for speed traps just north of Baker and also between Jean, NV and Las Vegas.

Usually, people drive faster to get to Vegas faster.
Yeah, I tried that last time I was driving from Flagstaff to Vegas... got me a $150 speeding ticket.

Look out for speed traps just north of Baker and also between Jean, NV and Las Vegas.
Thanks for answering the question I should have remembered to ask!

Also, for someone living on the East Coast, an In-N-Out Burger is a great place to stop... better than I had expected. Thanks!

Anything to see? In a word...NO. It's a desert. It'll be interesting for the first 10 miles. After that...it looks all the same.

Hey, let's just fill in the last 100 miles of the Grand Canyon. Because, you know, after the first 10 miles...it all looks the same. :D :D :D

For those of you who haven't succumbed to coastie ADD/multitasking/what have you done for me in the last three seconds disease, the drive from LA to LV can be very pretty from sunrise to about 10 AM. After 10 AM, the freeway is clogged with thousands of coastie ADDers bumper to bumper at 20mph.

After 10 AM, the freeway is clogged with thousands of coastie ADDers bumper to bumper at 20mph.
Hopefully on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, all the other "coasties" will already be one place or the other and I'll be the only one on the road. Possible or am I just dreaming?

I'm sure the desert could be a pretty drive-- the Arizona desert is beautiful. But that doesn't necessarily mean it offers a place to stop and stretch my legs-- hence my question. Part of our "coastie ADD" comes from never having to sit in the car hours at a stretch-- around here, four hours would get you through four states...

Once past Barstow, I've always found the desert scenery pretty interesting and impressive and, for that reason, always enjoyed the drive. There are, essentially, three major valleys between Barstow and Las Vegas. As you descend into one, you can see as much as 40 miles ahead to the next, and the country is, for all intents and purposes, empty. For someone who spends their time in a city, the vast open desert is quite a spectacle. There are a couple of rest stops along the way that make for a nice break, but be warned: there are poisonous snakes and other unpleasant varmints in the valley. Also, you'll be going through the tip of Death Valley. I've driven throught there when it was 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your car is in good shape, and TAKE WATER WITH YOU. Though I-15 is patrolled, both by car and from the air, if you break down, you may be there for quite a while before help arrives.

There are outlet stores in Barstow, if you're inclined that way. There's supposed to be a ghost town, the name of which escapes me, but that is pretty "kiddie" and "touristy," from what I've heard. As someone noted, Baker has a big thermometer, but also a couple of "family style" alternatives to the usual fast food junk in Barstow. Just over the border in Nevada is Primm and Jean, notable for rather large, cheap casinos with attached amusement parks. I can think of little reason to stop there.

Sunday morning going TO Las Vegas won't be an issue. Friday afternoon is the worst time to drive there from LA and, normally, Sunday afternoon the worst time to return. When we were living in Southern California, we'd try to be on the road by 9 am Friday, which would get us into Las Vegas around 1 pm. On Sunday morning, we'd try for 8am, but we'd still hit considerable traffic.

Things to see on the drive to Vegas

1. Accidents. Always at least on big one involving a semi.
2. Some guy towing a boat going 100+ MPH
3. Zzyzx Road.
4. A wild burro/donkey eating a shrub next to the freeway.
5. After 6 hours in Friday night traffic finally getting to Primm.

For gods sake FLY.

... There is a giant thermometer in Baker that you can look at while dring by it, no need to slow down for that ...

Oh, no! By all means stop and eat at Mad Greek's Diner. ^

The only nice thing about Barstow is the In-N-Out Burger (Lynwood Road Exit).

I would personally go literally next door to the Barstow In-N-Out, to the home of the ultimate Los Angeles gut-bomb: Tommy's

http://www.originaltommys.com/

Nice thing about their chili burgers, it will stay with you the remaining 135 miles to LAS (not necessarily in a bad way, either ;) )

By the way, it's "Lenwood" road.

Also, you'll be going through the tip of Death Valley. I've driven throught there when it was 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your car is in good shape, and TAKE WATER WITH YOU. Though I-15 is patrolled, both by car and from the air, if you break down, you may be there for quite a while before help arrives.



135 degrees? Did you also catch a 30 ft fish there too?

Even in mid July the hottest temp you'll get anywhere along the drive is 120. You are driving through the tip of Death Valley National Park. Death Valley itself is well to the north and even there 135 has never been recorded.

even there 135 has never been recorded.
Yep, the record-highest U.S. temperature is supposedly 134° on July 10, 1913 in Death Valley. On the other hand, when in-car temperature sensors bake in the sun, they can sure give you some eye-popping readings and I wouldn't be suprised if PTravel's thermometer read 135.

The roller coaster in Primm sounds like fun as long as the chili burger from Barstow has had a chance to settle... *urp*.

Overall, a drive through the desert sounds like more fun than fighting L.A. traffic getting to an airport, running the TSA gauntlet, coping with a possibly delayed flight, waiting for baggage claim in LAS, etc., etc.

135 degrees? Did you also catch a 30 ft fish there too?
Yep. Grabbed it with my bare hands and wrestled it for 6 hours.

As MikeinMass noted, it was my dashboard thermometer which read 135. However, I've seen over 120 even on the Baker thermometer, and I've been in Las Vegas in July when it was over 120 during the day and over 100 at midnight.

Overall, a drive through the desert sounds like more fun than fighting L.A. traffic getting to an airport, running the TSA gauntlet, coping with a possibly delayed flight, waiting for baggage claim in LAS, etc., etc.

1. Use Long Beach, SNA John Wayne, Burbank. Yes, avoid LAX at all costs.
2. Carry your bag on.
3. Short Flight of 45 Mins vs. Taking your life in your hands for
hours on end via Interstate 15`s insanity.
4. Gas is $ 3.00 a gallon vs $ 60.00 Jet Blue / Long Beach
5. You can drink and fly. Who is kidding who. Half the people
on I-15 are half in the bag on the way back as well.

I go about 8-10 times a year. Everytime I drive. I wish I had not later.
Something always happens. Accidents, Sandstorm, Thunderstorm,
65MPH winds. Drunk drivers, CHP Speed traps, Parking my car in
long valet waits once I do get to Vegas. Vegas and cars dont mix.
Cabs and limos are way more fun and add to the vacation experience.

Another plug for the Desperado roller coaster (http://www.vegas.com/attractions/outside_lasvegas/desperado.html) at Buffalo Bill's in Primm! ^ ^ ^

More info here (http://themeparks.about.com/cs/lasvegas/a/desperado.htm)

Why not drive. When you factor in check-in time, baggage claim time, & the 1 hr flight you have almost equalled the drive time. No extra per-passenger RT cost! Speed traps are illegal in CA, the speed limit is 70 and most go 75-79. If you get a ticket you can beat it by asking for court in San Bernardino, the county seat (the CHP from Barstow won't show up), or you can wipe it off your record by attending traffic school. Along the route there is the Flying J truck stop off Lenovo Rd south of Barstow where you can buy a sat-radio if you don't already have one, and shop for neat trucker thotchkes you won't find elsewhere.. Also recommend Mad Greek in Baker. There are "outlet malls" south of Vegas and at Lenovo, some shops even offer discounted merchandise. Carry water and avoid the Friday night & Sunday afternoon rush and you should be fine. Drive a $15 PL rent-a-car and avoid wear and tear on your own car.

Oh, and sometimes (like tonight) there is screaming, barf-bag, as-bad-as-it-ever-gets EXTREME TURB.

Tecopa Springs. Nothing to look at, but amazing water. The drive from there into LV is really nice, scenic and not too much traffic.

3. Zzyzx Road.Haha, that name was the height of my entertainment for a good portion of the drive -- as in, how the heck do you pernounce it? I think I settled on Zizzix, like the "Zi" in Ziggy and then the "ix" in "fix". Yep, that's the kind of fun and excitement that you too can have while driving to Vegas. :p

But serously, I dig the empty desert scenery because it's a such a huge contrast to the crowded congested city living of my usual everyday existence.

I fly to LAX to see Cubs @ Dodgers and then drive to LAS.
I could fly to LAS but I look forward to the drive through the desert each year.Highlights for me are seeing Zzyzx Road, the worlds largest thermometer right by Bun Boy in Baker, going down the steep incline right before the CA/NV border and IN N Out Burger in Barstow.What can I say, it doesn't take much to please me :D

There are rumored to be land crabs in Barstow but I have yet to see one. ;) When a friend and I were there and asked the look from the person we asked scare us so we left pretty quickly.

Haha, that name was the height of my entertainment for a good portion of the drive -- as in, how the heck do you pernounce it? I think I settled on Zizzix, like the "Zi" in Ziggy and then the "ix" in "fix". Yep, that's the kind of fun and excitement that you too can have while driving to Vegas. :p

I will always have fond memories of Zzyzx.
G-friend insisted we "have an experience" there.
Thunderstorms going off too.
Best time I ever had on the road to Vegas.
There is a school down that dirt road a few miles.

Still on the fly only side.

bltserv

I will always have fond memories of Zzyzx.
G-friend insisted we "have an experience" there.
Thunderstorms going off too.
Best time I ever had on the road to Vegas.
There is a school down that dirt road a few miles.

Still on the fly only side.

bltserv

Well now I kinda want to drive again :D

Now you've done it. The next time I drive to Vegas, Zzyzx Rd will no longer be the funny named exit on the way to Vegas. Now it's going to be that exit where that flyertalker pulled off the highway and had a special experience with his girl, with a rare desert thunderstorm as a backdrop.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. :)

Yep. Grabbed it with my bare hands and wrestled it for 6 hours.

As MikeinMass noted, it was my dashboard thermometer which read 135. However, I've seen over 120 even on the Baker thermometer, and I've been in Las Vegas in July when it was over 120 during the day and over 100 at midnight.

Ohh well if the car thermometer is the means of measurement, I experience 140 degrees every day in July :p.

I will always have fond memories of Zzyzx.
G-friend insisted we "have an experience" there.
Thunderstorms going off too.
Best time I ever had on the road to Vegas.
There is a school down that dirt road a few miles.

Still on the fly only side.

bltserv

I used to shoot at rocks, bottles, cans, and the occasional hillside off Zzyzx Rd until one day a ricocheting .38 round whizzed past my ear and I decided not to do that anymore.

135 degrees? Did you also catch a 30 ft fish there too?

Even in mid July the hottest temp you'll get anywhere along the drive is 120. You are driving through the tip of Death Valley National Park. Death Valley itself is well to the north and even there 135 has never been recorded.


The highest recorded temperature in Death Valley is 134'F according to a big poster at the lowest point in Death Valley last year! Average Max (in July) is 115'F

Yeah, I tried that last time I was driving from Flagstaff to Vegas... got me a $150 speeding ticket.


Thanks for answering the question I should have remembered to ask!

Also, for someone living on the East Coast, an In-N-Out Burger is a great place to stop... better than I had expected. Thanks!


Hi
Last time I drive that route there was ice on the roads in the hills....and dust storm just outside Vegas....also stopped at the rollercaster at Primm for something to do....excellent
Lardie

My vote would not be to drive. Although people have mentioned some fun things to see along the way, the drive always takes much longer (and is bound to have a few traffic, etc. delays) than flying.

Plus, as someone already pointed out, having a car in Vegas is painful. Just another thing to worry about. Between the shuttle/monorail and cabs, a car is unnecessary in Vegas.

My vote would not be to drive. Although people have mentioned some fun things to see along the way, the drive always takes much longer (and is bound to have a few traffic, etc. delays) than flying.

Plus, as someone already pointed out, having a car in Vegas is painful. Just another thing to worry about. Between the shuttle/monorail and cabs, a car is unnecessary in Vegas.

A car in Vegas is a necessary evil for the In N Out burger or even getting to some other spots. You have to stay off the main roads and you'll be ok.

A Valentine 1 does wonders for avoiding Evel Knievel on the 15. You also pass by several outlet malls that are really good. Also you can see the slot machine themed Fry's. What's that worth? Priceless.

My Record is 3.5 hours each way, leaving at 4:30 am each way from/to San Gabriel Valley. No tickets!

My Record is 3.5 hours each way, leaving at 4:30 am each way from/to San Gabriel Valley. No tickets!

I had some friends that made the mistake of driving back last Sunday Eve.
Accident on the 15. Had to close the highway to 1 lane. Wait for the Coroner.
before they clear the accident. Took them like 8 hours to OC.
And now that its getting warm in the desert. Over 100 most afternoons.
Just think of the enjoyment of sitting in the middle of nothing doing nothing.

About 10 years ago, we left Downtown Las Vegas at 2 p.m. the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We didn't make Montclair until after 11 p.m.

My record low is The Strip to Pasadena in 3:30.

A little bit out of the way, but I always find it a bit eerie and cool at the same time when I go this route.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tips/getAttraction.php3?tip_AttractionNo==8622

I had some friends that made the mistake of driving back last Sunday Eve.
Accident on the 15. Had to close the highway to 1 lane. Wait for the Coroner.
before they clear the accident. Took them like 8 hours to OC.
And now that its getting warm in the desert. Over 100 most afternoons.
Just think of the enjoyment of sitting in the middle of nothing doing nothing.

Somebody in my office also got caught in this mess. Took her seven hours to get to Simi.

Light a candle for me folks, I'm doing the drive this weekend.

I plan to leave tomorrow as soon as I can get out of work and I'll be happy if I'm in Vegas before midnight. I'm drving back Monday morning at about 3 a.m. and going straight to work.

The 10-day advance purchase fare from LAX on WN is $39, cheaper than gas

The 10-day advance purchase fare from LAX on WN is $39, cheaper than gas

Friends don't let friends fly from Terminal One at LAX. :p

Light a candle for me folks, I'm doing the drive this weekend.

I plan to leave tomorrow as soon as I can get out of work and I'll be happy if I'm in Vegas before midnight. I'm drving back Monday morning at about 3 a.m. and going straight to work.

Win some for me, ok? :)

At one of the casinos on Fremont Street (4 Queens??) the snack bar near the roulette tables has suprisingly not-that-bad Hawai`ian kine grindz

Friends don't let friends fly from Terminal One at LAX. :p

Friends dont let friends use LAX for a LAS trip.
Quicker to drive.

My route always takes me off 15 and onto Nipton Road and 95, through Nipton and Searchlight. Nipton Road is very scenic, in places, and there some great spots to stop for photo ops with Joshua Trees. This would be inconvenient routing to and from the Strip, but for Boulder City, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead it's ideal. For some Henderson (including Lake Las Vegas) travelers it might even make sense.

Seem like the consensus is "empty". Maybe at 70-90 MPH, but not walking. If you have some adventure and boots, then do some exploring along the way. Here are some clues of what to look for:

http://www.death.valley.national-park.com/info.htm#mam

The flora and founa can be spectacular.

There is a giant thermometer in Baker that you can look at while dring by it, no need to slow down for that.
It always cranks me up seeing the reading driving past there during the summer. :p

I left LAS last Monday at 315 a.m. Hit Baker about an hour later and the temp still was 110. Hit the outlets in Barstow around 5:30 and was at my office in East LA at 7:15.

Between the shuttle/monorail and cabs, a car is unnecessary in Vegas.
It really depends on where you would like to spend time. Personally if I'm staying at the Mandalay Bay and plan on going over to Fremont St, I find it very helpful to have my own car.i

It really depends on where you would like to spend time. Personally if I'm staying at the Mandalay Bay and plan on going over to Fremont St, I find it very helpful to have my own car.i

But you can't drink if you have a car! :D

I get my friends to drive me! We take turns avoiding alcohol. :p

It always cranks me up seeing the reading driving past there during the summer. :p

OK all you insane Vegas bound desert drivers. How hot is it ?
I heard a friend say it hit 125 in Death Vally on Saturday.
So how hot is it in Baker at the giant thermometer ?

OK all you insane Vegas bound desert drivers. How hot is it ?
I heard a friend say it hit 125 in Death Vally on Saturday.
So how hot is it in Baker at the giant thermometer ?

Drove last Wednesday (yeah, what was I thinking?) and the car's thermometer hit 123 at one point. At Baker the giant thermometer showed 117 and matched the one in the car. Then it started raining....really weird weather.

yes it has been more like Atlanta weather the past 2 weeks, hot, muggy, with afternoon t-storms, pretty much every day. This weekend the madness will finally be over and we'll be back to nice dry heat. ^

My backyard thermometer said 118 eralier this summer and last week at Lake Mead it was 121 according to my boat's thermometer. Once the 120 barrier is crossed, it can get somewhat uncomfortable.