At Riverton, the road becomes easier to pick out, as the more clearly named KS-66 follows the historic route across the Spring River. Rather than drive all the way to Vegas on the I-15 I encourage you to drive via Oro Grande on old 66. Fri. 87. Depending on the time you have, and what you want to see en route, the LA to Vegas drive offers spectacular desert vistas, historical sights, and the opportunity for some fun outdoor adventures along the way. You'll get a warm welcome from the friendly staff, who make sure that baked goods are available for guests each day to kick-start your morning. Did you find this article informative? I invite you to discover one of its lesser-known sections, which holds many surprises just like the rest of this mythical road! Continue along the interstate to Albuquerque, then detour off I-40/Route 66 to visit the state capital, Santa Fe before returning to I-40 to carry on through Santa Rosa, crossing into Texas at Glenrio. Route 66 from LA to Las Vegas 9 years ago Save We are planning a trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and thought it would be fun to go via Route 66. Even if youll be enjoying your Death Valley experience largely from the confines of an air-conditioned car, be sure to bring extra water in case of car trouble. Weve described a route that combines some of the best attractions along the California stretch of the Mother Road with a drive through the untamed desert in the Mojave National Preserve, which is less visited than Joshua Tree National Park and offers the opportunity to experience the vastness of the California desert in relative solitude. Here is my guide to Route 66 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It can be crazy busy so this trip is not recommended if you are on a tight schedule, but if youre able to take your time it can be really worth it. Nine Pit Stops on the Drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas We're also increasing our service to Mexico with new routes between Las Vegas and both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Road Trip From Los Angeles To Las Vegas - LazyTrips It's really a great city to choose for a day trip along Route 66 because you can see so much of the classic road, neon signs, cute diners, wide open spaces and even a national park to enjoy. Its a beautiful drive, no matter the route you pick! Subscribe now! Route 66 in and of itself is the journey of a lifetime for most riders. If youre looking for interesting stops between Las Vegas and Los Angeles here are some to consider. Running close to the interstate are many sections of the old highway, however, these are often marked more clearly on the map than on the street so you'll have to pay close attention if you're planning on following the original route. Stop #5: Drive By The World's Tallest Thermometer. Route 66 Ghost Towns, CA: Between Barstow and Amboy, you will find several little ghost towns, with interesting ruins to photograph. Trona-Wildrose Road and Emigrant Canyon Road offer a scenic drive. San Bernadino, CA: San Bernadino is home to many historic Route 66 attractions, worth the small detour. This route runs east through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma before starting to swing northwards towards Chicago. Buy your pass online at REI! . 10 Best Restaurants on the Drive Between Los Angeles and Las Vegas and help to alleviate traffic by linking the High Desert to Los Angeles and Las Vegas . Furnace Creek also has the Visitor Center, and lodging if you plan to stay in Death Valley National Park. Barstow is a popular place to spend the night. But that does not mean there arent any adventures to be had along the way. Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, eat at a local restaurant and snap a picture at the official End of the Trail sign (whichever direction youre driving). On the other hand, you can drive the Santa Monica Route from Las Vegas in a single day. See my post about what to pack for a Route 66 road trip, I really like the Route 66 Adventure Handbook but there are a lot to choose from depending on what stage of planning youre at (see more). Dhara loves to explore her home state of California. Now it's time to venture into the Mojave National Preserve. Also stop by Whiskey Petes, where you can view Bonny & Clydes Death Car, riddled with bullets. Many attractions in Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve require some driving on gravel roads, the condition of which may vary. A newly-built hotel in the downtown area, The Metric - Los Angeles Downtown has a striking modern design to help you feel the LA vibe. Spectacular. The former gives drivers an opportunity to explore Mojave National Preserve in all its glory including sights like the historic Kelso Depot and the largest Joshua Tree forest in the country (surprisingly its not actually in Joshua Tree National Park). Enjoy dirt-road driving, and wildflowers in season. Emma Jeans Holland Burger Cafe is just outside town. Route 66 Across Los Angeles, California | ROAD TRIP USA Head through Amarillo and then on to Oklahoma City, where you'll finally leave I-40, turning onto I-44 towards Tulsa. The desert community offers resorts and golf courses, hikes into the surrounding desert, great food and drink, and the opportunity to take the aerial tram to the mountain station on Mount San Jacinto. I highly recommend dining in the heart of downtown on Palm Canyon Drive. Stretch 1. However, we'd suggest making a couple of overnight stops so that you get a chance to enjoy the drive. Tickets & Tours - Route 66 - Viator Or browse the Noah Purifoy Museum of Assemblage Sculpture. Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, CA: The landscape featured in hundreds of western movies, the Alabama Hills feature beautiful rounded rock formations, set against the backdrop of the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada, including Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48. You'll be surprised by the natural symmetry of this 6,000-year-old volcanic remnant. It's one of the top 5 ghost towns in the USA. In the depot are the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and the Western America Railroad Museum, both sure to interest travelers interested in the history of the region. 3. By the time you arrive in Chicago temperatures will have dropped to a more moderate 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, but high humidity can make it feel warmer. As well as some fabulous modern cities, there's plenty of Route 66 heritage tucked away along the way. (franais), Canada By far the most popular way to make the trip between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is by driving. Route 66 & Las Vegas: What To Know | Driving Geeks Read on to find out what awaits you on this epic journey. After the long drive through the desert from Arizona you might also be interested to find out more about the desert wildlife, in which case head to American International Rattlesnake Museum. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'loston66_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-loston66_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Barstow is the last big town before getting to Las Vegas and our last stop on Route 66. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. $25M grant going towards 2 stations for Las Vegas-Southern California Continuing further west on Route 66, however, offers its own advantages. 6 Amazing Stops on Route 66 Los Angeles to Grand Canyon That You MUST This means that I may receive a commission if you buy or book through them.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Route 66 in California: A Must-Do Road Trip between Needles and Santa Monica! 7 Fun Stops On The Drive From Los Angeles To Las Vegas Check the park websites for conditions on roads to specific attractions that are musts for you, so you can arrive prepared. Adults: $8, children 4-11: $5, under 3: free. Here are the highlights and must-stop spots on this LA to Vegas drive: Pasadena, CA: Pasadena is a gracious Southern California city, with lots of great architecture to admire, and a lively Old Town, with numerous eateries and museums. In California, the museum is in Victorville. Victorville, CA: Home to the California Route 66 Museum, Victorville is a popular stop along the historic Mother Road. Los Angeles, CA (Miles:124, Kilometers:200) . Instead of joining the interstate, pick up AZ-66 which swings north through Hackberry and Valentine along a fabulous section of historic Route 66. Road Trip Length: 443 miles (Map)Driving Time: About 7 hours and 30 minutes without traffic. If you want to be on Route 66 proper youll need to plan your route through Los Angeles as Google Maps and Sat Nav will just take you onto the larger roads. The 270-mile road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas will take 4 hours to drive nonstop. While no longer in use, it remains a popular photo spot for visitors in search of the last relics of a bygone time. Joshua Tree National Park, CA: Known for its giant boulder formations and weird-looking Joshua trees, Joshua Tree National Park offers epic hiking and bouldering. If you're heading towards Chicago, look out for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which takes place each year in October. (franais), Other countries San Bernardino was the birthplace of the very first McDonalds (or McDees, as the locals would say). Diners and fast food places are common, but if you need special food items, bring them with you, or pick them up right before you enter the desert. Whatever you want your Las Vegas experience to be, chances are you can find it on the strip. converted into a colourful stop for passing, Belgique Day 12: Laughlin, NV - Las Vegas, NV (Miles:129 . This adds up to a 30-hour journey, covering 1,990 miles. Since the bulk of the route is through desert, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated, no matter what the time of year. There are many car rental companies who you can choose from I recommend comparing prices using DiscoverCars to get the best price for you. The Howard Motor Company Building is another building you must not miss: it is built in an ornate Spanish style of architecture. Today it is a county regional park you can visit, to tour a silver mine or ride a historic railroad. Customize the tour to your interests with optional tours and activities during your free time. After this refreshing detour, resume your route to Victorville. Yes! Change the settings. For the others, I would recommend overnighting in one of the national parks (or nearby), simply because there is so much to see and do, although you can drive straight through and still enjoy the routes. Much of the road trip route between LA and Las Vegas is desert. She now writes about the road, the history and hopes to encourage others to visit and keep it alive. How to do a day trip from Las Vegas to Route 66 in Arizona, Best National Parks on Route 66 what to see along or near the road, 5 of the best Route 66 tours from Las Vegas, How to plan a Route 66 road trip without getting overwhelmed, Route 66 in 10 days: an itinerary to copy, Visiting Meteor Crater in Arizona a Route 66 classic stop, Route 66 itinerary: 21 days on the Mother Road, Amboy (Roys Motel a classic retro Route 66 sign), Oatman (old ghost town with wandering burros). Route 66 from LA to Las Vegas - Los Angeles Forum - Tripadvisor Take in the views from Zabriskie Point, the top viewpoint in the park, and drive up to Dantes View, from where you can see the entire valley spread out below you. . Stop 1: The End of Route 66. The symmetric cinder cone is a thing of beauty. Bear in mind traffic this is a long driving day but if you want to do it in a day then you can. Some of the better parts of Route 66 are in Arizona,part of which you could access via Kingman. Although the most popular time to travel along Route 66 is probably the summer, we'd suggest that this is a trip that's probably best enjoyed in spring or fall. So, if you're up for an adventure and need help planning an epic road trip to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, continue reading below. If you plan to make a short pit stop, you can walk a little bit to view the rock formations and take photos. From Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 spans three time zones. It doesn't get much more American than that! On the desert section of the routes, gas stations may be few and far between. Be sure to take a selfie with the star of your favourite celebrity or with one of the many street entertainers, who more often than not look like one of the Hollywood greats! Or you can reach the western end of Route 66 at Santa Monica in 6 hours and 20 minutes. This quirky motel has unusual architecture: it's a village of wigwams or teepees! Distance: 297 miles Time: 5 hours without stops Stops Victorville Oro Grand Yermo Baker Goodsprings Las Vegas Open this map in Google Maps Guide Books Best Stops Between L.A. & Las Vegas California Route 66 Museum Los Angeles To Victorville - 100 miles Report inappropriate content 1-3 of 3 replies Sorted by 1 PlatinumPaul Phoenix, Arizona Destination Expert for Las Vegas Level Contributor 15,253 posts 198 reviews All the main routes we have described are along paved roads, and you should have no problem with a passenger sedan. Hike Mosaic Canyon, with its marble walls and natural mosaics. Los Angeles to Las Vegas via Route 66 LA to Vegas via Lone Pine and Death Valley Tips for Doing the LA to Vegas (or Vegas to LA) Drive LA to Las Vegas via Baker, the Shortest Route Road Trip Length: 270 miles ( Map) Driving Time: About 4 hours without traffic Along the way, you can stop to admire the cinder cones, and hike to the top of the highest dune at Kelso Dunes, where you may hear the sands sing. Reproduction is strictly prohibited. You will also find the Wigwam Motel here (one of three that remain of the original seven): you can even spend the night at the motel! Ah! Then do the trip over Sitgreaves Pass to Oatman.See Cool Springs on the way. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and . Live stream the second round of the PGA Tour Travelers Championship on Fubo: Start your free trial today! Whether it's for the gift shop selling 1950s memorabilia or for a good old cheeseburger, it's well worth a stop. Perhaps the biggest obstacle on the journey to Vegas is actually at the very beginning of the trip the notorious Los Angeles traffic. Route 66 Towns, CA: Between Pasadena and San Bernadino are a number of Route 66 towns that you can tour with short detours. Whether you're setting out on an epic multi-state adventure or sticking to the shorter drive from Nevada and through California, you'll be able to enjoy a glimpse into the history of Route 66. Its a great spot for photography, and the road from Yucca Valley to Pioneertown is very scenic. Has anyone done it? Here are the highlights and must-stop spots on this LA to Las Vegas drive: Red Rock Canyon State Park, CA: Red Rock Canyon is one of the most beautiful state parks in California. The site will also soon be home to a UFO-themed hotel, where guests will sleep in an intergalactic spacecraft. Route 66 doesnt go to Las Vegas so you cant drive it all the way from LA. Visit Chicago, Pontiac, Springfield, St Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas & Los Angeles. (english), Autres pays Its worth pulling in and getting some photos of this place. And we can say we have driven part of Route 66. Here we are, approaching the halfway point, with a stop in Barstow. That's right, we're starting our road trip where America's main road meets the ocean: at the Santa Monica pier. Your last stop in the area is Elmers Bottle Tree Ranch. Los Angeles Home / Route 66 / California / Los Angeles If you're looking for great displays of neon signs, mom-and-pop motels in the middle of nowhere, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and "get your kicks on Route 66." We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It's a great winter drive you can go from the warmth of the desert to snowy mountains before enjoying winter sunshine on the beach. Discover our articles on California towns and cities, national and state parks, beaches and other natural areas, and cultural and historic landmarks. America's most famous road connected the country using miles of concrete, unique attractions, and an identity built on the ideals of freedom and individuality. Great article,Me and my wife are from the UK and have booked a 3 week tour of Los Angeles California and Las Vegas. A must-see stop for any family trip to the American West. Whatever trip you choose, you can look forward to an incredible 20 nights trip from Chicago to Las Vegas, exploring the best antique cars, roadside attractions, historic places and natural features that America has to offer. Route 66 | The American Road Trip Company (franais), Belgium Las Vegas high-speed train project gets $25M grant for stations - WHAM (franais), USA From San Francisco to Las Vegas with Route 66 and Grand Canyon Head for the Route 66 Motel. 2-Day Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas. Pro Tip: If you have the time, and you are doing this drive in the cooler months, the Teutonia Peak Trail in the Mojave National Preserve takes you past the densest stand of Joshua trees on the planet, en route to magnificent desert vistas from the top. Thankfully, there are pullouts . Don't hesitate to share them in the comments! A pedestrian-only section includes an area covered in neon lights, as well as a variety of neon-lit hotels, clubs and shops. You can visit Palm Springs, Mormon Rocks, Calico Ghost Town, Mojave National Preserve, Pioneer Saloon as well as Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks. So pack plenty of water, and get ready to burn the calories from all that fast food along the way! Some involve a little bit of a detour from I-210 E, but you will get to see a lot of classic Route 66 sights, from old-style theatres and gas stations to motels with vintage signs and even a giant orange. If you have special dietary needs or restrictions, note that food options along the desert sections of the route can be limited. Father Crowley Vista Point comes up right along California Highway 190, and offers panoramic views of the valley and distant mountains. Much of it is wilderness, but the road through Kelso and Cima to Vegas is deemed passable for sedans. . Los Angeles To Las Vegas Road Trip: 25+ Best Stops Along Route 66 History buffs can relish a historic ghost town or two, while hikers can take in views of the Amboy crater, notable for its symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. Park up and enjoy the views of the Pacific and check out the sign on the pier for a photo opportunity. With nearly 2,000 miles to cover, you'll need to make several stops on your Route 66 road trip from Las Vegas to Chicago. Top 10 most beautiful sunsets in the American West, 4 good reasons to choose aRV for your USA trip, 5 tips to save on your Florida car rental, Top 5 alligator watching spots in Louisiana, Five reasons not to visit the American West in 2023. If you have a valid National Parks Pass, remember to bring it if you plan to enter Joshua Tree National Park or Death Valley National Park. Temperatures are in the high 60s in Santa Monica so you can still easily enjoy time outdoors in winter, although temperatures can drop in Mojave National Preserve, with snow possible on higher ground. 11 DAY ITINERARY 12 DAY ITINERARY DEALS AND SPECIALS EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT PASSENGERS RIDE FREE Our RideFree experience was an adventure of epic proportions. You can follow another section of old Route 66 from here, initially marked out as OK-66, but after it passes through Vinita and Afton you'll have to work a little harder to stick to the original route which visits Miami and Baxter Springs. Visiting the Huntington (Gardens + Library + Art Museum) near Pasadena, California, 22 Best Things to Do in Sequoia National Park (+ Tips for Visiting! I think we will return Joshua tree and Palm Springs after Grand Canyon ! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Your email will not be provided to third parties. It is famous for its Lotto Shop, where Nevada residents line up to buy tickets when the jackpot is large. Route 66 LA to Vegas: 1 day driving itinerary - Lost on 66 If tracing the old route through the Chicago suburbs sounds a little intimidating, simply stick with I-55 all the way into Chicago, merging on to US-41 towards Grant Park before turning onto E Jackson Drive to find the famous Route 66 sign. She hopes to share her love of the Golden State with you, and help you find your own exciting experiences here. Pick the most direct route going east to connect with I-15 (the most commons ones are I-215, I-10, or I-605). It's also within walking distance of the old town Old Town Plaza, the Albuquerque Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History are all accessible on foot. (franais), Canada Between Kingman and Oatman, Route 66 is a narrow, paved two-lane road that winds through canyons so spectacular that it becomes difficult to keep your eyes on the road. The museum houses lots of fun and interesting memorabilia, including a 50s diner and a Volkswagen Love Bus with wings.