Going north, south, east and west - LAS VEGAS - COMPLETE About This Page:

[chezp]

This is the sixth and final thread of this trip report. You can find the other threads here:

Pre-trip report

New York

Walt Disney World

Chicago

Disneyland

[chezp]

Wednesday 29 October – part four: a drive through the desert

We got a taxi over to Avis and our driver kindly told us after we got in that we could’ve called them and they would’ve picked us up for free. Oh well, I guess we know for next time then.

We explained when we got there that perhaps, with the amount of cases that we had with us, that maybe a convertible wasn’t such a good idea. The guy gave Mark a set of keys to the convertible with the biggest trunk, but a quick look inside and it was clear that sadly it wouldn’t work for us, so we gave in and went with our usual, a Chevrolet Impala, instead. Obviously if we are going to, one day, get a convertible, we will need to be travelling a bit lighter than on this trip.


The convertible we would’ve had – if it wasn’t for the luggage!

We drove back to the hotel and got our cases loaded in. Amazingly, all four fitted into the trunk fine. Not bad going. Then it was off.


One of the Disney parking structures


It took us a while to get on the freeway, but once we did, it was pretty much smooth sailing, particularly as there were two of us in the car, which meant that we could use the car pool lane. I like this system.



About 20 minutes later, we were pretty much out of Los Angeles, but somehow the development didn’t stop. Considering that we last drove this route two and a half years ago, we both commented that we didn’t recall it being that built up. For example, there was a whole new factory outlet centre near Barstow and before that, there was very little there. We don’t recall seeing two Targets along the route the last time either. I guess it’s the same everywhere – development continues to creep out into the undeveloped areas.



Soon, we did hit the more undeveloped areas, otherwise known as the Mojave Desert. The scenery is spectacular, although as Mark said, it does get a bit boring after a couple of hours. Fortunately, by the time we started to get that feeling, we were getting close to Las Vegas. We saw some great sights and climbed up one hill that took us up 2000 feet in about 20 minutes. The sheer scale of things here is hard for anyone to comprehend, particularly if you come from such a small country, as we do.



The run down from that hill was quite something as well, with a 55 mph speed limit, as they had roadworks. Let’s just say I know that Mark had great problems keeping the car at 55, but at least he didn’t get stopped by the Highway Patrol, like another car we saw.



As we got closer to Vegas, we started to see signs for the major shows, although to be honest, there had been some for the last 15 miles. It was amazing how far out they advertise here and how some of the small towards surrounding Vegas have also became mini Vegases. We saw a couple, including Primm and the wonderfully named Jean Goodspring that were just like a small Vegas.



Next: I thought this was our room!

[Disneybine]

Yay, I'm so excited to read about your Vegas trip portion! It's been 3 1/2 years since we went there on vacation but your pics of the drive through the desert bring back all the memories! I thought it was an amazing drive despite the sheer "nothingness". I noticed you took a pic of a train - isn't it amazing how LONG those frightliners are? We saw one that had like 60 containers or so on it Great update - I'll be waiting impatiently for more!

[Wendyismyname]

Yay!! I love Vegas and all of it's lights!! Too bad the boards aren't loading the photos for me, I haven't been able to catch up on your last few posts since they upgraded or updated.

[shellybelly72]

yay!!! just what I needed!!

great start & great pics!!!!!!

[Kenny]

LA to Vegas! Yes, that is quite the drive. It was interesting to see and read about it through your eyes. These are the things I see all the time.

Sabine, some of the trains are even longer than that, with 3 or 4 engines on both ends and a couple in the middle!

Cheryl, someday, if you get the chance, you should go to Laughlan, NV (another of those small outlying towns), about 60-70 miles from Vegas, situated on the Colorado River. You can take water taxis between the hotels and river cruises. There are several (8 or 10 last time I was there) "Vegas size" hotel/casinos right on the river. It is "Las Vegas with a small town atmosphere".

[Colexis Mom]

Great pictures of the drive! Sorry you couldn't fit all the luggage in the Mustang!!

[amandal]

I'm so excited for this Vegas portion!! I remember driving that exact route from my dad's house in Los Angeles. . . . Although when we went it was during really bad wildfires and it took us 8 hours!!!

[Minnie Lor]

What a great update. I've been to Vegas a few times abd am looking forward to your views from this trip. I've never been outside of Vegas and your pictures of the desert and mountains had me I'd hate to be driving thru there at night or during a storm. Can't wait to see pictures of the Bellagio!

[memarmay]

Don't you just LOVE the smog of LA? Once you cleared the smog-infested So Cal, the desert is so gorgeous. I do think you caught some of the landscape from the recent fires. It's amazing how fast our hills come back to life.
We were in Vegas about 6 yrs ago....got terribly lost...took the scenic route thru downtown Vegas.....found their 'Skid Row'.....we were amazed that it's not that far from the glitz and glamour of LV. Scary place!
looking forward to 'seeing' Vegas from your eyes!!!!!!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by Kenny

LA to Vegas! Yes, that is quite the drive. It was interesting to see and read about it through your eyes. These are the things I see all the time.

Sabine, some of the trains are even longer than that, with 3 or 4 engines on both ends and a couple in the middle!

Cheryl, someday, if you get the chance, you should go to Laughlan, NV (another of those small outlying towns), about 60-70 miles from Vegas, situated on the Colorado River. You can take water taxis between the hotels and river cruises. There are several (8 or 10 last time I was there) "Vegas size" hotel/casinos right on the river. It is "Las Vegas with a small town atmosphere".

Thanks for that suggestion - I think I remember seeing something about it somewhere, as that catchphrase is familiar...

[chezp]

Originally Posted by memarmay

Don't you just LOVE the smog of LA? Once you cleared the smog-infested So Cal, the desert is so gorgeous. I do think you caught some of the landscape from the recent fires. It's amazing how fast our hills come back to life.

I'd forgotten about the fires - thanks for reminding me about that.

[christiejay]

Great update. First thing, I saw the Mustang and thought COOL! So I was disappointed to read that you didn't get it. About how long did it take you to drive to Vegas? Because I think, if we ever went to one we might as well do the other (Vegas and Disneyland, that is). I love the picture with the train in it. The landscape looks really awesome. Salt Lake City ... 505 miles ... I think that is the highest mileage I've ever seen on an interstate sign!

[HeatherD]

Salt Lake City ... 505 miles ... I think that is the highest mileage I've ever seen on an interstate sign!

Yeah, there's so little around that it's the next major stop! Well, there is Mesquite, St. George and Cedar City, but they're so small you don't see signs until you're almost there (like with Baker and Barstow).

Disneyland to Vegas is about a 4.5 to 5 hour drive depending on if you stop for a meal.

Cheryl, the outlet mall in Barstow has been there since the early 90s, though the fast food places keep building up each year, so it's more of an eye-catcher now. We still end up stopping at Barstow Station, though - it's very rare for us to stop at the Lenwood exit (where the mall is).

Mesquite and Laughlin are very similar (one at Arizona border, one at Utah border) - being small town versions of Vegas. I prefer Mesquite (actually, I just prefer the Casa Blanca which is in Mesquite), but Laughlin is neat for the river (also, that horrid show with Hugh Jackman was set there).

[christiejay]

Originally Posted by HeatherD

Disneyland to Vegas is about a 4.5 to 5 hour drive depending on if you stop for a meal.

That's not too bad.