We're planning a few days in Las Vegas before driving to Palm Springs. I assume that I-15 and I-10 is the quickest and easiest route, but it's nearly all Interstate, and so a bit boring. Is there any benefit, in terms of scenery and interest, to taking the 95 south instead, and approaching PS from the East? Speed isn't the most important thing.
Driving from Vegas to Palm Springs
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When?
there's not a whole lot to see on any route unless you want to take US 95 all the way to I-40 and then swing off I-40 on the back road through Essex and Amboy, on 29 Palms and the Joshua Tree Nat Park area on CA 62.
July... I know, but my wife's a teacher: school holidays or nothing! Thanks for that. Was planning on doing Joshua Tree on its own as a day trip from PS, so we'll probably just take the interstate. That way she can stop at Primm for some shopping, I suppose.
When we drove from LV to PS, back in June, we drove down through Lake Havasu City and around to PS from there. With a stop at Hoover Dam and LHC, it took all day (so we arrived at our rental in PS in the dark), but we thought it more interesting than the interstate route.
If you like deserts, the Mojave is beautiful.
We alway take this routing: Las Vegas, Wheaton Springs, Cima, Kelso (where there is a visitor center), Amboy.
From Amboy you can go to Palm Spring the fast way via Twentynine Palms, or the longer way through Joshua Tree National Park.
I agree with HappyTrails, the back way through the Mojave desert is beautiful and scenic. However, its not for people who are afraid of backroads. There are no services from the Nevada border to 29 Palms. Thus, make sure your tank is full and you have water.
You can find directions to the back route through Mojave by going to www.randmcnally.com
Select shortest route and Las Vegas to Palm Springs
Cheers. I think I may find a happy medium and get to PS at a decent time; I'm not at all keen on driving in a foreign country in the dark - not overly keen on doing it at home either.
Hey, if you haven't done this yet, consider a route through the Mojave National Preserve. Mitchell Caverns, historic Kelso train depot, lots of interesting scenery.
Hmm, July. It will be really...hot! The caves at Mitchell are really cool inside though. Make sure you and your vehicle is prepared if you do the backroutes in Summer. Full tank of gas, extra water, etc.
Hope you have a great time.
PSL