LA to Las Vegas Roadtrip

An LA to Las Vegas road trip can be a terrific adventure with several unique stops along the way. However, you may be wondering, what’s the best route? Which places should you stop at along the way?

We’ll cover everything you should know in this quick guide, from  helpful tips to prepare for a great trip and like securing a class B RV rental. 

Is It Worth Driving from LA to Las Vegas? 

When planning to travel from LA to Las Vegas, some may wonder if it’s better to fly. We think the scenic stops along the way make it all worth it.

In general, if you have time to drive, most people say that it’s a memorable experience. Along the way, you’ll encounter many unique attractions, like the world’s tallest thermometer, Mojave Natural Preserve, and the Pioneer Saloon. 

However, you have to consider the time you have. If you need to get to Las Vegas quickly, the average flight time from LA to Las Vegas is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Driving there would take about 4 to 5 hours non-stop. However, if you stop at popular attractions along the way, your road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas can last for up to a day or longer. Here are some more ideas for the best roadtrips from Las Vegas.

Is It Safe to Drive to Las Vegas Right Now? 

As of writing this article, there aren’t any ongoing safety concerns when driving from LA to Vegas. It’s important to be mindful that Las Vegas gets very hot during mid-summer, with most days being 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. So, make sure you pack enough water and have plans in case your vehicle breaks down. 

Before taking a road trip, it’s always a good idea to check weather conditions and stay off the road if a severe storm is approaching. Also, make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and in good condition. 

When you rent from us at Escape Camper Vans, we keep our vans in top working condition with detailed maintenance every 5,000 miles. 

How Long Is the Road Trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas? 

When you take the primary route down I-15, the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas is 270 miles, and it would take about 5 hours. 

When travelers go on this drive for the scenic sights and adventures, they often take a detour onto Route 66. If you take the full LA to Las Vegas drive on Route 66, it’ll add about 20 minutes of drive time and 10 extra miles, but it’s well worth it for the extra experiences you get along the way. 

What Road Do You Take from LA to Las Vegas? 

Taking I-15 from LA to Las Vegas is the most direct route. However, most travelers prefer a few detours since it usually provides a much better experience. 

The preferred detour is to start on I-15, exit on 153A near D Street, and take Route 66 from Victorville to Barstow. This route offers top attractions like the Route 66 Museum, Bottle Tree Ranch, Emma Jean Holland’s Burgers, and Antique Station. 

Another popular scenic route is taking Highway 40 toward the Mojave National Preserve. This adds about 50 miles to your drive, but the Mojave National Preserve is worth visiting. You might even want to stay and camp for a night or two to explore everything. 

One of the top attractions in the Mojave National Preserve is the many scenic hiking trails, such as the Rings Loop Trail and Teutonia Peak Trail. Along the way, you’ll find ancient petroglyphs carved into rock formations dating back to 2,000 BC. You can also enjoy other activities like biking, four-wheeling, and horseback riding. 

Where to Stop Between LA and Las Vegas? 

If the road trip is starting to sound appealing, here’s a more extensive list of places to stop on the way to Vegas from Los Angeles. 

Must-See Places

Some must-see places that travelers love between LA and Vegas are:

• Peggy Sue’s Diner: This diner is known as one of the best rest stops between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It’s 50’s themed with an old-timey feel, serving up American classics like chicken-fried steak and meatloaf. 
• Calico Ghost Town: An old mining town that’s now a great place for travelers to explore and experience a bit of history. You’ll find unique sculptures, a classic sheriff’s office, old shops, and more. You might even feel like you’re living in an old Western movie for a bit. 
• Seven Magic Mountains: A unique art exhibit with seven stacks of colorful boulders up to 25 feet high. It’s very eye-catching out in the middle of the dry desert and makes for a nice quick stop before continuing on your trip. 

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Stops

Some other hidden gems along the way from LA to Vegas are:

• The World’s Largest Chevron Station with 100 gas pumps and 60 restrooms. 
• The Mad Greek restaurant serves up classic Greek dishes like sliced gyros and saganaki. 
• Eddie World, a gas station that feels more like a theme park with unique games inside and its classic 65-foot-tall ice cream sundae statue sitting out front. 
• The Lake Delores Waterpark, which has been abandoned since 2004, now features unique graffiti and makes a great quick stop along the way. 

Start Your LA to Las Vegas Road Trip Off Right by Renting from Escape Camper Vans

When you want to make your LA to Las Vegas road trip more convenient and affordable, renting a camper van with sleeping space and storage for all your essentials is the way to go. 

Escape Camper Vans has pickup and dropoff locations in LA and Las Vegas, so you can easily begin and end your journey here. Plus, we have nine other locations across the U.S. for all your travel needs. 

Our vans come equipped with helpful features like:

• Queen size beds
• Refrigerator
• Propane stove
• Sink with a water tank
• Extra storage
• Foldaway tables and benches
• And more

Reserve your LA camperan rental today, or contact us with any other questions.