Usually when we think of the drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, we think of heavy traffic on the 15 Freeway, and plenty of empty desert all around. If you’re only thinking of the 15 Freeway, we forgive you for this common misperception. There’s actually plenty more to see and do beyond sitting in traffic on the freeway.
In fact, you can see everything from “magic mountains” to massive sand dunes—and from historic hot springs to nostalgic diners—between LA and Vegas. Whether you’re looking for better ways to pass the time during those I-15 traffic jams, or you want to embark on a more adventurous Mojave Desert road trip, here’s what to see between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The Mormon Rocks at San Bernardino National Forest
Once you ascend into the San Bernardino Mountains, the scenery changes. And just before you enter Hesperia, here’s your first chance to exit the 15 Freeway (at Highway 138), stretch your legs, and enjoy a sudden outcrop of natural beauty at the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail.
Originally built by the U.S. Forest Service fire engine crew in 1975, this roughly one-mile trail now gives visitors the prime opportunity to get better views of these stunning sandstone rock formations that you might start to spot from the freeway. In addition, you’ll want to keep your eyes out for native wildlife like White-throated Swifts, coast horned lizards, California Thrashers, and Western Kingbirds. If you need to refuel your car and/or yourself after your hike, you should find 76 and Shell gas stations by the Highway 138/I-15 interchange.
7198 Abiel Barron Memorial Hwy, Phelan, CA 92371
72 miles from Los Angeles, 204 miles from Las Vegas
The California Route 66 Museum
Nestled in the heart of the high desert town of Victorville sits the California Route 66 Museum. Usually open every day (except major holidays), the California Route 66 is the perfect stop to jump back in time and “celebrate America’s most famous highway.”
Even if you’re not typically drawn to classic Americana nostalgia, you’ll probably still appreciate the museum’s interactive features, including a real 1917 Ford Model T and a groovy hippie-core Volkswagen “Love Bug” that you can “ride” and snap selfies inside. But especially if you are into classic cars, vintage trains, and transportation history, you will love this former train station that’s chock full of fascinating artifacts and memorabilia that give you new perspectives on the old “Mother Road” of Route 66.
16825 D St, Victorville, CA 92395
91 miles from Los Angeles, 182 miles from Las Vegas
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
When you can use a break from the freeway, take the CA-18/D Street exit off I-15 (if you’re heading north from LA) and head north from Victorville to discover this unique open-air art gallery. Entrance is free when it’s open (usually, every day), but you won’t find a designated parking lot or restrooms.
What you will find, however, is a “forest” of over 400 steel trees adorned with colorful glass bottle “leaves.” Created by the late folk artist Elmer Long and maintained by his family, Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch offers a full sensory experience with vibrant sights, noteworthy sounds, and truly touching art. It’s one of those stops that feels like a true oddity in the desert, and it certainly is… And it’s one that’s absolutely worth visiting as you seek out what to see between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368
101 miles from Los Angeles, 177 miles from Las Vegas
Calico Ghost Town
When you pull into Barstow, you’ll immediately notice the outlet mall, the gas stations, and the motels. But once you pass through Barstow’s commercial hub, you’ll run into a nice spot to stretch out, enjoy the vast desert views, and walk through an actual ghost town.
Depending on your own preferences, you might wonder why this is what you should see between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. But if this is your first time doing a road trip through the Mojave Desert, Calico Ghost Town is an absolute must-stop. After all, this park lets you step back in time and walk through an Old West mining town that emerged with the Silver Rush in 1881. The town was abandoned when silver values crashed in the 1890s, yet its remnants survived. Calico has undergone multiple restorations and renovations since then to become the open-air museum that it is today.
36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398
132 miles from Los Angeles, 144 miles from Las Vegas
Baker
At first glance, the appeal of Baker seems obvious: It’s the last place to refuel (yourself and your car) before you reach the Nevada state line. Yet as you exit off the freeway and drive into town, you will quickly discover that Baker has quite a few of its own hidden gems worth a closer look.
If you’re feeling hungry, The Mad Greek is always a great option: Come for the gyros, stay for the spanakopita and feta fries, and save room for their delectable shakes and baklava. While you’re in town, head up Baker Boulevard to the “World’s Tallest Thermometer” to check the temperature and score some hot social media content. This may also be where you need to exit the freeway if you’re making your way to Mojave National Preserve (see below) and/or Death Valley National Park.
72157 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309
184 miles from Los Angeles, 89 miles from Las Vegas
Mojave National Preserve
If you’re in the mood for a longer and (even) more scenic drive, you have to spend some quality time exploring the Mojave National Preserve. Sandwiched in between the 15 and 40 Freeways, and expanding from Baker all the way to the Nevada state line, this park abounds in spectacular scenery, unique wildlife, and some 10,000 years’ worth of human history.
For one of North America’s largest sand dunes, head to Kelso Dunes for dunes reaching up to 600 feet high and native animal species that you won’t find anywhere else. For a challenging yet rewarding hike, try the Rings Trail for a 1.5 mile journey amidst giant limestone cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, and cool wind-worn caves. If you like Joshua Trees, you will love the Teutonia Peak Trail that guides you through the world’s largest Joshua Tree forest. And if you have more time to explore, check out the historic ruins and the persistent springs of the former spa resort at Zzyzx.
90942 Kelso Cima Rd, Essex, CA 92332
(For the entrance closest to I-15, take the CA-127/Kelbaker Road exit off the freeway in Baker.)
183 miles from Los Angeles, 89 miles from Las Vegas
Goodsprings
Goodsprings began to boom with the discovery of gold at the Keystone Mine in 1893, and the ongoing mining of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead kept it alive for a while. But after World War II, the population began to decline, and attention turned to a newer boomtown (Las Vegas) roughly 34 miles northeast. Yet despite the tough times, Goodsprings managed to survive as tourists began seeking answers to their questions on what to see between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Today around 200 people reside in Goodsprings, and you can easily spend some quality time perusing the living history of this curious little town. Perhaps the crown jewel of present-day Goodsprings is the Pioneer Saloon, Southern Nevada’s oldest bar that’s still standing. Not only can you discover bullet holes from historic “Wild West” shootouts, but you can also see where Clark Gable awaited news from the search party on what turned out to be his spouse Carole Lombard’s tragically lethal plane crash in 1942, and you can spot the spots where movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Miss Congeniality 2 were filmed.
310 NV-161, Goodsprings, NV 89019
252 miles from Los Angeles, 34 miles from Las Vegas
Seven Magic Mountains
Located about 21 miles from the center of the Las Vegas Strip, this may be your last best chance to stretch out and enjoy the wide open spaces before you enter into the Vegas Valley. Even better, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some postmodern art al fresco.
Designed and developed by the Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone for the Nevada Museum of Art, Seven Magic Mountains was originally intended to last two years after Rondinone finished painting this colorful boulder installation in 2016. But as soon as Rondinone’s seven stacked boulder towers started going viral on Instagram, it became clear that fans loved this unique work of art, and it has managed to extend its stay in this corner of the desert for six years and counting. You might as well take advantage.
S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
(From LA, take Exit 12 off I-15 for NV-161, then turn left onto Las Vegas Boulevard. From Vegas, take Exit 25 off I-15 for Sloan Road, then turn right onto Las Vegas Boulevard.)
251 miles from Los Angeles, 21 miles from Las Vegas
This Only Scratches the Surface on How Deep You Can Dive Into the Desert
Hopefully, you have a better sense of what to see between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. While you have to drive through vast, open desert lands to get from one city to the other, this desert is full of amazing wonders. From recycled metal and glass that have been transformed into striking works of art, to an Old West saloon full of classic Hollywood lore, you have many great places to stop, stretch out, take in the views, and maybe even learn some new things.
If you’re now wondering what you can do once you reach Los Angeles or Las Vegas, we understand. Coming soon to LA Digs, we’ll help you reach some great ideas for the ideal LA vacation (or staycation). We’ll also show you more great things to see and do in Vegas, and in other places we’re sure you’ll want to go.
