Death Valley and Mountains - California and Nevada Border
I have to tell you - I love this drive. It is a long drive but well worth it.
And let's face it, leaving Las vegas is not the easiest thing to do (I love Vegas and Gambling) so it is going to trake a really great drive (and a nice destination) to get me to leave.
Well, this drive is a good reason - especially in a convertible.
The route takes you out of Las Vegas, through the Death Valley National Park and then climbing all the way up to Mammoth Lakes (or on up to Yosemite National Park if you wish).
Now, there as a debate regarding which is the best way to drive this route.
Should you leave Vegas, get Death Valley in the early moring sun, so it doesn't melt your face off in your convertible, and then head on up to mammoth so you keep cool as the altitude rises.
Or, should you go from the Mammoth side and get to Death Valley in the heat of the day - and then drive through to Vegas so you can see the lights in the early evening.
It seems the concensus is to drive from Vegas, get the early morning light and heat in Death Valley and then on up to Mammoth driving the technical section of the Death Valley Scenic Byway going uphill.
I certainly see the wisdom in this - but - my preference is the other way round. I like to leave mommoth mid morning so I can get the Death Valley in the heat of the day and experience Furnace Creek in all it's glory. Stop for a rest and then head to Vegas in the twilight so I get there in time to see the city lights.
Las Vegas To Mammoth Lakes
Total Miles: 328
Driving Time: 6 Hours 23 Minutes
Leaving Las Vegas, you head South in I15 towards Las Angeles. At exit 33 you head West along 160 towards Pahrump (home of legal brothels). You leave the 160 and turn onto the 372 towards Pahrump. Turn right on Blagg Rd, left on Basin Ave, right on Barney and left on Bell Vista and you will find yourself on the road to Death Valley Junction.
Here, you make a right on the 127 and then a left on the 190 Death Valley Scenic Byway.
There are plenty of resources already on the net which will tell you what is available in the area - so, I wont repeat them, I will just give you the links (recommendation is the Furnace Creek Resort). There is mnucg to do and see in this area. I recommend stoping and seeing the sights.
What ever you do, remember to make sure your car is in good working order, you keep a full tank of gass and keep plenty of water in the car. It doesn't get much more inhospitable as this.
Resource Links.
Furnace Creek Resort
StovePipe Wells Village
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley Lodging
You are about to come upon the most technical part of the drive.
This is the section between Panamint Springs and Millspaugh - and boy, is it fun.
Tight turns, bland bends, sweeeping turns and fast sections - all going up hill or down hill depending on which way you are going. It is an excellent stretch of road.
You will then cross the high desert all the way to route 136 where you will start to head north to Lone Pine.
You will reach the 395 (just south of Lone Pine) and head north towards Mammoth.
The road here is wide with lots of fast stretches where you can really hit the gas.
The road rises up from the valley floor and you will soon find yourself drivng through tree lined roads and lookng at some incredible scenery.
Just before you get to Mammoth you will see Crawley Lake. If you are into fishing this lake has some excellent trout fishing. My father and I went one September and had two days excellent fly-fishing from a boat. We were catching perfect silver trout upto about 6lb in just 2 and 3 feet of water. Excellent sport.
If you continue past Mammoth on the 395 you will find yourself at Yosemite National Park where there are also some very nice roads to drive.
Resource Links.
Visit Mammoth
Yosemite Lodging
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