From City Lights to Neon Nights: Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip Guide
Don’t Be Fooled by Hollywood! Discover the Hidden Gems on Your Los Angeles to Las Vegas Road Trip
Contrary to what Hollywood films like ‘The Hangover’ portray, the road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas doesn’t have to be a mundane drive. With the right mindset and a sense of adventure, you can turn this journey into an exciting and unforgettable experience.
While the I-15 interstate highway may seem like an endless straight stretch with dry mountains on both sides, there are scenic detours that can add excitement to your trip. As you cross into Nevada from California, keep an eye out for the Red Rock Canyon road and the captivating Scenic Loop drive.
A short 30-minute drive along this route will transport you to a land steeped in millennia-old American history. Red Rock Canyon boasts Native American rock art and pottery, diverse wildlife including desert tortoises and wild donkeys, and awe-inspiring landscapes with vibrant colors. The presence of iron gives many of the rocks a striking red hue, and the abundance of Aztec Sandstones creates a visual feast for the eyes.
While Red Rock Canyon may not rival the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, it offers its own unique charm and tranquility. With numerous trails and campsites, you could easily spend days exploring this hidden gem. Surprisingly, it remains relatively untouched by tourists, allowing you to experience its pristine beauty in silence.
As for the car, while ‘The Hangover’ featured the destruction of a beautiful 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Convertible, we found our own star in the GLC.
During our road trip, we drove the GLC 300, which proved to be a comfortable and reliable companion. Starting from Los Angeles airport, the journey to Las Vegas took us a leisurely seven hours. Although the car in the accompanying photos is the previous generation model, the all-new GLC, already launched in Europe, will soon be available in India as well.
While Las Vegas may tempt you with its vibrant lights and attractions, we recommend venturing further afield. Within an hour’s drive, you can visit the iconic Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel, and explore the scenic Lake Mead National Recreation Area. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, consider driving five hours east to witness the majestic beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Traveling around the United States by car provides a unique perspective on the country’s reliance on automobiles. It is often said that “America was built around a car,” and this sentiment holds true. While having a car offers the freedom to explore the hinterland, it also highlights the limitations of public transportation, which primarily connects city centers.
Embrace the opportunity to discover the true essence of America beyond its bustling cities and bright lights. A road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas opens doors to countless hidden treasures and unforgettable experiences. So, hit the road and embark on an adventure that will reveal the soul of this diverse and captivating nation.
