LAX to Las Vegas Road Trip (Mojave Desert Escape)

Desert Escape to Las Vegas (via Mojave Desert)

Approx. 270 mi / 435 km, 1–3 days recommended (can be done in a day), ~4.5 hours one-way drive time
Route: Depart LAX and connect to Interstate 15 north (via I-105/I-605 or I-10 to I-15). Head northeast through San Bernardino and Victorville as city suburbs give way to open desert. Stay on I-15 for the fastest route, passing Barstow (last major stop for gas/food) and continuing toward Nevada. For a scenic detour, exit at Baker and venture onto Kelbaker Road into Mojave National Preserve, where a drive through Joshua tree forests and past Kelso Dunes leads back to I-15 near the town of Nipton. Otherwise, remain on I-15, noting the seven vivid rock towers of Seven Magic Mountains just south of Las Vegas. Cross the state line into Nevada and cruise the final stretch on Las Vegas Boulevard to reach the Las Vegas Strip.

Highlights:

Calico Ghost Town Step back in time at Calico, an 1880s silver-mining boomtown turned ghost town and park. Located off I-15 near Barstow, Calico’s weathered false-front buildings and mine shafts recall the Old West. This former mining camp (founded 1881) is now a county historical park with restored saloons, shops, and even giant “CALICO” letters on the hillside. It’s a fun stop to stretch your legs, pan for (fool’s) gold, and imagine cowboy days.
Mojave National Preserve Discover a less-traveled desert gem roughly halfway to Vegas. This 1.6-million-acre preserve features towering Kelso Dunes, volcanic cinder cones, and forests of spiky Joshua trees. Take a detour through Mojave via Kelbaker Road or Cima Road to experience its wild beauty. You can hike among Joshua trees or even climb golden sand dunes a perfect nature break between cities. The preserve is lightly visited, so you may have vast desert vistas all to yourself.
World’s Tallest Thermometer (Baker, CA) Don’t just pass through Baker look for a 134-foot tall thermometer towering over this tiny town. This kitschy landmark commemorates the record 134°F temperature once recorded in nearby Death Valley. Snap a photo with the giant thermometer and grab a date shake or some famous alien beef jerky in Baker, known as the “Gateway to Death Valley.”
Seven Magic Mountains As you near Vegas, watch for seven towering day-glow totems rising from the desert floor. Seven Magic Mountains is a public art installation of neon-painted boulder stacks (30–35 feet tall) created by artist Ugo Rondinone. Visible from I-15 about 10 miles south of The Strip, these rainbow-colored rocks make a striking (and very Instagrammable) contrast against the beige desert. There’s a parking area if you want to walk right up to these massive balanced boulders and feel their quirky magic up close.
Las Vegas Strip Your road trip culminates with the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, a four-mile stretch of resorts and casinos unlike anywhere else. Arrive in style driving past the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign into a world of neon lights and towering hotels. The Strip is lined with themed casino resorts, from the Bellagio’s dancing fountains to Paris’s Eiffel Tower. It’s an internationally renowned playground of dining, shows, and nightlife the perfect high-energy bookend to the serene desert you traversed.

Tips:

Avoid peak traffic times: The I-15 corridor between L.A. and Vegas is infamous for weekend congestion. If possible, leave L.A. early Friday (or on a less busy day) and avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. A drive that’s ~4.5 hours with no traffic can easily double in duration during rush hour or holiday weekends.
Desert driving prep: The Mojave can be extreme summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 °F (38 °C). Make sure your vehicle’s fluids (engine oil, coolant) are topped off and your tires (including the spare) are in good condition. Carry plenty of water for you and your passengers, and have a basic emergency kit. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, you’ll be glad to have sun hats, water, and a charged phone (though cell reception is spotty in some desert stretches).
Fuel up smartly: Keep your gas tank above half full. There are long distances with few services. Barstow is a major pit stop (~150 miles from LAX) fill up there. The next main fuel stop is Baker (~60 miles further). Between Baker and Las Vegas, options are very limited. Also note that gas prices in remote areas (like Baker) are quite high, so it’s cost-effective to fill up earlier.
EV charging: Driving electric? Plan your charge stops. Barstow has multiple fast charging stations (including one of the world’s largest Tesla Supercharger sites), and Baker offers fast chargers as well. Charge in Barstow, then again in Baker or Primm, NV. Between these towns, charging infrastructure is sparse. And if you venture into Mojave National Preserve, be aware there are no chargers (and minimal cell service) inside the preserve.
Stay alert and safe: The straight, open stretches of I-15 tempt many drivers to speed but California Highway Patrol monitors this route diligently. Stick to the speed limit and use the right lane if you’re taking it easy. If you feel drowsy, don’t push on take a break at a rest area (e.g., Midway Rest Area near Barstow) or switch drivers. At night, watch for wildlife on less-traveled roads (rabbits or coyotes might dart across).
Exploring Mojave Preserve: If you choose to detour off I-15 into the preserve, note that some roads (like the one to the Lava Tube or Kelso Dunes) are unpaved. A 2WD car can manage many areas, but drive slowly and avoid remote backroads if you’re not prepared. Carry a physical map GPS signal can drop. Summer visitors should be especially cautious; hike only in early morning or late day to avoid heat exhaustion, and let someone know your plans.
Plan for limited services: Outside of the I-15 towns, amenities are scarce. Bring snacks and use restrooms when you stop at main towns. In Mojave National Preserve, the Kelso Depot Visitor Center is worth a stop (check hours) but has no food/fuel. Basically, once you leave Barstow, assume your next proper meal might be in Las Vegas unless you stop in Baker (which has fast food).
Enjoy the journey: This route is as much about the ride as the destination. Embrace the quirky stops whether it’s photographing the World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker or marveling at a ghost town. By the time Las Vegas’s skyline appears, you’ll have experienced a side of the desert many travelers zoom past. The contrast makes rolling into Vegas’s electrified buzz even more rewarding.

LAX to Las Vegas Road Trip (Mojave Desert Escape)

Desert Escape to Las Vegas (via Mojave Desert)

Highlights:

Calico Ghost Town Step back in time at Calico, an 1880s silver-mining boomtown turned ghost town and park. Located off I-15 near Barstow, Calico’s weathered false-front buildings and mine shafts recall the Old West. This former mining camp (founded 1881) is now a county historical park with restored saloons, shops, and even giant “CALICO” letters on the hillside. It’s a fun stop to stretch your legs, pan for (fool’s) gold, and imagine cowboy days.
Mojave National Preserve Discover a less-traveled desert gem roughly halfway to Vegas. This 1.6-million-acre preserve features towering Kelso Dunes, volcanic cinder cones, and forests of spiky Joshua trees. Take a detour through Mojave via Kelbaker Road or Cima Road to experience its wild beauty. You can hike among Joshua trees or even climb golden sand dunes a perfect nature break between cities. The preserve is lightly visited, so you may have vast desert vistas all to yourself.
World’s Tallest Thermometer (Baker, CA) Don’t just pass through Baker look for a 134-foot tall thermometer towering over this tiny town. This kitschy landmark commemorates the record 134°F temperature once recorded in nearby Death Valley. Snap a photo with the giant thermometer and grab a date shake or some famous alien beef jerky in Baker, known as the “Gateway to Death Valley.”
Seven Magic Mountains As you near Vegas, watch for seven towering day-glow totems rising from the desert floor. Seven Magic Mountains is a public art installation of neon-painted boulder stacks (30–35 feet tall) created by artist Ugo Rondinone. Visible from I-15 about 10 miles south of The Strip, these rainbow-colored rocks make a striking (and very Instagrammable) contrast against the beige desert. There’s a parking area if you want to walk right up to these massive balanced boulders and feel their quirky magic up close.
Las Vegas Strip Your road trip culminates with the dazzling Las Vegas Strip, a four-mile stretch of resorts and casinos unlike anywhere else. Arrive in style driving past the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign into a world of neon lights and towering hotels. The Strip is lined with themed casino resorts, from the Bellagio’s dancing fountains to Paris’s Eiffel Tower. It’s an internationally renowned playground of dining, shows, and nightlife the perfect high-energy bookend to the serene desert you traversed.

Tips:

Avoid peak traffic times: The I-15 corridor between L.A. and Vegas is infamous for weekend congestion. If possible, leave L.A. early Friday (or on a less busy day) and avoid returning on Sunday afternoon. A drive that’s ~4.5 hours with no traffic can easily double in duration during rush hour or holiday weekends.
Desert driving prep: The Mojave can be extreme summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 °F (38 °C). Make sure your vehicle’s fluids (engine oil, coolant) are topped off and your tires (including the spare) are in good condition. Carry plenty of water for you and your passengers, and have a basic emergency kit. In the unlikely event of a breakdown, you’ll be glad to have sun hats, water, and a charged phone (though cell reception is spotty in some desert stretches).
Fuel up smartly: Keep your gas tank above half full. There are long distances with few services. Barstow is a major pit stop (~150 miles from LAX) fill up there. The next main fuel stop is Baker (~60 miles further). Between Baker and Las Vegas, options are very limited. Also note that gas prices in remote areas (like Baker) are quite high, so it’s cost-effective to fill up earlier.
EV charging: Driving electric? Plan your charge stops. Barstow has multiple fast charging stations (including one of the world’s largest Tesla Supercharger sites), and Baker offers fast chargers as well. Charge in Barstow, then again in Baker or Primm, NV. Between these towns, charging infrastructure is sparse. And if you venture into Mojave National Preserve, be aware there are no chargers (and minimal cell service) inside the preserve.
Stay alert and safe: The straight, open stretches of I-15 tempt many drivers to speed but California Highway Patrol monitors this route diligently. Stick to the speed limit and use the right lane if you’re taking it easy. If you feel drowsy, don’t push on take a break at a rest area (e.g., Midway Rest Area near Barstow) or switch drivers. At night, watch for wildlife on less-traveled roads (rabbits or coyotes might dart across).
Exploring Mojave Preserve: If you choose to detour off I-15 into the preserve, note that some roads (like the one to the Lava Tube or Kelso Dunes) are unpaved. A 2WD car can manage many areas, but drive slowly and avoid remote backroads if you’re not prepared. Carry a physical map GPS signal can drop. Summer visitors should be especially cautious; hike only in early morning or late day to avoid heat exhaustion, and let someone know your plans.
Plan for limited services: Outside of the I-15 towns, amenities are scarce. Bring snacks and use restrooms when you stop at main towns. In Mojave National Preserve, the Kelso Depot Visitor Center is worth a stop (check hours) but has no food/fuel. Basically, once you leave Barstow, assume your next proper meal might be in Las Vegas unless you stop in Baker (which has fast food).
Enjoy the journey: This route is as much about the ride as the destination. Embrace the quirky stops whether it’s photographing the World’s Tallest Thermometer in Baker or marveling at a ghost town. By the time Las Vegas’s skyline appears, you’ll have experienced a side of the desert many travelers zoom past. The contrast makes rolling into Vegas’s electrified buzz even more rewarding.