Driving to Vegas
 

Hey everyone, I'll be heading to Las Vegas for New Years, and with gas prices the way they are right now, it will be cheaper to drive than to fly. I've never made the drive before; does anyone have any advice as far as what route to take, good places to stop, places I shouldn't stop, etc.... Google maps says the quickest way is east to Fallon, then south through Hawthorne, Schurz, Tonopah, Beatty, and Indian Springs. Any adverse weather conditions I should be prepared for? Thanks everyone.

That is the fastest way. If the weather is bad, it will probably be snowing in Tonopah, but not a problem. There is a neat candy shop in Beatty I believe. It is a giant castle. You can't miss it.

Yeah, that's the main way to go. I did that a few years ago (except I had to go through Fernley-> Yerington -> Hawthorne on a detour due to construction on 95. Personally, I'm south enough already that its almost a draw to go through Carson City to Silver Springs, Yerington and Hawthorne (using the shortcuts around Silver Springs and Yerington and then the same from there to Vegas).

Either way, you'll likely see some snow but I doubt anything that'll be any worse than here right now. Just keep an eye on the weather reports, and check all the highways conditions. I'm sure you'll see some snow, and you should probably prepare for the worst. Bring snow clothes and extra food and water, just in case.

Made this drive many times...

Door to door during the summer with a V1 takes about 7 hours with 1 stop for gas and fast food in Tonopah driving at about 10 to 15 over in the 65-70MPH sections. Cheapest gas is usually in Beatty if you can make it that far on a tank.

Make sure you take Alt 95 from Fernley to Fallon. Going all the way to 95 on 80 adds at least 1/2 an hour. There is a shortcut through Fallon that avoids downtown's 25MPH zone and maybe 5 minutes faster. (Sheckler Cut Off)

There are two passes between here and there that often get snow and may have chain controls, so no summer tires.

Let me know if there is anything else you want to know.

Oh yeah, when the speed limits are high (65-70), speeding 10 over is usually not too much of a problem, but when the signs say 25 (like through the towns) you best be going 25.

Thanks guys, this is exactly what I was looking for. I'll be in no hurry, but shortcuts (like alt 95) will be nice. I always have the usual spare fluids, food, water, hand tools, etc when I head out on a road trip, and I'm doing fine in this weather with my all seasons, but I don't have any chains. I will monitor the weather reports in the next few days.

Bring an ipod full of music and or episodes of Jericho and or survivorman. The drive to vegas IMO is boring to no end. Also bring a big ass knife and at least 3 different methods for starting a fire.

It is not that bad. Name any 6+ hour drive that is not boring... Maybe the young instant gratification generation can't stand doing the same thing for more than 30 minutes at a time. :P

Try driving to Topeka in a race suspension car for an un-fun experience...

I actually like long drives. They are relaxing.

Dean I was just trying to scare up a sale for you. whatever. :rolleyes:

i beg to differ. i love road trips as long as you got some munchies, drinks, good friends and good music your fine.

:lol:

I didn't say iTunes were not required. ;)

Dean, do you use the Cruise Control on the drive to Vegas?

I will have to take your word on that one...

Yes... I use cruise most any time I am on an uncongested highway. I'm old, but I even know how to push the buttons that make it accelerate and decelerate. ;)

Here's a question; how is cell phone service on the drive down? I'm on cingular/att/whatever their name is today, if anyone has relevant experience.

Past Fallon you won't have much service unless you are in a town. Every where else is a no go with the cell phone.

did the drive from SLT last summer, i have ATT and i only had a few dead spots, but for the most part i had service the whole drive.

Did you take the route I had listed? I imagine not, coming from Tahoe.