I'm planning to drive to and from Las Vegas in February. Just wondering who has a favorite route between the SF Bay Area and Vegas. My goals are (1) fun to drive, (2) not too many extra miles, (3) avoid snow since 911 not Cayenne. So far I've been considering over the Sierra on 88 then south on 395 or into Nevada, or central valley and then through Death Valley, or (most direct) Bakersfield then Hwy 58 to Barstow. I'm looking forward to your suggestions.

 

I would be hardpressed to think 88 will be open over the pass in February. When I have done this route (twice now), I planned it so that I could drive without any restirctions to Reno from the Bay Area, then picked up 395. It's about a three hour drive up to 136 out of Lone Pine that hooks up with 190 through Death Valley. (I recommend a stop at the Furnace Creek Inn...awesome resort!! Great restaurant...wonderful breakfast out on the terrace.)

I've done this route a few times, I highly recommend it. There are some twisties that take you into DV, and then of course, once you get out there in the middle of no where, it's nice to say...see how fast we can go?

Good luck and have fun!

 

Robyn's right, you may find most of the passes over the Sierras to 395 are still closed in Feb. But if you make it to 395 you can take a GREAT road over to US 95 in Nevada.

Turn off 395 at Big Pine, south of Bishop. Use SR 168 to SR 63 to SR 266. This road is FANTASTIC, my only caution is don't take any passengers prone to car sickness. There are great twistys and lond sweeping valleys for speed runs. I drove this route last April going home to Las Vegas from the bay, the only other vehicles I saw were a few motorcycles, and they all moved over and waved me by with a thumbs up.

I look for excuses to take this road, even though it not the short way!!

have fun

Keith

 

Hey, thanks Keith...I will keep that route tucked away for my next trip to Vegas. Sounds awesome!