To Las Vegas off of I-10

[Wayne M]

What do you think is the best route to Las Vegas out of Texas, using I-10 West bound?

We are leaving in a couple weeks. Heard there were switch backs on 93 that could make your hair curl, and some steep grades.

Thanks.

[Wayne M]

What do you think is the best route to Las Vegas out of Texas, using I-10 West bound?

We are leaving in a couple weeks. Heard there were switch backs on 93 that could make your hair curl, and some steep grades.

Thanks.

[kalynzoo]

The I-10 is pleasant freeway, with plenty of fuel stops and sightseeing locations. There is still ongoing construction in Tucson, but only for a short distance. Driving through Phoenix is city driving, especially during rush hour, and it is always rush hour. So plan to stop for lunch as rest if needed. As for 93, it is a wide open two lane road, with a slight incline, and a very easy drive. The only hairpins come as you cross the Boulder Dam. 15mph, 4 sharp turns, and lots of pedestrians not watching traffic. Also there are strict Federal rules regarding Dam access. No firearms, inspection required of rig (very quick and painless). The option, which we usually take, is crossing off the 93 to the 95 at Bullhead City. Then take the 95 up to Las Vegas. Also a 2 lane, wide open, easy drive. Adds about 20 miles to the trip, but you miss the Dam. If you have never crossed Boulder Dam before, it is worth the drive. As for the hairpin turns, like I said, you are restricted by traffic and posting to 15mph (or less) so the turns are not a problem at all. Happy Trails.

[LindaH]

If it were *me,* I'd take I-8 west to AZ-85 at Gila Bend and head north on AZ-85 to I-10 again...that totally avoids the Phoenix metropolitan area traffic!

I would then either go north on AZ-95 at Quartzsite or US-95 at Blythe. AZ-95 is probably the more scenic drive, but is slower, particularly through Lake Havasu City. US-95 isn't as scenic but is quicker because, other than the town of Vidal Junction (which is hardly more than a wide spot in the road), there is nothing to slow you down until you reach Needles.

[Wayne M]

Thank you Linda. I'll look that route up on the map program.

Anyone else with an route?

[Chickadee]

Wayne: Yup, I-10 West to Blythe then 95 North right in to Vegas. Most comfortable drive. Steve & Lynette

[Wayne M]

A friend I am meeting in Vegas talked to an MH owner at the CG he is at and it was stated that there was no problem on 93 across the dam - other than security. Said not to do it on the weekend, but during the middle of the week. He said that the turns were all negotiable and the grades were not that bad.

Any thoughts.

[LindaH]

Wayne, we've take 93 across the dam in the past and the person who said that the turns were all negotiable and the grades were not that bad is correct...we've never had a problem going that way.

Here's part of what the Mountain Directory has to say about US-93 from Kingman to Boulder Dam:

"...the last 16 miles before reaching the dam are a roller coaster ride. There are uphill grades and downhill grades that range from 2% to 6%. The last 6 miles...are mostly 5-6% downgrade. The road becomes very curvy and steep near the dam with 15 and 25 mph curves as you turn onto the dam."

And remember...you then have to climb back up the other side to get to Las Vegas! Still, it's more than do-able. But, if you're concerned about fuel mileage, you'll get better fuel mileage going via either AZ-95 or US-95 as I described above.