Road Trip Adventures: A Guide to Traveling from Boise to Las Vegas
If you're planning a trip from Boise, Idaho, to Las Vegas, Nevada, you're in for a road trip adventure! Driving from Boise to Las Vegas can take anywhere from 9 to 12 hours, depending on the route you choose and how many stops you make along the way.
Route Options
There are different routes that you can take from Boise to Las Vegas with different scenic views and road conditions. Here are some of the popular options:
Option 1: I-84 W and I-15 S
This is the most direct and popular route, covering a distance of approximately 683 miles. Follow I-84 West, which becomes I-15 South, and take this route all the way to Las Vegas. This drive will take you through scenic valleys, mountains, and deserts.
Option 2: U.S. Route 93 S
Another popular route is taking U.S. Route 93 South, which will take you through Twin Falls, Nevada; Ely, Nevada; and the beautiful Extraterrestrial Highway (also known as Nevada State Route 375), which passes through the otherworldly landscapes of Rachel and Area 51. This route covers approximately 730 miles.
Option 3: I-84 W and U.S. Route 95 S
This is the longest and most scenic route. You'll follow I-84 West and then take U.S. Route 95 South, passing through the rugged terrain of eastern Oregon, the ghostly towns of Nevada, and the vast Mojave Desert before reaching Las Vegas. This route covers approximately 840 miles.
Drive Times
The driving time from Boise to Las Vegas varies based on several factors, including traffic, weather, and the route you choose. Here are the estimated times for each route:
- Option 1: I-84 W and I-15 S - 9 hours 30 minutes
- Option 2: U.S. Route 93 S - 11 hours
- Option 3: I-84 W and U.S. Route 95 S - 12 hours 30 minutes
Recommendations
No road trip is complete without a few stops along the way. Here are some interesting places to visit:
- Twin Falls, Idaho: Visit Shoshone Falls, also known as the "Niagara of the West," which plunges 212 feet and is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the United States.
- Ely, Nevada: Visit the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, which features historic steam locomotives and a passenger train that runs through the desert.
- Rachel, Nevada: Visit the Little A'Le'Inn, a quirky restaurant, and motel that attracts UFO enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Area 51: Also known as Groom Lake, this highly secretive military base is famous for conspiracy theories and extraterrestrial sightings, although it's heavily guarded and inaccessible to the public.
Conclusion
Driving from Boise to Las Vegas can be a fun and memorable experience, exploring different routes, and stopping at unique places along the way. Whether you're taking the most direct or scenic route, be sure to check your car and plan your journey in advance to make the most of your trip. Happy travels!