I-15 in Nevada, a bigger risk than casinos in Las Vegas
Usa, north-america
199 km
963 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the I-15 in Nevada, the legendary artery connecting the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the sunny vibes of Los Angeles! This 123-mile stretch of pure Nevada asphalt is your ticket to Sin City.
Stretching entirely through Clark County, you'll cruise from the border town of Primm all the way to Mesquite, where Arizona welcomes you with open arms. Keep an eye on your altitude – you'll peak at around 3,159 feet near Jean.
Now, let's keep it real: this road has a reputation. Nicknamed the Las Vegas Freeway (and opened way back in '56), this road has been considered one of the most dangerous in the United States. We’re talking about a history of drivers speeding, drowsy driving, and impaired driving. Over a five-year period, more than 170 people lost their lives on this road. So, stay alert, stay sober, and make smart choices behind the wheel. Your life matters!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 199 km
- Max Elevation
- 963 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardDarley Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Darley Mountain in Colorado's Ouray County is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking serious elevation – almost 13,113 feet high! Nestled in the stunning San Juan mountains, the old mining road to get you there is a zig-zagging beast of rocks and gravel, and currently closed to motorized vehicles.. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance if that ever changes, and even then, your window of opportunity is super narrow – think late August if you're lucky. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's mining past as you climb. Be prepared for some serious wind – it's pretty much a constant up there, so hold onto your hats (and your doors!). Even in summer, snow's not out of the question. The reward? Unbelievable panoramic views of the entire San Juan Range. Seriously, the payoff is worth the effort.
hardWhere is Vermilion Pass?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Vermilion Pass, a seriously stunning mountain route straddling Alberta and British Columbia, right in the heart of Canada. This beauty sits pretty high at 1,647 meters (5,403 feet) above sea level, smack-dab on the Continental Divide within Banff National Park. Why "Vermilion"? Blame the iron oxide springs nearby – they give everything a reddish hue! Historically, this pass was a hotspot for fur traders and explorers. Now, it’s a paved dream drive: British Columbia Highway 93 (aka the Banff-Windermere Highway). The whole shebang stretches 105 kilometers (65 miles), winding from Radium Hot Springs in BC to Castle Junction in Alberta. Word to the wise: You're in the Canadian Rockies, so expect a subarctic climate! Winter means heavy snow and icy roads. Summer? Cool and crisp. Drive carefully and soak in those views!
extremeHow to drive the Hidalgo State Route 53 to San Clemente?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly wild ride, you NEED to experience Hidalgo State Route 53, aka the Road to San Clemente, deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the heart of the Sierra Otomí-Tepehua, connecting the heights of La Victoria with the plunging depths of the Río Pantepec canyons. Think drastic elevation shifts, hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and maybe your stomach!), and a landscape that morphs before your eyes. Be warned: this route is a beast. Prepare for steep inclines, unbanked curves that demand respect, and road conditions that can change in a heartbeat, especially when the rains come. Landslides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled! The reward? Absolutely breathtaking views as you climb from high-altitude pine forests at over 7,200 feet and descend into a tropical paradise near the canyon floor. Heads up! When you hit Tenango de Doria, the road gets a little… quirky. You'll need to wind your way through the town's streets to pick up the descent again towards the Rio Pantepec canyon. Trust your instincts, and you'll find your way. Get ready for the ride of your life!
extremeTravel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on Saline Valley Road, a super scenic track cutting through the heart of the Mojave Desert in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a challenging backcountry route in Death Valley National Park that'll test your mettle. You'll find this road tucked away in one of the most remote spots in California, stretching north to south through the vast Saline Valley. Picture a huge, arid valley nestled within the Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area. Keep in mind there are absolutely zero services available out there, so come prepared. Originally built to haul borax and salt back in the early 1900s, the road now spans a whopping 95 miles (153 km). The elevation ranges wildly from 1,094 to 7,593 feet (333 to 2,314m). Expect mostly unpaved conditions with lots of washboard sections. It's often heavily corrugated and sandy in spots, with sporadic maintenance. As you climb higher, it gets twisty with some serious drop-offs. The road is bumpy and rough, with curves, drop-offs, and deep, loose sand to keep you on your toes. High ground clearance is a must, and 4x4 might be needed in winter. Off-road tires and a full-size spare are highly recommended. Take breaks – your back will thank you! Technically, any vehicle can pass, but long stretches are extremely rough with sharp, primitive rock gravel. The road's open year-round, but winter can bring closures due to snow, ice, or washouts. October to May is prime time, although higher elevations might be snowed in. Spring and fall are especially nice, with temperatures in the 50-85 degree range. The Inyo County Road Department often marks the road as "CLOSED" after floods or winter snows, but those signs often stay up to deter unprepared drivers. The route goes through two mountain passes: the Inyo Mountains in the north and the Nelson Range in the south. The northern pass is higher but better maintained and closer to the hot springs. Remember, this isn't a Park Service Road; Inyo County handles maintenance. The drive treats you to some of Death Valley's most incredible landscapes. Think sweeping views of salt marsh, sand dunes, warm springs, and the majestic Inyo Mountains.