Los Angeles to Las Vegas

[tgauthier]

Hello all,

I planned to cycle from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in early January. I wanted to do this trip last year, but I had some health issues and I have to postpone.
This being said, which road would you recommend to enjoy the best cycling experience ?

Thank you very much,

Thomas.

[aggie]

Not sure there is best cycling experience going from LA to Vegas.  You do have a couple of options. 

1.  Take ACA Bicycle Route 66 from LA to Hwy 95 and follow that north to Vegas.

2.  Take Route 66 to Barstow then follow I-15 to Vegas.  You then gave the option of adding miles by going through Death Valley NP and then over to Pahrump/Vegas. 

3.  From LA head up Lancaster and Mojave.  Take Hwy 14 to near Ridgecrest.  You could then either Hwy 395 north to Olancha then over to Death Valley or take Hwy 178 to Panamint Springs then through Death Valley.

Any way you go will have miles of high desert with few services.  I would opt for 2 or 3 but 1 is the most direct.

Good luck.

[tgauthier]

Thanks for your answer.
If you think LA to LV is not a nice route, would you suggest another one ?
I need to finish in LV, but i could start anywhere else than LA. What would you suggest in that case ?

Thanks for your help,

Thomas.

[aggie]

It depends on how much time you have and hoe many miles you want to ride.  If you have the time you could start in Phoenix/Tempe, AZ.  Use ACA’s Grand Canyon Connector Route.  This will take you up to Flagstaff.  If you have time ride upto the Grand Canyon.  From Flagstaff take the Bicycle Route 66 to Kingman.  At Kingman take Hwy 93 north.  You will cross over the fairly new bridge that offers a spectacular view of the Hoover Dam (have to use the specifically designed viewing area) or you could ride over the dam.  Just past the dam you turn right to enter Lake Mead NRA and follow the road along the lake.  Then you take the road up that leads you into Vegas. 

[tgauthier]

Hi Aggie,

Thank you very much for your reply. I checked this itinerary, it looks pretty nice! Thanks for the suggestion.
After a quick review, what I imagine is
Day 1: Phoenix -> Wickenburg
Day 2: Wickenburg -> Prescott
Day 3: Prescott -> Ash Fork
Day 4: Ash Fork -> Peach Springs
Day 5: Peach Springs -> Kingman
Day 6: Kingman -> Boulder City
Day 7: Boulder City -> Las Vegas
 
What do you think ? Probably much more scenic than the LA->LV road ?
Moreover, what kind of weather should I expect in early January on this route ?

Thanks again for your help,

Thomas

[aggie]

It looks like a nice route.  The weather at higher elevations will most likely be cold.  This is also the wet season.  It is possible to run into snow.  Once you are out of the mountains it should be mild during the day but cold at night and in the morning.  Highs in the 50’s - 60’s.  Lows in the 20’s - 40’s. 

Good luck.

[tgauthier]

Thanks Aggie!
What kind of road should I expect ? Mostly concrete road or there is some gravel / dirt road ?

Thanks for your help,

Thomas.

[aggie]

It should be 100% paved.