Reno to Vegas

[Featherman]

Heading out an a lengthy road trip in a week. Have to go to Reno and am wondering what the best route would be for me to head to Vegas? Mapquest shows I95, can the membership offer some advice?



Thanks and look forward to your replies.

 

[JStraw]

That is the fastest, easiest and most boring route. Lots of open desolate land. I can only take about 8 hours of it and cut West to catch highway 395 for mountain travel. If you don't have to be in Reno in a hurry you may want to break it up to keep your sanity and it'll only add about a half day more. I made the bare bones run once and never did it again. You could even go as far north as Schurz on I95 then head towards Yerington, on down a little to Lake Topaz where you would pick up highway 395. From there its North to Carson City and onward to Reno. I grew up in Carson Valley which is between Lake Topaz and Carson City. Only thing to watch for is the mountain road conditions this time of year. I'm out in Florida so I can't be any help there.

 

[cyborg]

yeah, 395 is the way to go. Topaz Lodge for breakfast, Lay over in Bishop.

If it was me, I'd go 190 through Pahrump.

 

[DocStressor]

I have to disagree with these guys telling you to take 395 this time of year. There is a storm coming this weekend and the weather is supposed to be unsettled during at least the early part of the week. Mountain driving over stretches of 395 can be a bear in the winter. DON'T use 395 unless you have a week of nice weather and watch out for black ice if you drive it at night. Rt 95 is in the rain shadow and is generally clear. If you were traveling in May, 395 would be a very pretty and interesting alternative route.

 

[JStraw]

Doc, I did state to check mountain conditions! I wouldn't lead somebody into danger.

 

[cyborg]

I'm sorry, I take a lot for granted.

I drove Topaz to Bridgeport or South Lake daily for over 18 years and assume that every one carries chains, and drives in snow.

 

[Featherman]

Flatlander

Hey guys, should have stated I'm a flat lander and am trying to stay away from any elevation. I'm driving across the Dakotas, Montana, Idaho heading west and dropping down south to Wells, Nevada to Reno. After Reno, then heading to Vegas. I'm assuming unless I head back East to look for a cut off I 95 is my best bet.

 

[scootergmc]

I-95. No question. Have fun being bored. I love it out there.

 

[AMink]

The cutoff for I95 comes before you get to Reno going from Wells. As for flat landing it, Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state. Maybe not as big, but even on I80, there's some ups and downs. Desolate from Reno to LV? Yes. But the drive isn't too bad. There's a good Mexican place in Tonopah at the north end of town. Have fun.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

I vote for I-95. Nice easy drive. Just be aware it can be windy in the desert. Seems like every time we go it picks up in the afternoon and puts me out of OD.

 

[bnbrown]

add one more for avoiding 395 this time of year, lost a friend on that road this time of year bout 3 years back, found some ice and that was the end of that. I would suggest taking it if you are around in summer months though, beautiful run.