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I'm flying from Philly to Vegas to make some bets, and then I'm driving to Boise to hang with some friends and then back to Vegas to collect my bets, does anybody know the best scenic routes to take to get to Boise? Want to see some mountains or something like that for pictures lol (Not worried about making good time). Thanks!
Welcome to RTA!
Here's one suggestion - take NV-160 west out of LV to Pahrump, then a couple miles north of town take Bell Vista Ave west to CA-127, turn right, then an immediate left onto CA-190 into Death Valley. Leaving to the west, take CA-136 to US-395 and go north. Stay on US-395 to CA-89, take that over Monitor Pass and Luther Pass to US-50 into South Lake Tahoe. Then take CA-89 around the lake to Incline Village, then NV-431 back to US-395/I-580 north to I-80. Go east to Winnemucca, then take US-95 north into the Boise area.
This is about 1000 miles, and I would allow 2 days plus some or most of a third.
How much time do you plan to take each way ? There are some good routes to choose from but there really is no single 'best'. Heading north on I-15 to US93 is a nice drive and direct. Heading straight up you would take NV318 and save a little time, but if you remain on 93 you could visit Cathedral Gorge State park and the little town of Pioche. If you had time available you could even visit Great basin NP. Another option would be to take Alt US93 to West Wendover and visit the Bonneville Salt flats speedway. Continuing to Twin Falls you have Perrine bridge crossing the Snake river canyon (Evil Knievel fame) and a little further east you would find Shoshone Falls, aka 'the Niagara of the west'.
So that's two options of which you could use one in each direction, but I would recommend you do some of your own research and see what's actually best for you.
If you take US-93, you could take the "E.T. Highway" (NV-375) through Rachel and see the Lil Ale Inn. This is very close to Area 51. Then go to the end and take US-6 to Ely and back to US-93.
Note - any of the Nevada desert routes have very limited services. If you take NV-375 or NV-318, there is no gas whatsoever between Alamo and Ely. Rent a vehicle with a large gas tank that gets good gas mileage.
That Perrine bridge is awesome! It has a pedestrian walkway across the entire span. The view is astounding! It is incredibly high and the views into the valley below are varied and fascinating. We spent a couple hours taking it all in. Well worth your time if you go that way.
If you are lucky, you might get to watch somebody BASE jumping!
There is also a walkway underneath the bridge. Park at the south west end.Quote:
Originally Posted by travelingman
One time when I was there, there were emergency services practicing, rescuing a 'patient' up the cliff on the eastern side of the bridge. It took more than a few hours of my time, but was incredible to watch. You just can't plan for these things.Quote:
If you are lucky, you might get to watch somebody BASE jumping!
Lifey