Seattle to Vegas

[momthedriver]

Hello Everyone! I am planning to drive from Seattle to Vegas this summer, probably mid August and I have not heard many good things about the drive. I have been hearing that it is a very boring drive, very hot and there is a good chance that the car will overheat. I have never really traveled this far so I don't know. Is this true? Not recommended for a summer vacation? I will have a 2 year old and an 11 year old...any activities to stop for along the way? Your advice is greatly appreciated!

[Robert Schaller]

I have been hearing that it is a very boring drive, very hot and there is a good chance that the car will overheat.

My question means that some people don't care for road trips, period. This route is hot in the summer time, yes, but if your vehicle is late model in good condition, it will handle a desert route as well as any other -- and it won't "overheat" unless it has some sort of problem. Hopefully, your car also has air conditioning.

The two routes I would consider for this trip are (1) down through central Oregon and the west side of Nevada using US95, or (2) down I-84 to Idaho and then south along the east side of Nevada using US93. There are others as well, such as I-5 (the California route) or I-84 to I-15 through Salt Lake. My chosen routes are a bit more direct. Both are spectacular desert routes with what I (and others) consider to be beautiful vistas.

So, do you think you'd like to see some of the American west? Do you think that desolate places can have their own kind of beauty? Do you like road trips (or do you think you might)? If so, then my advice is give it a shot & don't let others who may not have the same interests as you dictate your choices! Once you try it, you'll know whether road tripping is for you.

If you want more help choosing a route, let us know! Bob

[PNW Judy]

I just want to say I agree with Bob. There is beauty in the wide-open spaces and desolation of Nevada. I don't know how anyone could consider it boring! Bob makes good suggestions for routes. Here's a couple more:

I might suggest going south on I-5 to Shasta, then east on 89-44-395 through Susanville to Reno (this is a wonderful drive through the Lassen forest with views of Mt. Shasta). Then Reno to Las Vegas on 80-50-95.

On the way home, I'd go up I-15 through Salt Lake City turning west on I-84 through Boise and eastern OR, until you meet up with I-82 which will take you through the Tri-Cities, Yakima, and up to Ellensburg where you can hit I-90 the rest of the way home.

As for your car, make sure your fluids are topped off and your tires are at the proper fill. You might want to get your oil changed. If your car is in decent condition, you will be fine. A/C will definitely be a plus! Even if you use the A/C, you will need to keep hydrated. I would have a good stock of water with you. Make sure your kids drink it...especially the little one! And yourself as well. You may not feel dehydrated but it can come on quickly. A headache can be a sign of hydration. And the last thing you want when driving with kids is an unnecessary headache! So keep drinking water to avoid it and you shouldn't have any problem.

While gas stations are found at regular intervals, pay attention to your map. If you don't want to worry about long stretches, you might just want to fill once you get down to about 1/3-1/2 a tank. That way you will be fine and without worry even in the stretches without many amenities for awhile.

The car and water issues are good advice for any roadtrip, especially where it's hot, and not just because you're heading into Nevada!

Have a great trip and let us know how it goes.

[momthedriver]

I am so glad to hear that. We have a 2003 minivan so I'm sure we'll be fine. I think the people who were telling me negative things didn't really care for road trips to begin with...my husband. He said his co-workers all told him not to do it. I for one love driving so I know we'll have fun.

[PNW Judy]

I am so glad to hear that. We have a 2003 minivan so I'm sure we'll be fine. I think the people who were telling me negative things didn't really care for road trips to begin with...my husband. He said his co-workers all told him not to do it. I for one love driving so I know we'll have fun.

Is he going with you? If so, will this hamper the fun you could be having? I hope it all works out for you.

[jopell]

Mom...
I've done the Boise to Vegas trip many times with the family. It can be boring but I personally love the desert scenery. If you take the Idaho/northen Nevada route, I'd suggest stopping in Ely Nevada, on US 93. Ely is still a "Wild West" town, with a working gold mine, and a classic railroad. Not to mention good eating establishments. The city park is a great stop for the kids to get some energy expended!
After you leave Ely, you have the option of continuing on US 93 south, or taking SR318. US93 takes you through Caliente and some rolling hills. SR 318 will save you well over an hour in driving time, and passes through some small desert towns. There is one stretch where there are no services or gas for over 100 miles. So, make to sure to fill er to the brim in Ely! Both routes are scenic.

It can be hot, but you travel through higher elevations, until about 3 hours out of Vegas, so it's not bad at all.

Enjoy the trip and Vegas!!!