Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes in Mid-July (Via 95)

[Chi Chan]

Hi there,

I am planning to drive from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes in Mid-July (Via 95). We don't plan to stop at Death valley (due to the heat), just need to get to MM Lakes ASAP.

We are a party of 9 in two vehicles (inc 4 kids). I am a bit nervous about the heat as I have never driven through that area before. If we have to turn off aircon to stop overheating engines, then this would be an issue :-(

Thanks for any advice.

-Chi

[glc]

Welcome to RTA!

I doubt that any modern well maintained car will overheat with the A/C on, even sitting in traffic, as long as it has an electric radiator fan - which most front drive vehicles with transverse engines have.

Fastest route is US-95 to NV-266/CA-168 to US-395.

[Chi Chan]

Thanks! What is the regularity of service stations along that route?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Chi,

Welcome to the Trip Advice Forums -- If you have a car newer than 20 years old, you won't need to turn off the air conditioning -- in fact the car works much better if the windows are closed and the air conditioning is on.

Here is a field report that describes part of your likely route -- it's mostly mountain driving... Temps in the 80's -- not that much of a concern.

This is an odd year -- it's already been cooler this month than any of the old timers can remember. Relax, you'll have a great trip.

This is about a 308 mile trip, so it will take you about six hours.

Mark

[glc]

I can't comment on gas stations on 95, but there's plenty of them in Big Pine and Bishop. I have only made that run through Death Valley and filled up in Pahrump on 160.

[Chi Chan]

Thank you for all your advice! What a great website :-)