Escape from Sin City: Las Vegas Straights and Sweepers

This motorcycle loop south of Las Vegas is a serene escape from the urban bustle. Once free from the neon lights and the traffic of Sin City, you'll experience the raw beauty of the Mojave Desert. The clear desert air allows awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, expansive sand dunes, and whimsical Joshua trees. This is a ride best suited for fall through spring, it's just too hot in the summer.

Length

Approximately 250 miles

Meet-up Spot

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 2220 Village Walk Dr #140, Henderson, NV

Lunch Stop

Snacks available at Kelso Depot, but our suggestion is to pack a lunch to eat at the Depot picnic area.

Scenery (5 out of 5)

Panoramic desert views are the rule on this loop. Once in the Mojave National Preserve, one will encounter stands of Joshua trees that are truly spectacular.

Traffic (4 out of 5)

Traffic in and around Las Vegas is frenetic. On the rest of the route, traffic is refreshingly light.

Difficulty (3 out of 5)

The route is a mix of long straights and sections of long sweeping corners.

Road Conditions (3 out of 5)

The striking beauty of the Mojave National Preserve landscape is distracting but be ever mindful of the frequent potholes in the area. There can be sand (and an occasional desert tortoise) on the road as well.

Points of Interest

• Joshua Tree Forest and the Cima Dome
  along Cima Road is largest and most dense Joshua tree forest in the world. The Cima Dome rises 1,500 feet above the surrounding desert. The dome itself is known for its near-perfect symmetry and being remarkably smooth despite being cultivated from coarse granitic rock dating back 180 million years.
• Kelso Train Depot was built in 1924 by the Union Pacific Railroad and became a respite as well as a place to provide water for steam locomotives, and a place to check engines before enduring the elevation change of 2,000 feet over 18 miles. The Depot serves as the primary visitor center for the Mojave National Preserve and houses a fascinating museum.
• Kelso Dunes are extraordinary pieces of geological art, sculpted over the past 25,000 years by blowing sand from the Mojave River. The massive sand dunes can be seen from the roadway, but take the Kelso-Dunes side road for a closer look where camping is available.

This motorcycle road is published with the permission of RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Magazine. It is not for sale or redistribution. RoadRUNNER is a bimonthly motorcycle touring magazine packed with exciting travel articles, photography, maps and GPS files. Subscriptions are available online, or by calling (866) 343-7623.