The Desert Sun’s Colin Atagi shares a popular alternate route to Las Vegas. Colin claims that it should it should save you anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours compared to Interstate 15. We’ve driven it and agree that it does shorten the trip. Plus, it is pretty cool to drive a stretch (5 miles or so) of Route 66. We agree with Colin that it's not for everyone since drivers are essentially in the middle of nowhere, with no phone reception for about two hours and that it’s probably best not using this route at night. That being said, here are Colin’s directions:
- Take Highway 62 into Twentynine Palms and turn left onto Adobe Road, where you'll find a McDonalds restaurant. Go north on Adobe for about two miles before turning right onto Amboy Road.
- Take Amboy Road to the end (a good 40-minute trek), where it intersects with National Trails Highway (Route 66). Turn right and head east on National Trails for about five miles before turning left onto Kelbaker Road.
- Head north for about 30 minutes (passing Interstate 40) and turn right onto Kelso Cima Road directly after crossing railroad tracks. This is your one and only rest stop.
- After 20-30 minutes on Kelso Cima, curve left onto Morning Star Mine Road (It's highly advised you research this funky intersection). That dead-ends at Ivanpah Road, where you turn left. A few minutes later, turn left onto Nipton Road and take it to Interstate 15.
Please read Colin’s article using the following link, courtesy of The Desert Sun: http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/traffic/2015/12/20/las-vegas-mojave-atagi/77667236/