Laughlin to Alpine Road Trip: Epic Desert-to-Mountain Guide

Begin in the Mojave Desert at the Colorado River's edge and end at the foot of the Wind River Range. This route crosses the Basin and Range Province, climbs through the Wasatch, and passes the Great Salt Lake's northern shore.

The drive covers roughly 850 miles, which is how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities – it's worth every mile.

The answer to 'is it worth driving Laughlin, NV to Alpine, WY' is a resounding yes. You'll traverse six distinct ecosystems, from cactus-studded hills to alpine meadows.

Temperatures range from sweltering 110°F in Laughlin during summer to below freezing in Alpine in winter. Pack layers and always carry water.

Highway 89 near Alpine is winding; slow down for wildlife, especially deer and elk.

• Rest areas: three excellent ones on I-15 in Utah at mile markers 6, 150, and 268.
• Family-friendly stops: the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy, UT; Dinosaur Park in Ogden; and Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City.
• Pet-friendly: most rest areas have designated pet walks; many hotels accept pets, like Best Western Plus in Alpine.
• Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours; prominent truck stops include Little America in Wyoming and Flying J in Brigham City, UT.

For hidden off-route gems, consider Baker, NV (not on the route) but for Great Basin National Park. On this route, the Spiral Jetty at the north end of the Great Salt Lake is a quirky art installation. Also, the Bear Lake Overlook on US-89 offers turquoise water views.

Infrastructure safety: Utah and Wyoming have good cell coverage; Wyoming's remote stretches may have dead zones.

Start with the red cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, a brief detour. Then ascend through the Virgin River Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved through sheer rock.

Near Beaver, UT, you'll pass the historic Cove Fort, a well-preserved 1860s Mormon fort.

Salt Lake City offers a break for local culture: visit the Family History Library or sample a local craft brewery. Further north, Ogden's Union Station hosts a railroad museum.

• Native American heritage: the Shoshone and Paiute peoples historically inhabited these lands.
• Local commerce thrives on tourism and agriculture, especially in the Cache Valley.

As you enter Wyoming, the landscape turns to rolling hills and pine forests. The town of Afton has the world's largest elk antler arch. Alpine, WY, sits at the confluence of the Snake and Greys Rivers, a hub for fly fishing.

Take I-15 north from Laughlin through Nevada and Utah, then I-80 east to Wyoming, and US-89 south to Alpine. This is the fastest route, all interstate except the final scenic stretch.

• Total driving time: 12-14 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
• Fuel costs: approximate $120-$150 for a mid-size car, with prices climbing in remote areas.
• Road quality: excellent on interstates, good on US-89 with occasional construction.
• All fuel stops have restrooms; many have convenience stores.

Plan for tolls? None on this route except if you detour to certain bridges, but no standard tolls.