Redlands to West Wendover: Desert Road Trip Guide

The route from Redlands, CA to West Wendover, NV follows parts of the historic Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century trade route linking Santa Fe to Los Angeles. This 650-mile journey traverses the Mojave Desert, crosses the Great Basin, and ends at the Utah-Nevada border. Expect a drive of approximately 10 to 11 hours without stops, but plan for at least two days to fully experience the dramatic landscapes.

This guide answers key questions: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, and whether this drive is worth it. Spoiler: the remote beauty and historical layers make it unforgettable.

Desert driving requires preparation: carry water, extra snacks, and a spare tire. The road is well-maintained but with long stretches between services. Children and pets need frequent breaks—every 2 hours is ideal.

• Family stops: Las Vegas has family attractions like the Discovery Children’s Museum; the Atomic Testing Museum offers older-kid appeal.
• Pet-friendly: Most motels in Wendover and Las Vegas accept pets; rest areas along I-15 and I-80 have designated pet relief areas.
• Fatigue management: Stop at the Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, NV (UFO-themed) or the Shady Lady Casino in Ely for a quick rest.

The primary highway is Interstate 15 north from Redlands to Barstow, then northeast to Las Vegas, followed by Interstate 80 east across Nevada to West Wendover. Key exits and waypoints include Exit 178 for Calico Ghost Town and Exit 41 for the Bonneville Salt Flats.

• Driving time: 10-11 hours without stops; 2 days recommended.
• Fuel stops: Primm, NV; Ely, NV; and Wendover, NV offer services. Gas can be sparse between Ely and Wendover (130-mile gap).
• Cost: Average gas price about $4.50/gal; total fuel cost roughly $90 for a standard sedan.

The route showcases the Mojave Desert’s Joshua tree forests near Redlands, the stark beauty of the Great Basin, and the surreal Bonneville Salt Flats. West Wendover is a border town with a strong gaming culture, but the surrounding desert offers solitude.

• Natural highlights: Mojave National Preserve (California), Cathedral Gorge State Park (Nevada), and the Bonneville Salt Flats (Utah border).
• UNESCO connection: While no UNESCO sites are directly on the route, the nearby Grand Canyon (4 hours south) is a World Heritage Site.
• Local commerce: Wendover’s casino strip; small ranching communities in Nevada like Caliente and Pioche.