Off to Palm Springs for the Film Noir Festival, I found that driving from Vegas through the Mohave was not only the most direct route, but also the most scenic and the most relaxing. At one point the road connects with a section of the famous Route 66, to the Amboy junction. Nearby is the Amboy Crater..
Then it's south to 29 Palms... with a pit stop at the Rev. Willis Memorial Rest Stop #3...
A real trash heap as you walk around the graffitied rock.
One comes out of the Mohave into 29 Palms on Utah Street, which leads directly south across the highway into Joshua Tree National Park. A couple routes through the park will eventually lead into Palm Springs.
The return trip, again through the Mohave, included a stop at the Kelso Junction "oasis".
Lots of history at this site...
And, since it was Spring, many plants were in bloom including this small tree.
Finally, leaving Las Vegas, actually Henderson, I often avoid the freeway by driving through Lake Mead National Monument. Early I the morning, traffic is very light, the road is great, and the morning light provides a unique view of the park's scenery. Here's a look back towards Vegas...
I keep finding alternative routes to avoid freeways. Surprisingly, traffic is generally light and the trip becomes more relaxing than the constant hassles found on the Interstates.