If a Las Vegas, Death Valley, and Bonneville Salt Flat is on your 2019 bucket list, we have prepared a 5-day itinerary from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. Your mission: pick up your campervan and drive South for epic landscapes, dry deserts, infinite salt flats and busy City of Sins.
After picking up your temporary house on wheels in Salt Lake, head to the grocery store before you head to Las Vegas! Stock up on yogurt, bacon, ramen soup, and beers (of course). Once the fridge is filled, take 1-80 toward Bonneville Salt Flats. Stretching over 30,000 acres, the Flats land extends virtually forever offering a stunning view of the mountains that break the view. Our recommendation: get out of the car and spend the afternoon walking onto the salty soil that looks like snow (when permitting).
After a long afternoon nap, wake up to see the sunset on the Flats. With the reflection of the sun on the salt, we promise this might be the prettiest sunset you’ve ever seen.
Camping recommendation:
Just a few miles off I-80 and a few minutes before Wendover City lies a public land where it is entirely safe and free to spend the night. The spot is located where the road turns from Leppy Pass RD into Bonneville Speedway Rd. There is no water or electricity, but there’s a convenience store just down the road if you ever crave chips and salsa.
Even though you’re going to Las Vegas from Salt Lake, let’s hit California on the way! Wake up early and hit the road en route to Death Valley. Those who have been to Death Valley can’t wait to return, and those who have never been are dreaming about it. Not only is this place the hottest, driest, and lowest in North America (literally), but it is also the prettiest. Towering peaks, vast wildflower fields, lush oases, infinite salt basins, and high sand dunes populate this Eastern California National Park.
If you can easily spend days wandering around Death Valley, spend day 3 of your trip around Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Ubehebe Crater, and Mesquite Springs.
Camping recommendations:
Furnace Creek Area, located in the middle of Death Valley has many campgrounds and dispersed areas to spend the night. Most of them are closed during the summer because of the heat, which means you can spend the night for free. How’s that?
Spend the day exploring southern Death Valley, including spots like Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, and Badwater Basin.
Only a few miles away from Furnace Creek is Artist’s Drive, a 9-mile long curvy road that takes you through canyons and mountains that are covered in loads of fantastic colors. As no trip to Death Valley could be complete without a stop at Badwater Basin, drive south until you reach this impressive salt flat located 282 feet below sea level! Bring loads of water and a camera. Whether you’re a good photographer or not, you just can’t miss a shot here.
Make a stop at Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View for an overlook of the colorful and undulating landscape of gullies and mud hills that form Death Valley. Situated more than 3,000 ft above Badwater Basin, Dante’s View will give you a bird’s every view of the valley. There is seriously no better way to end a trip to Death Valley.
On your way to the City of Sins, make a quick stop at Red Rock Canyon, known for its 13-mile scenic drive through rocks stripped in different shades of reds, pinks, and yellows. If you’re in for a little adventure, Red Rock is known for its climbing, hiking, and mountain biking trails.
After a morning spent in the wild, brace yourself and get ready for flashy neon signs, towering hotels, bustling traffic, and casinos – Las Vegas, baby. Whether you’re looking to see a Cirque du Soleil show, to walk the Strip, or go eat-play-drink, you’ll find plenty to do in the City of Sins.
Camping recommendations:
If you’re into staying outside of the Strip, we strongly recommend Red Rock Campground. If you need a quick shower and feel like cooling off, Sam’s Town Journey’s KOA has 5-star amenities.
Located a few miles away from Las Vegas is the famous Hoover Dam. This is an insane historic monument of American history. It is a marvel and is totally worth the 30-minute drive from the Strip.
North of Hoover Dam is the Valley of Fire, one of our favorite State Parks in Nevada. Filled with panoramic vistas, petroglyphs, curvy roads, and beautiful red and pink rock formations, this place is a Must-See on your journey.
Camping recommendation:
Look no further; Lake Mead has the perfect off-the-beaten-path camping spot, Stewart’s Point. Completely free, this option offers a stunning view of Lake Mead and the mountains of the Valley of Fire. Our advice: when you get to Stewart’s Point, get out and scout because you could weasel your way to some prime spots.
End your trip by spending one last day in Las Vegas. There are just so many things to do here! You can see the Mirage volcano erupt, the fountains of the Bellagio, and see the world’s tallest observation wheel.
If you decided to pick up a van in our Las Vegas office rather than Salt Lake City, you can still do the itinerary just in reverse!
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