10-DAY CALIFORNIA & NEVADA DESERTS (LAS VEGAS TO SAN DIEGO) +MAP + ITINERARY DETAILS + PLACES TO STAY & PLACES TO EAT SUGGESTIONS

A road trip through the deserts of California and Nevada can be a fascinating journey, filled with diverse landscapes, unique geological features, and vibrant desert communities. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a road trip through the deserts of California and Nevada starting from Las Vegas to San Diego.  Note that this itinerary could always be in reserve where you start from San Diego and ends in Las Vegas. Highlights of this itinerary include Las Vegas, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Death Valley, Joshua Tree , Anza Borrego and San Diego.

Using This Map: To access the layers (driving routes and places to go), click the tab located in the upper left corner of the map. To reveal or conceal layers, click the checkboxes. You may learn more about each point of interest on the map by clicking on the icons.  This map will be added to your Google Maps account if you click the star next to the map’s title. Open Google Maps on your computer or phone, select “Your Places” from the menu, then click Maps. This map will appear on your list.

DAY 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

  • Target to arrive in Las Vegas early so you will have time to explore the city.
  • If you are flying in, pick up your rental car from the airport.  Get a high clearance 4WD if you’re planning to do some off road driving in the parks (eg: Racetrack Playa in Death Valley, Berdoo Canyon in Joshua Tree, Aiken Mine Road in the Mojave National Preserve, and Wind Caves in Anza-Borrego Desert).  If not, standard vehicle is sufficient.
  • Explore Las Vegas

DAY 2: Las Vegas and Valley of Fire

  • Start your road trip in Las Vegas and head northeast to Valley of Fire State Park. Refer to our DAYTRIP TO VALLEY OF FIRE FROM LAS VEGAS to have an idea on how to spend your day at the park.
  • Explore the vibrant red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and hike the Fire Wave trail.  It is beautiful here and you could easily spend all day here.  Maybe go watch a show or try out a few of the  numerous excellent  restaurants in Las Vegas.
  • Spend the rest of the day and night in Las Vegas.

DAY 3: Red Rock Canyon and Las Vegas

  • Visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for stunning desert landscapes and rock formations.  You could easily spend half of your day here. Start early to avoid crowds. 

NOTE: You need to register if you are visiting the park between October 1 to May 31.

 

  • Drive back to Las Vegas to explore more of the city.
  • Spend the night in Las Vegas

DAY 4: Death Valley 

 

NOTE: Refer to our 2-DAY IN DEATH VALLEY ITINERARY to have an idea on how to spend your 2 day at the park following this itinerary.

 

  • Head west from Las Vegas towards Death Valley National Park.
  • Drive to Dante’s View for Sunset
  • Explore key spots such as Twenty Mule Team Overlook, Zabriske Point, Badwater Basin (lowest point in North America), Artist Palette, Devils Golf Course, Golden Canyon Gower Gulch Trail and Mesquite Sand Dune for sunset.
  • Go stargazing at places such as Zabriske Point at night.
  • Spend the night within or near Death Valley; e.i. Furnace Creek

DAY 5: Death Valley

  • Explore more of Death Valley

    • Racetrack Playa; Telescope Peak; Ubehebe Crater; Mosaic Trail.
  • Spend the night within or near Death Valley.

DAY 6: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park (OR EXPLORE MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE FIRST BEFORE JOSHUA)

 

NOTE:  Refer to our ONE DAY IN MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE, ONE DAY IN JOSHUA,  2-DAY JOSHUA TREE ITINERARY & BEST HIKES IN JOSHUA TREE  to give you more idea on how to spend your 2 days in the park.

  • Drive south towards Joshua Tree National Park (or Explore Mojave National Preserve first)
  • Explore Hole-in-the-wall Rings Trail, Kelso Dunes and others if you decide to go to Mojave
  • Or head straight to Joshua and explore the unique landscapes, rock formations, and Joshua Trees. Take it easy today by hiking Hidden Valley, Skull Rock and see the sunset at Keys View. 
  • Camp or stay in nearby towns like Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.

DAY 7: Explore more of Joshua Tree National Park

  • Check out hotel in Joshua Tree, and spend the night today in Palm Desert or Palm Spring to decrese driving time to Anza-Borrego tomorrow morning.

DAY 8: Anza-Borrego & San Diego

  • Head to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
  • Explore the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, Fonts Point, and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center.
  • Continue towards San Diego, enjoying the transition from the desert landscape to the coastal city.
  • Stay in San Diego

DAY 9: San Diego

  • Explore San Diego’s neighborhoods, visit Balboa Park, and relax on the beaches. Explore attractions like Old Town, the San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Cove. 
  • Stay in San Diego

DAY 10: Go Home

 

PLACES TO STAY & PLACES TO EAT SUGGESTIONS

RECOMMENDED LODGING:

  • Las Vegas (3 nights): We have a few favorites which include The Cosmopoliton.
  • Death Valley National Park (2 nights): The Ranch
  • Joshua Tree National Park (1 nights):  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Twentynine Palms; Holiday Inn Express & Suites Twentynine Palms-Joshua Tree, an IHG Hotel.
  • Palm Desert or Palm Spring (1 night)
  • San Diego (2 nights):  Lots of places to choose from depending on your budget and most convenient location based on your activities while in town.

RECOMMENDED EATERIES:

  • Las Vegas: Mon Ami Gabi at the strip is one of our favorites especially for breakfast.  Love the blueberry french toast!!!  Las Vegas is a place we love to try famous Chef restaurants such as Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey.
  • Death Valley:  Restaurants are very limited here. Be prepared to get pre-packed sandwiches from convenient stores or have hot water so you can make instant cup noodle!
  • Joshua Tree:  Crossroads Cafe is good for breakfast and brunch.  And if you are crave for Indian food and /or pizza for dinner, you can go try Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
  • San Diego:  Lots of choises here!  Where should I start???