Departing Los Angeles early in the morning is always a great way to avoid getting caught up in any traffic congestion, but it also provides an opportunity for more, or longer, stops en route. Here are 5 things to see when driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas that will make your trip more enjoyable:

Hike to majestic sights at Mormon Rocks

Hanging like a silhouette on the desert horizon, the Mormon rocks can be seen for miles in every direction, and these impressive rock formations make for the perfect place to stop for some photography, or a hike to some spectacular view points.

Mormon Rocks can be found by turning west at the junction for Highway 138 and just a short distance further, you will reach the trailhead next to the fire station.

Have lunch in Barstow

Many people will have never heard of Barstow, but in actual fact, the town has an extremely unique attraction, along with a most appetizing option for a lunch stop.

The Discovery Center is home to the oldest meteorite in the world, known as the “Old Woman”, and a captivating story lies behind the origins of the rock, which was essentially confiscated by the government, much to the disappointment of those you made the discovery.

Having learnt all about the mysterious meteorite in Barstow, the town itself is an interesting place to explore and although it may not seem like this most cultural thing to do, the McDonald’s in Barstow is well worth visiting, with it being located inside an old train station with plenty of interesting things to see inside.

Visit a modern day ghost town

The old mining town of Calico may be a little touristy and bust at times, but it still provides a fun experience in a town which has an incredibly authentic feel.

Calico has several of the original buildings from the original mining town which have been beautifully restored, and for anyone who likes Wild West movies in particular, the surroundings are sure to evoke images of gun slinger, horse and carts, and coal faced miners.

Check out the worlds largest thermometer

Barstow has the worlds oldest meteorite, but the town of Baker has the worlds largest thermometer.

Being a desert, and given the novelty of every adventure to Las Vegas, the thermometer in Baker seems like a mandatory stop which if nothing else, is a great keepsake photograph. It stands over 120 feet tall, and was originally built as a landmark for the world record statistic which was recorded in Death Valley over a hundred years ago.

Take a detour to the Bottletree Ranch

Deep in the heart of the California desert, a man with a passion has created a truly awe inspiring attraction, which now attracts tourists and locals, in large numbers.

Everybody seeks to express themselves and Elmer, the owner, chooses to do so by creating a modern art masterpiece which is akin to a small woodland full of trees, with only bottles in place of leaves. In many ways, the Bottletree Ranch encapsulates everything that makes a roadtrip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas so special; you just don’t know what you are going to find out there, until you seek it out.

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