Driving from Las Vegas

With only a half-day drive separating the mountain vistas of Mammoth Lakes from the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas, it's an easy escape to the Eastern Sierra from Nevada.

The 325-mile drive takes about five hours, depending on travel conditions. The fastest route follows Hwy. 95 through the Nevada high desert and crosses into California to meet Hwy. 395, while a longer scenic route runs through Death Valley National Park.

Quick Facts

Distance: about 325 miles
Drive time: about five hours, longer if you go through Death Valley
Fastest route: Hwy. 95 to Hwy. 266, then Hwy. 168 to Big Pine or Hwy. 6 toward Benton, and on to Hwy. 395
Scenic route: through Death Valley National Park to Hwy. 395 at Lone Pine
Winter travel: carry chains and check road conditions before you leave

Scroll down for detailed directions for your next trip and points of interest along the way.

The Fastest Route from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes

If you're looking for the most direct route to Mammoth Lakes, take Hwy. 95 north from Las Vegas toward Beatty and keep going past town. Then connect to Hwy. 266, which takes you toward Hwy. 168 to Big Pine or Hwy. 6 toward Benton and eventually to Hwy. 395. From there, it's a straight shot north to Mammoth Lakes. For directions from other cities, see our full guide to driving to Mammoth Lakes.

Locals' tip: Mammoth Lakes locals swear that the 266 is the fastest option to and from Las Vegas.

The Scenic Route Through Death Valley National Park

Have extra time? Death Valley adds a few hours to the drive and some of the most dramatic desert scenery in the country.

When you get to Amargosa Valley, you'll reach the first turnoff to come through Death Valley National Park. This entrance takes you past Zabriskie Point and Furnace Creek. If you want to see the lowest point in the continental U.S., Badwater Basin, plan a short detour south from Furnace Creek. You can also enter the park at Beatty via Hwy. 374. This route is more direct through the park.

From either entrance, follow Hwy. 190 west across the park, then take Hwy. 136 to Lone Pine and head north on Hwy. 395 to Mammoth Lakes.

Summer temperatures in Death Valley often top 110 degrees. Carry extra water, keep your car's air conditioning in good shape, and check current park conditions before you go.

Fuel, Water, and Services Along the Way

No matter which route you choose, scenery is abundant but services are not. Make sure you have plenty of snacks, water and a full tank of gas before you leave Las Vegas, and top off again in Beatty if you need to. Take advantage of rest stops when you see them. They are few and far between on this route.

Driving from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes in Winter

This drive stays popular all ski season, but winter storms can change conditions quickly on Hwy. 395 and the high desert passes along both routes.

Always carry chains from late fall through spring, and know which chain restriction level applies to your vehicle. Before you leave, check Caltrans QuickMap for California highways and NDOT for the Nevada stretch, and review current Mammoth Lakes road conditions. Our Snow Smart Driving guide covers chaining up safely and parking rules in town, and the Winter Ready Guide puts forecasts, webcams and road resources in one place.

Scenic Stops on the Drive

On the way to Mammoth Lakes, you'll pass iconic Eastern Sierra landmarks and scenic areas. Which ones you see depends on your route.

Death Valley National Park: on the scenic route, with Zabriskie Point, Furnace Creek and Badwater Basin
Manzanar National Historic Site: on Hwy. 395 north of Lone Pine, on the scenic route
Mt. Whitney: the tallest peak in the contiguous U.S., with views from Lone Pine on the scenic route
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: off Hwy. 168 near Big Pine on the fastest route, open seasonally

Plan Your Drive from las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes

After a day on the road, settle in and give yourself a few nights to explore. Browse hotels, motels and resorts in Mammoth Lakes to plan your stay. Coming from northern Nevada instead? See our guide to traveling from Reno to Mammoth Lakes.

FAQs

How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes?

The 325-mile drive takes about five hours via Hwy. 95 and Hwy. 266. Plan on a few more hours if you route through Death Valley National Park.

What's the fastest route from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes?

Take Hwy. 95 north past Beatty, connect to Hwy. 266, then take Hwy. 168 to Big Pine or Hwy. 6 toward Benton to reach Hwy. 395. Locals consider the 266 the fastest option.

Can you drive through Death Valley on the way to Mammoth Lakes?

Yes. Enter the park at Amargosa Valley or at Beatty via Hwy. 374, follow Hwy. 190 west, then take Hwy. 136 to Lone Pine and Hwy. 395 north to Mammoth Lakes.

Do I need snow chains to drive from Las Vegas to Mammoth Lakes?

From late fall through spring, carry chains even if the forecast looks clear. Storms can bring chain controls to Hwy. 395 and the passes along the way with little notice.