South of Las Vegas, there is plenty to see and do, too. Not necessarily Los Angeles and San Diego, though! That is, provided you are not a fan of the Lakers or the Padres. If that's the case, Staples is about 4 hrs away, Petco about 5 and a half. Anyways, you won't get even close to LA unless you have an extra day or two to spare.
First stop on you way South will be Sloan, a settlement of about 105 as of 2010. Right on I-15, there is nothing there at all! There were the Nevada Landing and Gold Strike, but the former is history, so there is just one casino left and a gas station across the street.
You may be lucky, though, and desert kart racing is on at the nearby sandlot. It's dusty but exciting!
Now, don't be fooled by the "nothingness" around you. For this little town. just off the freeway, is located inside the North McCollough Range within the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area which encloses the Sloan Petroglyph Site. Uff, that's a lot of info at once, isn't it?!
Anyways, as the the term petroglyph implies, you are entering an ancient world which, by the way, is very well protected and closely monitored by the USA government. Thus, enjoy it,but keep your hands to yourself.
Sure, we all have seen pictures like this one before. But, you are in Las Vegas and I don't see why you would miss the opportunity to take one yourself if you find one, that is.
Be advised, thought, that the area doesn't lack wild life, either. So, be careful and keep your eyes open for not so friendly companion like this one here:
Don't panic! Not every living thing around is this scary, though. The valley serves as the natural habitat of many other species. Some of them seem to be a perfect complement to the spellbinding views of the canyon.
Remember I mentioned above you should keep your hands to yourself? Well, I left the most intriguing facts for the end.
This area is so jealously protected that the exact locations of the petroglyphs are not publicly disclosed and all kind of off-road vehicles, camping, and shooting are strictly prohibited since 2006.
Walking, horseback riding, and hiking are definitely encouraged using existing roads and trails, though. Better be ready to shake off some rust!
Back to the road, Primm is just 20 minutes away. Some town! Residents of this "town" are mainly the employees of the three casinos, Primm Valley, Buffalo Bills, and Whiskey Pete's, and the Fashion Outlet mall that make up the whole settlement also known as State Line, two words, not to be confused with Stateline in Northern Nevada, or Primm Valley.
Actually, by now you should be able to see, to your left, the Buffalo Bills sign in the horizon. Although you will first stop at Whiskey Pete's, a very old casino known for being a favorite of truckers riding on I-15. Free coffee for them!
From this point on, you won't need your car. You can safely park anywhere for free and use the tram to move from place to another.
Now, don't rush to the better looking casinos or the mall across the street. Old Pete's has a surprise for you.
Inside, to your left by the tram stop, there's a little room that safeguards the real Bonnie and Clyde death car and other memorabilia related to the most colorful manhunt in American history.
If hungry by now, take your chances at the steakhouse. The wine selection is great. Otherwise, hop on the tram and move on to Buffalo Bills for more action. On your way there, you switch trams at Primm Valley Resort. Just don't worry about it now. I'm leaving this one for last for a very good reason.
Once you finally get across the street, you may want to go for the adrenaline pumping adventure of your life.
Enter the Desperado, (right)one of the fastest and most exciting roller coasters ever and, at 225ft high, one of the tallest in the country. As an add-on, be aware that the 55 degrees descent at about 80 mph can be scary!
That's not all, though. There's also the Adventure Canyon Log Flume, a PG rated ride with a little bit of everything, turns, falls, bad guys, a "casino tour", tunnels, and splashes!
As any other hotel-casino of Las Vegas, Buffalo Bills has a life of itself. Inside, the gambling areas, bars, and restaurants are reminiscent of the old West.
A huge Hangman's Tree which incorporates animated buzzards and cowboys stands in the center of the main wrap around bar. Wooden bridges, Wild West motels, signs, wagons, and barrels decorate the different areas of the casino.
The log's river and the roller coaster both run inside the casino. Thus, expect screaming and shouting very often.
Your eating choices while visiting here are plentiful, too. There's a decent buffet and the coffee shop serves an excellent steak dinner.
Yet, the food court may be a more practical time-saver option. Also, the area looks great. There are Chinese, Mexican, and American food joints to choose from.
Now, back to the tram on your way to Primm Valley. Get off the tram and turn right. The casino is not impressive, but the hallway leading to the mall can be a show itself. Colorful birds and performers, old cars, and memorabilia bring this area of the resort to life.
For the serious shopper, the mall down the escalator is unavoidable. Brand name stores, bars, and restaurants line up the hallways. Prices are low, too. Yet, what makes the outlet special is not inside but outside right off the back door. It will take you sometime walking down the aisle while window shopping, though.
Remember I mentioned above I had a reason to make Primm Valley the final stop?
First, the mall for it takes time and shopping usually means you will carrying heavy bags around. Second, hopefully it is sunset when you exit through the back door. The view of the vast desert ahead is worth the walk.
Now, remember I said this area is also known as State Line? Well, be advised you are in California already as soon as you exit the mall and go across the street into the "lotto store". Rules change abruptly. I've never seen a California police car back there, but, just in case, leave your beer behind.
The "lotto store", that's how Vegans call this little shop, is the only California feature you'll see in a few hundred miles. Locals come down here to buy, what else, lottery tickets. If prizes reach crazy figures the lines can be quite impressive.
At this point, most probably it is too late to continue your journey down the road. Unless you are familiar with area, do yourself a favor and stay overnight.
Driving through the desert at night may be challenging. More so off the main highways.
Anyways, breakfast in the "middle of nowhere" makes a good start for the next day.
w, dominguez
First stop on you way South will be Sloan, a settlement of about 105 as of 2010. Right on I-15, there is nothing there at all! There were the Nevada Landing and Gold Strike, but the former is history, so there is just one casino left and a gas station across the street.
Now, don't be fooled by the "nothingness" around you. For this little town. just off the freeway, is located inside the North McCollough Range within the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area which encloses the Sloan Petroglyph Site. Uff, that's a lot of info at once, isn't it?!
Anyways, as the the term petroglyph implies, you are entering an ancient world which, by the way, is very well protected and closely monitored by the USA government. Thus, enjoy it,but keep your hands to yourself.
Be advised, thought, that the area doesn't lack wild life, either. So, be careful and keep your eyes open for not so friendly companion like this one here:
Don't panic! Not every living thing around is this scary, though. The valley serves as the natural habitat of many other species. Some of them seem to be a perfect complement to the spellbinding views of the canyon.
This area is so jealously protected that the exact locations of the petroglyphs are not publicly disclosed and all kind of off-road vehicles, camping, and shooting are strictly prohibited since 2006.
Walking, horseback riding, and hiking are definitely encouraged using existing roads and trails, though. Better be ready to shake off some rust!
Back to the road, Primm is just 20 minutes away. Some town! Residents of this "town" are mainly the employees of the three casinos, Primm Valley, Buffalo Bills, and Whiskey Pete's, and the Fashion Outlet mall that make up the whole settlement also known as State Line, two words, not to be confused with Stateline in Northern Nevada, or Primm Valley.
Actually, by now you should be able to see, to your left, the Buffalo Bills sign in the horizon. Although you will first stop at Whiskey Pete's, a very old casino known for being a favorite of truckers riding on I-15. Free coffee for them!
Now, don't rush to the better looking casinos or the mall across the street. Old Pete's has a surprise for you.
Inside, to your left by the tram stop, there's a little room that safeguards the real Bonnie and Clyde death car and other memorabilia related to the most colorful manhunt in American history.
If hungry by now, take your chances at the steakhouse. The wine selection is great. Otherwise, hop on the tram and move on to Buffalo Bills for more action. On your way there, you switch trams at Primm Valley Resort. Just don't worry about it now. I'm leaving this one for last for a very good reason.
Once you finally get across the street, you may want to go for the adrenaline pumping adventure of your life.
Enter the Desperado, (right)one of the fastest and most exciting roller coasters ever and, at 225ft high, one of the tallest in the country. As an add-on, be aware that the 55 degrees descent at about 80 mph can be scary!
That's not all, though. There's also the Adventure Canyon Log Flume, a PG rated ride with a little bit of everything, turns, falls, bad guys, a "casino tour", tunnels, and splashes!
A huge Hangman's Tree which incorporates animated buzzards and cowboys stands in the center of the main wrap around bar. Wooden bridges, Wild West motels, signs, wagons, and barrels decorate the different areas of the casino.
 |
| Hangman's Tree |
The log's river and the roller coaster both run inside the casino. Thus, expect screaming and shouting very often.Your eating choices while visiting here are plentiful, too. There's a decent buffet and the coffee shop serves an excellent steak dinner.
Yet, the food court may be a more practical time-saver option. Also, the area looks great. There are Chinese, Mexican, and American food joints to choose from.
 |
| Food Court |
Now, back to the tram on your way to Primm Valley. Get off the tram and turn right. The casino is not impressive, but the hallway leading to the mall can be a show itself. Colorful birds and performers, old cars, and memorabilia bring this area of the resort to life.For the serious shopper, the mall down the escalator is unavoidable. Brand name stores, bars, and restaurants line up the hallways. Prices are low, too. Yet, what makes the outlet special is not inside but outside right off the back door. It will take you sometime walking down the aisle while window shopping, though.
Remember I mentioned above I had a reason to make Primm Valley the final stop?
Now, remember I said this area is also known as State Line? Well, be advised you are in California already as soon as you exit the mall and go across the street into the "lotto store". Rules change abruptly. I've never seen a California police car back there, but, just in case, leave your beer behind.
The "lotto store", that's how Vegans call this little shop, is the only California feature you'll see in a few hundred miles. Locals come down here to buy, what else, lottery tickets. If prizes reach crazy figures the lines can be quite impressive.
 |
| Lotto store across the street. |
Driving through the desert at night may be challenging. More so off the main highways.
Anyways, breakfast in the "middle of nowhere" makes a good start for the next day.
w, dominguez
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