Take a drive through the Mojave Desert and into the heart of Las Vegas as we follow Interstate 15 northbound from the California state line at Primm to the city’s bustling downtown core. This 42-mile journey transitions from wide-open desert plains to one of the most electrified urban skylines in America—offering a fascinating look at southern Nevada’s changing landscapes and its signature freeway.
We begin at the Nevada state line, just past the Ivanpah Valley solar installations, where Interstate 15 welcomes us into the Silver State. Almost immediately, we pass through Primm, a small but distinctive border town known for its casinos, outlet mall, and the towering roller coaster looping around the Buffalo Bill’s Resort. Leaving Primm behind, the Mojave Desert opens up around us—flat and arid, with low scrub brush and long sightlines toward distant ridgelines. The mountains remain a steady presence to the west as we pass the interchange with NV-161, the turnoff to Goodsprings, a historic mining town tucked in the hills.
Continuing north, the terrain subtly rises as we climb toward the southern edge of the Las Vegas Valley. To the east lies the rugged expanse of Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, though the canyon itself is hidden from view without a detour. Cresting the hill north of Sloan, the first sweeping view of metropolitan Las Vegas comes into view—a sprawling sea of rooftops, glass towers, and distant casinos lining the Strip. The transition from desert to development is swift and dramatic. We soon hit the NV-146 interchange, a major connector toward Henderson, and the road widens into a true urban interstate.
From here, I-15 becomes a major transportation artery—carrying everything from tourists to tractor trailers. Construction zones, orange barrels, and concrete barriers dominate this southern section of the metro. At times, it feels as though nearly every mile is under renovation, particularly near the US-95 “Spaghetti Bowl” interchange. The Bruce Woodbury Beltway (Interstate 215/CR-215) soon joins us, marking our official entry into Las Vegas proper. Off to our right, McCarran International Airport (now Harry Reid International) looms large, followed by the unmistakable silhouette of the Las Vegas Strip, lined with resorts, neon, and architectural landmarks.
As we press toward downtown, the density of traffic and interchanges increases. We pass exits for Tropicana, Flamingo, and Sahara—the surface streets that form the grid of the city’s entertainment and business districts. Finally, as we near the core of old Las Vegas, we approach the interchange with Interstate 11, which now shares part of the former I-515 alignment. It’s here that we leave the freeway, ending our journey at the junction where desert meets destination.
From desolate valleys to downtown’s neon skyline, this stretch of I-15 is more than a desert crossing—it’s the grand threshold between two very different worlds. Whether you’re en route to the Strip or just passing through, it offers a fascinating look at the infrastructure and ambition that power southern Nevada.
🗺️ Route Map
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