Over The Hump

From Pahrump we retraced our trip from yesterday, except backward.  We left the Escapees rv park and went south on NV 160 along the Pahrump Valley, still in the massive Mojave Desert.

To access our next stop—the Thousand Trails Las Vegas VR Resort—we had to go through a 5000’ pass in the Spring Mountains, or as the locals say, over the Hump.  From Pahrump 160 rises so gradually that you are hardly aware of ascending until you reach the foot of the mountain.  On the other side the grade gradually descends to a valley again.  

First view of Las Vegas

Beautiful view of part of the Red Rock Canyon.

Still descending to the valley floor.

160 ends at I 15 which runs through Las Vegas.  We bypassed I 215 which runs around the west side of the city in favor of I 515 which runs around the east side.  It was a little nerve-wracking maneuvering outr big rig through the lane changes in heavy traffic, but managed to make all of the right turns.

Lots of new housing going up.

City art reflecting its mountains and desert.

More art framing an old standby casino on The Strip.

Art and the Four Seasons

The Luxor pyramid is larger than any in Egypt, and is limited to this height by the LV Airport!

Not sure what this is.

I think this is New York New York.

New guys in town—at least I’ve never heard of them.

I’ve not heard of this casino but I do know of Penn & Teller.

Caesar’s Palace has been around a long time.

Had to include this one.

Stratosphere

Binion’s and  Freemont Street

We finally left the downtown and entered the residential district.

It was not fun driving/riding through traffic, but it was interesting to see how much this city has changed in the last couple of years.

More Las Vegas tomorrow.

Louise and Duane