Barstow, CA to Grand Canyon - Hwy 15 or Hwy 40?

Question

To folks who have driven from Barstow to Grand Canyon, which drive is better - hwy 15 or hwy 40? I've heard horror stories of being in middle of nowhere when on hwy 40 even during the day. Are those true? Any pointers from the experienced drivers out there? Things to be careful about or routes to avoid? I'm travelling during December.
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I've driven both routes from Barstow to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. I-40 is definitely the shorter, quicker and easier drive. The drive via I-40 is approximately 375 miles and should take about five and a half hours. If you take I-15 to Vegas then turn south and take 93 to Arizona, the drive is approximately 425 miles and should take about 7 hours. The drive thru Vegas takes significantly longer if you're following the speed limits, especially from Vegas to Hoover Dam.

Traffic wise, both I-40 and I-15 are major highways and heavily used so you won't be alone on either highway. As far as terrain and geography are concerned, I like the I-40 route better. In my opinion it's not as barren and dry as the I-15 route.

Sascoaz gave some good advice about carrying snow chains or cables and a blanket or two, not to mention snacks and water, in the event you are stranded in your car. I don't think you'll have a problem with snow and ice in December but if a winter storm blows in, you should be prepared to deal with it. Check the extended forecast for the dates you plan to be there. You'll be at fairly high elevations and snow is likely if a storm moves in.

Answer 2

You are definitely better off taking I-40 instead of I-15. They both have long stretches through the desert where there is not much to see (and few facilities), but taking I-15 up through Vegas than back down to I-40 at Kingman and over to the canyon would add a lot of extra miles and time. Because these are major interstates, there are always going to be other cars and trucks around unless it is the middle of the night.

Taking I-40 to Williams, AZ and then north to the Grand Canyon should not pose any problems. From Ash Fork, AZ onward you will be at higher elevations and so there is a good chance of snow or ice if a storm has gone through recently. But these are major roads and they get cleared off quick. I would always have tire chains and carry extra blankets with you just to be on the safe side.

Note: that if by taking I-15, you were thinking of going through Vegas and then on east to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the North Rim of the canyon is closed in winter (mid-Oct to mid-May).

Answer 3

I use to live in Grand Canyon, and would drive home to Bakersfield all the time. So I had to go through Barstow. As far as snow, watch the weather report. The interstate stays pretty clear due to all the traffic and plowing. There is traffic on the road day and night. Though the later it gets the more trucks and less cars you see. And one last tip: DO NOT GET GAS IN NEEDLES!!! You can get it for $0.50/gal or cheaper just across the AZ line at exit 9 (highway 95). The other gas suggestion is to fill up in Williams, gas at the canyon is unbelievable expensive. Have a good trip!

PS Stop in Kingman and go to Cracker Barrel (restaurant) and have a meal or just look around their store. It's a good place to stop and stretch.

Answer 4

I've done the drive from Barstow to the Grand Canyon and we went through Vegas and over the Hoover Dam. Once past the Dam Dam, you are in the middle of nowhere and it seemed to take FOREVER!!! We did however get to see one of the Olympic torch bearers running down the highway, that was about the only thing to see once we got over the dam. Don't know about the other route.

Have fun!!

Answer 5

i think the 40 is better other wise you go through Vegas on the 15 and come back down use this site may be it will help

good luck

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/directions.htm