“Look at life through the windshield, not the rearview mirror,” said best-selling author Byrd Baggett. While that’s good life advice, it is also a great suggestion when planning a trip. If you’re planning to go to Las Vegas from Cincinnati, you can book a flight, look out the window from 36,000 feet, and wonder what’s down there, or you can slide behind the wheel, hit the road, and create unforgettable memories along the way.
This awesome road trip will take you through no fewer than eight states—Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. You’ll cross America’s heartland, conquer the Rockies, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the American West. The journey can be as much fun as the destination, so pack up the car and prepare for an adventure!
Pack your bags, rally the troops, and fill the tank, because we have all the road trip recommendations to have the best Cincinnati to Las Vegas drive.
For the fastest route to Vegas, head west out of Cincinnati on I-74 to Indianapolis, then pick up I-70 west. You’ll be on this interstate for the next 1,580 miles – all the way to Sulphurdale, Utah. From there, merge onto I-15 South, and it’s just 244 miles to Las Vegas.
Buckle up and settle in, because you’re in for a long drive. The 1,938-mile trip is about 28 hours of driving if traffic and weather are on your side. So, depending on how many miles you put behind you each day and how many stops you make, plan 3-5 days for the entire trip.
Weekend traffic in Vegas can be heavy, and the city also has standard rush-hour traffic as people travel to and from work on weekdays. Expect more traffic in larger cities along the route, such as Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Denver. Allow for longer drive times if you plan on traveling during the holidays or when there are big Las Vegas events. No matter where you’re driving from or which day of the week, the traffic is sure to pick up closer to the city.
Experience America as it used to be in this historic canal town. A short stroll will take you past many structures dating to the mid-19th century, along with antique shops, gift shops, and great places for authentic Amish food.
This attraction in Vandalia, IL was placed along the road for passersby to stop and admire. Spend a buck for a token from the Kaskaskia Hardware Store down the road, drop it in the slot, and the 35-foot metal dragon breathes fire!
It’s only fitting that the OZ Museum is found in Kansas. Dedicated to all things OZ, you’ll see over 40,000 items related to the book, stage musical, and movie, including original posters, memorabilia from the film, and more.
In less than an hour, you can see some large dinosaur fossils from Kansas, old tools, mineral specimens, replicas of an old depot and general store, railroad and western artifacts, historic photos, and the remains of ancient tombs.
For outdoor lovers, the Dillon Reservoir is a must-see stop along I-70. Mountain scenery surrounds you as you paddle a kayak from island to island on the sparkling blue water.
Stop by this adventure park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and try the swings. Yes, the swings – that take you out 1,300 feet above a canyon at 50 mph! You can also explore caverns and rock formations and ride the alpine coaster.
The Colorado National Monument is one of the star attractions of the American West. Monoliths, walls of rock, and red-rock canyons will take your breath away. Drive the 23 miles of Rim Rock Drive to get some of the best views.
The national parks get all the attention out west, but this state park in Green River, Utah, can hold its own against any of them. The “goblins” are unique rock formations caused by erosion, and there are thousands of them.
Located in Monroe, Utah, Mystic Hot Springs feels like a trip back to the hippie era of the 1960s-70s. Soak in natural spring water in one of eight vintage bathtubs, or sample one of the larger pools.
This national park in Utah features massive sandstone cliffs in shades of cream, pink, and red, and every bend in the road provides a new and stunning vista. Zion features some of the best hikes in any national park.
Some say life isn’t only about the destination, it’s about the journey. If you’re planning your next trip to Vegas from Cincinnati, consider hitting the road and making an adventure out of it. While you’re planning all your Las Vegas road trip pit stops, be sure to book your room at Golden Gate Las Vegas to have a place to call home after your drive. On top of comfortable rooms and suites (or penthouses for added luxury), you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas to walk around town and stretch your legs after your Cincinnati to Las Vegas drive. Drive safely, and see you soon!
