It’s 6:15 on a Sunday morning in October. The Strip is still asleep, it’s 61 degrees outside, and your Porsche has done nothing but commute to the office for three straight months. You’ve got a full tank and nowhere to be until noon. Here’s where to go.

Fall and spring are the best seasons to drive in Southern Nevada. The heat breaks, the light gets golden, and some of the best driving roads in the West are less than an hour from town.

1. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive

About 25 minutes from the Strip. A one-way 13-mile loop through red sandstone cliffs, with pullouts for photos. It’s a sightseeing drive, not a fast one, so enjoy the view and watch for cyclists and wild burros. Red Rock uses timed-entry reservations during busy seasons, so check before you go.

2. Valley of Fire State Park

About an hour northeast. Bright red rock formations and smooth, winding pavement make this one of the most photogenic drives in the country. Take the main park road and the road out toward the White Domes area. There’s a park entry fee, and there’s no gas inside the park.

3. Mount Charleston

About 45 minutes northwest. Climb from the desert floor into pine forest on Kyle Canyon Road, and it can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler at the top. Link it to Lee Canyon by way of Deer Creek Road for a full loop with real elevation and sweeping curves. Watch for snow and ice later in the season.

4. Northshore Road at Lake Mead

About 40 minutes east. Long, open desert sweepers with views of the lake and colorful rock along the way. It’s quiet on weekday mornings. It runs through Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so an entry fee applies, and speed limits are enforced.

Before you head out

The desert is beautiful, and it’s also unforgiving if something goes wrong far from town. Before any of these drives:

• Check tire pressures and look for sidewall cracks
• Top off fuel, since stations are few and far between
• Bring water, even in fall
• Make sure there’s no warning light you’ve been ignoring
• Tell someone where you’re going if you’re driving alone

Make sure your Porsche is road-trip ready

If it’s been a while since your last service, Trophy Performance can give your Porsche a pre-drive inspection, checking tires, brakes, fluids, and cooling, so the only surprise on your drive is the view. Call: 702-731-1110