Google Maps. Use. Google Earth. Use. Plot routes. Notice that there are several sets of substantial mountains in the way, even if you plan to run down to Needles and pick up the 40 for the easterly leg. Going direct means MANY sets of mountains. Quadratic gigabucks. And what's the likely ridership, given the number of flights available (and the fact that with early purchase nonrefundable air fares are notably lower than what you quote).

My guess is that even a British HSR (NEC speeds) for that route would cost as much as CAHSR. And have way way less traffic given the basic absence of online traffic.

Maybe it would be a good line for hyperloop or maglev, which can climb steeper hills and would develop some real speed over such a line (no stops). Classic flyover.

There is a HSR line (Virgin, formerly Desert Xpress) getting close to construction between LV and Victorville (all it takes is money, which they've been working on diligently), with hopes for future extension into the LA Basin probably via a dogleg through Palmdale (requiring much more money that they don't have yet). Why don't we let that one feel out the market first, which should be far more robust than LV-PHX given the size of the metro area the southern station could tap into?

Now that we've done all the research (even if it does come out of an orifice or 2), is the troll of many names happy?