How long is the The Loneliest Road: Nevada's Highway 50 route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Carson City to Great Basin National Park (Baker) in Nevada, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is Late May to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Classic road trip, Nature, Adventure, Culture.

The Loneliest Road: Nevada's Highway 50

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The route · 6 stops

1
Carson City
1 night
Nevada's small state capital and the western gateway to Highway 50, sitting under the Sierra near Lake Tahoe. Spend a night for the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Nevada State Museum, with a worthwhile detour up to the silver-rush streets of Virginia City before the long drive east.
Nevada's small state capital and the western gateway to Highway 50, sitting under the Sierra near Lake Tahoe. Spend a night for the Nevada State Railroad Museum and the Nevada State Museum, with a worthwhile detour up to the silver-rush streets of Virginia City before the long drive east.
Fill the tank and stock water and snacks here. Services thin out fast once you head east.
2
Fallon
1 night1h 39m · 119 km from previous
A farming oasis on the Carson River and home to the Navy's TOPGUN school. Just east, Highway 50 passes the ancient Grimes Point petroglyphs and the 600-foot Sand Mountain dune, which hums as the sand shifts. A practical overnight before the empty miles to Austin.
A farming oasis on the Carson River and home to the Navy's TOPGUN school. Just east, Highway 50 passes the ancient Grimes Point petroglyphs and the 600-foot Sand Mountain dune, which hums as the sand shifts. A practical overnight before the empty miles to Austin.
Visit Grimes Point and Sand Mountain on the way out; both sit just off Highway 50 east of town.
3
Austin
1 night2h 39m · 191 km from previous
A near ghost town clinging to the Toiyabe foothills at 6,600 feet, born in the 1860s silver rush. Wander its old churches and Stokes Castle, a lone stone tower with valley views, then ride or hike the surrounding trails. One of Nevada's best small mountain-bike bases.
A near ghost town clinging to the Toiyabe foothills at 6,600 feet, born in the 1860s silver rush. Wander its old churches and Stokes Castle, a lone stone tower with valley views, then ride or hike the surrounding trails. One of Nevada's best small mountain-bike bases.
Austin sits high and cold at night, even in summer, so pack a warm layer. Fuel up here, not between towns.
4
Eureka
1 night1h 43m · 124 km from previous
Billed as the friendliest town on the loneliest road, Eureka keeps one of the best-preserved 1870s main streets in the West. Tour the restored Eureka Opera House and the brick courthouse, both survivors of its silver-smelting boom, then walk the compact historic district.
Billed as the friendliest town on the loneliest road, Eureka keeps one of the best-preserved 1870s main streets in the West. Tour the restored Eureka Opera House and the brick courthouse, both survivors of its silver-smelting boom, then walk the compact historic district.
The Opera House and Sentinel Museum keep short hours; check times before arriving midweek.
5
Ely
1 night1h 44m · 125 km from previous
The largest town on the eastern half, a former Pony Express and copper-mining hub. Ride the heritage steam trains of the Nevada Northern Railway, see the beehive-shaped Ward Charcoal Ovens, and detour to Cave Lake. Downtown murals trace the region's mining past.
The largest town on the eastern half, a former Pony Express and copper-mining hub. Ride the heritage steam trains of the Nevada Northern Railway, see the beehive-shaped Ward Charcoal Ovens, and detour to Cave Lake. Downtown murals trace the region's mining past.
Book Nevada Northern Railway rides ahead in summer; popular runs and night photo sessions sell out.
6
Great Basin National Park
2 nights1h 9m · 83 km from previous
The quiet finale near the Utah line, and one of America's least-crowded national parks. Tour Lehman Caves, drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to alpine lakes and 4,000-year-old bristlecone pines, then stay out for some of the darkest night skies in the country.
The quiet finale near the Utah line, and one of America's least-crowded national parks. Tour Lehman Caves, drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to alpine lakes and 4,000-year-old bristlecone pines, then stay out for some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Reserve Lehman Caves tours on recreation.gov well ahead. The Wheeler Peak road closes by snow, roughly November to May.

The Loneliest Road: Nevada's Highway 50

The route · 6 stops

Carson City

Fallon

Austin

Eureka

Ely

Great Basin National Park

Route highlights

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The Loneliest Road: Nevada's Highway 50

The route · 6 stops

Carson City

Fallon

Austin

Eureka

Ely

Great Basin National Park

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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