Are you tired of the noise and hustle of the familiar world around you? Do you feel the urge to embark on a soul-cleansing voyage in a surreal land where civilization is a distant memory and you feel like you are the only person left on planet Earth? If so, the U.S. Route 50 in Nevada is calling your name.
Cutting through the heart of America from coast to coast, the US Route 50 stretches over 3,000 miles and crosses through a dozen states, four state capitals, and the national capital, Washington DC. You’ll come across some of America’s greatest landmarks on this road, like the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, the “Great Plains” and the deserts of Nevada and Utah.
However, of all the great regions this route traverses, the 287-mile stretch of Route 50 in the Nevada desert has earned itself the moniker “the Loneliest Road in America.” On this stretch of the highway, you’ll come across ghost towns, Indigenous communities, historical mining communities, and several national parks.
Buckle up for an unforgettable road trip on one of America’s most remarkable routes. Here is everything you need to know before you travel.
[Note: For more details about how to plan a grand road trip in America, check out our guide “The Great American Road Trip: 7 U.S Routes to Explore Before You Die.”
The History of the “Loneliest Road in America”
The term was first used—rather forebodingly— in 1986 in an article published in Life Magazine that warned travelers of the risk of traveling this vast, perilous, and desolate land with little signs of human life and very few “points of interest.” The article further went on to advise tourists to avoid this road if they didn’t trust their survival skills.
Ironically, the Life Magazine article had the opposite effect on tourism on Nevada Route 50, turning the Nevada stretch of Route 50 into a “cult favorite” with road-adventure fanatics.
Today, you have very little to worry about while planning a trip on Route 50 in Nevada. The road has come a long way since the good old days of carriages and mail-by-horse. All you have to do is plan your fuel stops wisely, and you are good.
Here’s how you plan it.
CHAPTER ONE: CARSON CITY TO AUSTIN, NEVADA
Before you venture into the wild of the Nevada Desert proper, it’s not a bad idea to explore the historical capital of the state of Nevada. Carson City is named after the famous frontierman Kit Carson and has a history dating back to the 1850s. It emerged as a famous hub of the “silver boom” period. The nearby Comstock Silver Lode brought enormous wealth and attention to this otherwise unchartered land.
Things to do in Carson City
Before you hit the road, here are some important landmarks in the capital.
- Nevada State Museum: A great showcase of the natural and cultural history of Nevada. Gives you a unique walk-through of a replica mine and ghost town. It also houses the Historic Carson City Mint where 57 issues of silver and gold coins were minted between 1870 and 1893.
- Nevada State Capital Building: Built in 1871, the building is a great symbol of classic 19th-century American architecture.
- Nevada State Railroad Museum: Exhibits the legendary locomotives and cars of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, and preserves the railroad legacy of the state.
On the Road on Route 50
After an excursion in the capital, your first stop (60 miles/ approx 1 hour) on the highway is Fallon. Known as the “Oasis of Nevada” Fallon has been the agricultural and food lifeline of the region since 1903. The Newlands Irrigation Project turned this rugged region into a thriving green fertile farming land.
Here you can visit the Churchill County Museum which showcases the history of Fallon, the Newlands Irrigation Project, the lives of early Frontier Men, and the native history of the Washoe people who have lived in this part of Nevada for thousands of years.
The landscape suddenly begins to change radically as you leave Fallon, transforming into the desolate desert that characterizes Route 50.
After a 2.5-hour drive through a straight line ripping through dessert, you arrive at the city of Austin, Nevada. Now a quiet sleepy town, Austin was once a booming center during the silver boom era of the 1860s. Explore the city’s rustic frontier charm.
Points of interest include the 3-story Stokes Castle located on a hill overlooking the town, and the historical Austin District dotted with many 19th-century buildings. The Austin Cemetry is an eerie insight into the peril-filled lives of early miners.
CHAPTER TWO: AUSTIN TO EUREKA
This part of the journey is a short one—only 65 miles. Eureka is often dubbed as the “friendliest town” on Route 50. Once the richest mining town of its time and second largest city in the state, today Eureka has only around 315 residents. But there’s still a lot to see.
It’s often described as the “City of Churches” due to its many 19th-century cathedrals. If you are up for a hot dip, visit the nearby Spencer Hot Springs. And, if you want to unlock some ancient mysteries, visit the ancient Hickison Petroglyphs. Other attractions include the well-preserved Eureka Opera House and the Eureka Sentinel Museum.
We recommend that you spend the night here in what is arguably one of America’s best-preserved Mining towns and enjoy the Wild West charm of the place. The Jackson House Hotel, in operation since the late 1800s, is just the perfect place to feel the vintage 19th-century mining town vibe.
For more U.S road trip ideas, check out our blog: U.S. Route 66 Road Trip: Ultimate Adventure on America’s “Mother Road”
CHAPTER THREE: EUREKA TO BAKER VIA ELY
Things get real and raw during this part of the journey (2 hours drive) as you take a deep dive into the Great Basin Region of Nevada. The views along the way are breathtaking. For miles, you will find almost no sign of life or civilization. Along the way, you will come across the Robinson Summit (7,963 ft/2,2427 m) and the Ward Charcoal Oven State Park. These charcoal ovens were used for the silver smelting operations in the nearby mines.
The Stagecoach Station of Ely was built in the 1870s but thanks to a copper boom a few decades later, it flourished into a thriving frontier town in the early 20th century.
Here you can visit the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and catch a ride on a steam engine to a mine. The Ely Renaissance Village—preserved to perfection— offers a glimpse of the life of the early mining immigrants.
At the White Pine Public Museum, you can witness some old mining equipment and memorabilia from the mining era. Another attraction is the Baker Archaeological Site which features a Fremont Indian Village dating back to 1220 AD. A visit to this amazing site gives you an insightful view of the lives of native Indians of the Great Basin.
Baker and the Great Basin National Park
After a 65-mile drive from Ely, you will arrive at Baker, a small settlement that serves as an entry point into the Great Basin National Park. One of the primary attractions in the Park is the Lehman Caves—ancient limestone caves featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmite formations.
Designated as an “International Dark Sky Park” the Great Basin National Park is also famous for its star-gazing due to the region’s minimal light pollution. There are very few places on the planet better than this to observe the Milk Way!
The Great Basin National Park is a great finale to a great road trip!
Conclusion
So, do you crave an adventure on a road less trodden? Do you have the courage to confront the endless emptiness of the “Loneliest Road in America” in the Nevada desert? If so, then it’s time to test your mettle and guts.
Route 50 awaits you. Fill up your tank, double-check the engine, stock up on essentials, and prepare for an adventure unlike any other.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT U.S. ROUTE 50 IN NEVADA
How long is the Route 50 in Nevada stretch and how much time do I need for a road trip?
The stretch of Route 50 that runs through the Nevada desert is less than 300 miles long—287 miles to be precise. In one go, you can go from one end of the stretch to the other in 6-7 hours.
However, to fully enjoy the attractions and natural wonders of the region, we recommend that you plan a 2 to 3-day itinerary. We also recommend that you set aside a day for a stay in the Great Basin National Park.
Also See: US route 66 road trip adventure!
What is the best time of the year to take a road trip on Route 50 in Nevada?
Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) are the best time of the year for a road trip.
What should I worry about while taking a trip on Route 50 in Nevada?
If your vehicle is in good condition, and you fuel up properly, you won’t have many problems. There are many towns and settlements along the way where you can stock up. Towns like Fallon, Austin, Eureka, and Ely offer decent facilities like restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and other basic amenities.
The longest stretch where there are no services is around 70-80 miles. Be sure to carry extra water, snacks, a first-aid kit, a map, and a spare tire. Be sure to inform someone about your travels.
Interested in more road adventures in America? Check out our blog California Dreamin’: How to Plan a Dream Road Trip Down The Pacific Coast Highway
