The Loneliest Road in America
Fall 2024
Nevada’s Highway 50 is a road trip with something for everyone.
In July 1986, “Life” magazine used the term “The Loneliest Road in America” to describe the stretch of U.S. Route 50—more commonly known as Highway 50—from Fernley to Ely. AAA even advised against traveling the highway, claiming there was nothing to see. They noted that anyone crazy enough to make the journey should carry survival gear such as water and cold-weather clothes.
Today, this route—once traversed by American Indians, Pony Express riders, and gold miners—is prime for road trip explorations. If it’s outdoor action you’re after, get ready for hiking, biking, camping, stargazing, hot springing, off-roading, wildlife watching, and Sagebrush Saloon-hopping. You’ll encounter farm-fresh Fallon and history-packed Austin, Eureka, and Ely. Cap it all off at Great Basin National Park, where sky-scraping peaks and 5,000-year-old trees await.
Get Centered
The Oasis of Nevada, Fallon is the epicenter of Nevada’s farm-to-table scene. It’s also the access point to ancient petroglyphs at Hidden Cave and Grimes Point Archeological Site. Just east is Sand Mountain, one of Nevada’s three singing sand dunes (yes, this sand actually produces sound when wind passes over it, thus “singing”). Next, belly up to the bar at Middlegate Station—a Pony–Express–Station–turned roadhouse famous for its legendary Monster Burger Challenge. After that tasty feat, head further east for a quiet stay at Austin’s Union Street Lodging B&B or Magnolia Gallery & Inn.
What’s Your Rush?
Some folks blast from Austin to Eureka in just over an hour, but with all these on-the-way wonders, what would be the fun in that? On this next stretch, the possibilities are plenty. Pull up a stool in a classic Sagebrush Saloon with a Big Smoky Valley view at the Lucky Spur Saloon in Kingston, soak your cares away while listening for the bray of wild burros at Spencer Hot Springs, and examine millennia-old cave paintings and rock carvings at Toquima Cave and Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area. Once you arrive in Eureka, rest your head at the Stone Church Lodge or Colonnade Hotel.
Small Town, Big Adventures
The short 90-minute drive from Eureka to Ely leaves plenty of time to fill your day exploring this mountain town packed with art, history, and outdoor adventure. Stop at Garnet Hill to search for gemstones before rolling into town, where you’ll find more gems at the Garnet Mercantile, paintings at the Ely Art Bank, and a town-wide mural tour. The East Ely Railroad Depot Museum and Nevada Northern Railway have tours and excursions for rail lovers that are not to be missed. For outdoor recreation, the trails at Ward Mountain will please all fat-tire fanatics and hikers. At the end of this fun- and history-filled day, treat yourself to a hearty dinner and rest at the Hotel Nevada.
Last But Not Least
Start your final day at Great Basin National Park, a sanctuary where solitude can still be found and nature runs wild. Wander among ancient bristlecone pine trees—the oldest living trees on Earth—or hike to 13,064 feet at Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second tallest point. Navigate stalactites and stalagmites at stunning Lehman Caves, then discover why “half the park is after dark” as you scan the Lower 48’s darkest night skies. The tiny town of Baker has tasty restaurants, plus cozy places like the Stargazer Inn to lay your head as you dream about your next adventure on the Loneliest Road in America.