# US-50: the Loneliest Road in America

> 3-day road trip of about 587 km (365 mi) with 5 stops, from Reno to Great Basin National Park. About 6 h 31 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/loneliest-road/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 587 km (365 mi) with 5 stops, from Reno to Great Basin National Park. About 6 h 31 min of driving in total. Across Nevada’s basins and ranges, through old mining towns to Great Basin National Park.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 587 km (365 mi) |
| Driving | 6 h 31 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 5 |
| Route | Reno → Great Basin National Park |
| States | NV |
| Updated | May 12, 2026 |

## Route description

From Reno, head east to Fallon, a farming town with a naval air station, where US-50 begins its long stretch across the Great Basin. East of town, Sand Mountain is a huge dune popular with off-road vehicles. The road then crosses a series of basins and mountain ranges, with the next town far ahead.

Austin is an old silver-mining town built on a steep hillside, with old churches and the ruins of Stokes Castle nearby. Farther east, Eureka has a restored opera house and a main street of 19th-century buildings. Ely, a former copper-mining town, is home to the Nevada Northern Railway museum, which runs historic trains.

From Ely, US-50 continues to Great Basin National Park near Baker. Tours of Lehman Caves should be booked in advance, and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive climbs to groves of ancient bristlecone pines; vehicles over 24 feet are not allowed on the upper part of the road. The park’s dark skies are among the best in the country for stargazing.

Distances between towns are long, so fill up whenever you can and carry water. The upper Wheeler Peak road is closed in winter, and snow can fall on the passes from fall to spring. Summer and early fall are the best times, with cool nights at higher elevations.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Reno** (NV)
2. **Fallon** (NV)
3. **Austin** (NV)
4. **Ely** (NV)
5. **Great Basin National Park** (Baker, NV): Ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves and some of the darkest night skies in the country.

## FAQs

**How long is US-50: the Loneliest Road in America?**
3-day road trip of about 587 km (365 mi) with 5 stops, from Reno to Great Basin National Park. About 6 h 31 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for US-50: the Loneliest Road in America?**
We suggest 3 days: about 6 h 31 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does US-50: the Loneliest Road in America start and end?**
It starts in Reno and ends in Great Basin National Park.

**Which states does US-50: the Loneliest Road in America pass through?**
Nevada.