Want to go on a solo drive through the loneliest road in America? This is a story about how a road turned bleakness into opportunity. You can expect some of the most remote locations throughout the drive and make a pit stop at some small cities too. So keep your eyes open! This one is not for the faint-hearted!
Dalton Highway in Alaska, State Route 139 in California, Highway 104 in New Mexico, and a few others can be considered the loneliest roads in America. But the one you are going to read about has a history of being at the receiving end of criticism.
Throughout this blog, you will read more about a road in America that was subject to criticism. But then it turned out to be a great choice for an exciting road trip. You can also read more about the best places to stop, where the gas stations are, and also the survival tips needed to conquer the lonely driving experience.
The story behind the loneliest road in America
It was July 1986. A new issue of LIFE Magazine with the cover titled “America the Wondrous” was out. Inside its pages was an article titled “The Loneliest Road.” Years later, the Nevada Commission on Tourism still uses it as the promotional motto of the Nevada State Highway 50. Even though the article was supposed to shed a negative light on the route, the state used it to make things right.
Why is Highway 50 known as the loneliest road in America?
According to LIFE Magazine, the Nevada portion of US Route 50 or US 50 is the loneliest road in the United States. The reason for such a name is that the route lacks any tourist attractions and has many miles of desert-like locations.
Ghost towns, sand mountains, dry valleys, and mountain ranges are pretty much the only views you’ll have on this route. Most of the towns are miles apart, so you will need to be extra cautious.
How long is the loneliest road in America?
The US Route 50 passes through 13 states of the US and stretches 3,073 miles. But the Nevada section is 400.82 miles long and passes through the center of the state.
Where should you stop at Nevada Highway 50?
Some of the famous stops and communities in this unique route include Lake Tahoe, located to the south of Carson City, the capital of Nevada state. The seven major towns on the route can be found below.
Austin: Located at the intersection of State Route 305 and Route 50, Austin is the second-largest city in Nevada state. It is famous for outdoor activities like mountain biking and hunting.
Dayton: You will find Nevada’s oldest hotel here. It is located in Lyon County and is the first gold discovery site in Nevada. Be sure to visit the Dayton RV Park for lodging.
Eureka: The highlight of Eureka, Nevada, is the beautiful architecture, including buildings made of brick and wood. You can also visit historic destinations like the Eureka Opera House, which is a popular convention center in this area.
Ely: It is yet another place blessed with natural beauty on the loneliest road in America. You can get ample lodging and food at this stop. In addition, it is the home of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, among other recreational activities.
Fallon: Located in Lahontan Valley, Fallon is part of Churchill County and is one of the most populated among all these stops on the loneliest road in America. Known as the Oasis of Nevada, you can find many recreational areas, including parks, theaters, and pools here.
Fernley: The city of Fernley is located close to Interstate 80 and is part of Lyon County. Additionally, you can find multiple companies set up facilities here, along with an Amazon center.
Baker: This is lost five miles off the Great Basin National Park. A quiet and beautiful place with friendly people, and the Stargazer Inn can help you with lodging.
What are the major attractions on the Nevada US 50?
The Great Bristlecone pine groves in Great Basin National Park in Nevada are one of the ancient tree species on the planet. You can spot these away from the tree line in the valleys beneath the Snake Range Mountain Range.
Also, talking about the Snake Mountain range, you cannot miss Wheeler Peak, which is the tallest point in the range. It is 13,065 feet high and is the second-tallest peak after the Boundary Peak in Esmeralda County in Nevada.
Among one of the major tourist attractions on the loneliest road in America is the Great Basin National Heritage Area. In addition, this preservation region has many locations that have archaeological, natural, and cultural importance apart from the scenic beauty.
Are there any gas stations on the loneliest road in America?
Most vehicles you see on the road will be trucks. Apart from the multi-wheeled giants, you can expect to see little to no cars or motorcycles.
Before starting your drive, make sure you have enough water and fuel to reach the first stop. Most of the cities and small towns mentioned above have gas stations. Also, take rests between drives as the Nevada sun is not kind to anyone.
Wrapping Up
It’ll take around three days for you to conquer the loneliest road in America. But that’s fine if you want to take it a bit slow to cover the 375 to 500-mile road.
At the end of the trip, you’d have covered historic locations, including mining towns, ghost towns suitable for a Hollywood horror flick, and breathtaking mountain ranges and valleys. However, the Highway 50 survival guide would be the best place to start if you want more information about the drive.
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