Loneliest Road in America

Stretching across the vast, open landscapes of Nevada, the Loneliest Road in America—officially US Route 50—offers a quintessential American road trip experience. This legendary route cuts through the heart of the Great Basin, where the horizon seems endless and the silence is profound. For international travellers, it's a chance to experience the rugged beauty of the American West, with ghost towns, ancient petroglyphs, and wide-open skies that seem to go on forever. The journey is as much about the solitude and the landscape as it is about the handful of small towns that dot the route.

Highlights & What to See

• Great Basin National Park – Just off the route, this park features ancient bristlecone pines, the stunning Lehman Caves, and Wheeler Peak, offering hiking and stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the US.
• Eureka – A historic mining town with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Eureka Opera House and the Sentinel Museum, offering a glimpse into Nevada's silver rush past.
• Petroglyphs at Hickison Summit – A short detour leads to a site with ancient rock carvings, a fascinating window into the region's Indigenous history.
• Sand Mountain Recreation Area – A giant sand dune perfect for off-road adventures or simply marveling at the surreal landscape.
• Fallen Leaf Lake – Near the route's western end, this beautiful alpine lake offers hiking, fishing, and a quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least three to four days to drive the entire 400-mile stretch from Ely to Lake Tahoe, allowing time for stops at key attractions and side trips. Many travellers break the journey into two overnight stops—perhaps in Eureka and Austin—to fully appreciate the scenery and local history. If you're short on time, the section between Ely and Austin offers the most dramatic desert landscapes and historic sites. A self-drive itinerary works best, as public transport is virtually nonexistent.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lake Tahoe – Combine the desolation of the Loneliest Road with the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, just west of the route's end.
• Ruby Mountains – A stunning mountain range east of Elko, offering excellent hiking and wildflower viewing.
• Valley of Fire State Park – South of the route, this park features vivid red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.
• Death Valley National Park – A longer detour south for those wanting extreme desert landscapes.
• Virginia City – A historic mining town near the route's western end, famous for its Comstock Lode and saloons.

Please check official sources for current details.