Auburn to Orderville: An Epic Road Trip Guide Through the American West

This route follows Interstate 80 east from Auburn, California, then US-50 through Nevada, and US-89 into Utah. The drive covers approximately 650 miles and takes about 10 hours without stops. Historically, this corridor traces parts of the California Trail and the Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental road.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route transitions from Sierra Nevada forests to the Great Basin desert, then to the red rock canyons of Utah. Key natural sights include Lake Tahoe, Great Basin National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park.

• Lake Tahoe: Crystal clear water, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints
• Great Basin National Park: Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak (13,063 ft), ancient bristlecone pines
• Bryce Canyon: Hoodoos, sunrise and sunset viewpoints, Navajo Loop Trail

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While there are no direct UNESCO sites on the route, two are within a short detour: Yosemite National Park (west of Auburn) and the newly designated area around the Colorado Plateau (near Orderville). Yosemite is about 2.5 hours from Auburn; from Orderville, you can reach Zion National Park (a core zone of the proposed plateau site) in 45 minutes.

Local Commerce & Culture

Historic mining towns like Virginia City, NV, offer museums and ghost tours. In Utah, Orderville is a small Mormon settlement known for its pioneer heritage. Local crafts include handmade quilts and pottery.

• Virginia City: Silver mining history, saloons, and the Comstock Lode
• Ely, NV: Nevada Northern Railway Museum, art galleries
• Orderville, UT: Pioneer Heritage Museum, local artisan shops

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Roads are generally well-maintained, but winter conditions can be hazardous in the mountains. Carry chains for I-80 over Donner Pass. In Nevada, cell service is unreliable; have a physical map. Wildlife like deer and cattle can cross roads, especially at dusk.

• Recommended winter tires from November to April
• Emergency kit: water, blankets, first aid, flashlight
• Check weather at nvroads.com and udottraffic.utah.gov

Family and Child Suitability

This route is family-friendly with many stops. Kids will enjoy the discovery museums in Reno and the train museum in Ely. Bryce Canyon offers easy trails suitable for children.

• Reno: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
• Ely: Nevada Northern Railway Museum (ride a historic steam train)
• Orderville: Kanab's family-friendly attractions like Moqui Cave

Pet-Friendly Framework

Many motels along US-50 and in Utah welcome pets. National parks like Great Basin and Bryce have pet restrictions (pets only on paved trails). Keep your leash and waste bags handy.

• Pet-friendly lodging: Best Western in Elko, Super 8 in Delta, Utah
• Pet relief areas are scarce in desert stretches; plan stops at rest areas or towns

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

The long, straight stretches of US-50 can cause drowsiness. Take breaks every 2 hours. Use rest areas like the one at Austin Summit (NV) and scenic viewpoints in Utah.

• Rest stops: Donner Lake Rest Area (I-80), Austin Summit rest area (US-50), Cove Fort rest area (I-15)
• Consider overnight stays in Ely, NV or Delta, UT to break the drive

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detour to the Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park (book ahead). Explore the ghost town of Hamilton, east of Ely. In Utah, take the Cottonwood Canyon Road (unpaved) to see remote hoodoos and petrified sand dunes.

• Lehman Caves: Guided tours available (not recommended for claustrophobia)
• Hamilton, NV: Abandoned mining town with few remains
• Cottonwood Canyon: 23-mile dirt road; requires high-clearance vehicle when wet

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options are limited in rural Nevada. Stock up snacks in Reno or Ely. In Utah, try the famous Navajo tacos at Twin Rocks Trading Post near Bluff. For a taste of Basque culture, visit the Star Hotel in Elko, NV.

• Reno: Campo (Italian), Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs (breakfast)
• Ely: The Cellar Door (American), La Fiesta (Mexican)
• Orderville: The Mile Marker 6 (comfort food), The Snakey's Grill (lunch)

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in Nevada and Utah; spring and fall are mild. Winter brings snow to the mountains. The aesthetic changes from pine forests in California, to sagebrush desert, to red rock canyons. The best time is May-June or September-October for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

• Summer: heat warning; carry extra water
• Winter: check chain requirements; snow possible in Bryce Canyon
• Spring: wildflowers in the desert; may have rain showers

Fuel stops are sparse in Nevada, especially on US-50 known as the 'Loneliest Road in America.' Plan to fill up in Auburn, CA, Reno, NV, and Ely, NV. Gas prices are higher in remote areas.

• Recommended fuel stops: Fallon, NV; Eureka, NV; Delta, UT
• Road quality: I-80 (excellent); US-50 (good, with some construction); US-89 (good to fair)
• Altitude: Auburn (1,300 ft), passes near Lake Tahoe (6,200 ft), then drops to desert elevations around 4,000-5,000 ft

For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.