Bishop to Green River: A Desert Road Trip Guide

The 430-mile route from Bishop, California, to Green River, Utah, traces the edge of the Great Basin before plunging into the Colorado Plateau. Drivers cross the Nevada state line near the historic mining town of Tonopah, a relic of the silver rush.

This corridor follows US-6 and US-50, two of America's loneliest highways. The journey takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours of pure driving time, but savvy travelers budget a full day.

For a deeper dive into crafting the perfect road trip, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This guide covers everything from fuel economics to pet-friendly stops.

The backbone of this trip is US-6 from Bishop to Ely, then US-50/6 to Green River. Gas stations are sparse: Bishop, Tonopah, Ely, and Delta are your best bets.

• Fuel up in Bishop (relatively cheap) and again in Tonopah or Ely.
• Between Tonopah and Ely, there is one station at Currant (often pricey).
• Carry at least a gallon of water and emergency snacks.

Cell service is patchy from Bishop to Tonopah, then absent for long stretches. Download offline maps. Winter travel requires tire chains — chain controls are common over Montgomery Pass.

The Sierra Nevada gives way to the rain-shadow of the White Mountains. Bisected by the Owens River, the valley near Bishop hosts ancient bristlecone pines in the high elevations.

• Natural Bridges National Monument (near Blanding, a detour) is a UNESCO site with three massive stone spans.
• Hidden Valley near U.S. 6 offers petroglyphs and solitude.
• Local commerce: Tonopah's Mizpah Hotel, a restored 1907 gem, and Ely's Nevada Northern Railway Museum.

The Great Basin National Park (Wheeler Peak) is a slight detour. It showcases ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves. Another UNESCO site: Mesa Verde, but that's far south.

Safety: The roads are generally two-lane, with occasional passing lanes. Watch for wildlife (deer, cattle) at dusk. Speeding is common; stay alert.

• Family stops: The TownePlace Suites in Ely has a pool; Hidden Cave near Fallon is child-friendly.
• Pet-friendly: Most motels in Tonopah and Ely allow pets. Desert sun can heat pavement — booties help.

Fatigue: Stop every 2 hours. Rest areas exist near Mina, but are basic. The best rest stop is the Lehman Caves Visitor Center (cool, quiet). Use the Story County Park in Ely for a picnic.