Bishop to Jackpot Road Trip: Ultimate Eastern Sierra Guide

The drive from Bishop, California to Jackpot, Nevada crosses the Owens Valley, climbs over Montgomery Pass at 7,000 feet, and then drops into the Great Basin. One quirky detail: the US 6 corridor from Benton to Ely is one of the least-traveled sections of the US highway system, with stretches of nearly 100 miles without a gas station. This road trip covers roughly 350 miles and takes about 5.5 hours of pure driving, but plan for 8 to 10 hours with stops.

For context on how to uncover hidden gems along this route, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The backbone of this trip is US 6, a two-lane highway that winds through high desert and over mountain passes. Fuel stops are critical. From Bishop, fill up in Bishop (multiple stations) then plan to refuel in Tonopah (130 miles). After Tonopah, the next reliable gas is in Ely (170 miles). There is a gas station in Currant, but it's seasonal and often closed. In winter, carry extra fuel and emergency supplies. Road quality is generally good on US 6, but watch for gravel sections near construction zones. Cell service is patchy; download offline maps.

• Bishop, CA: Last reliable gas before the long stretch. Multiple stations, 24/7 options.
• Tonopah, NV: Full services, gas, food, lodging. Elevation 6,000 ft.
• Ely, NV: Major town with all services. Elevation 6,428 ft.
• Jackpot, NV: Small casino town on the border. Gas, but limited hours.

Safety is paramount on this rural route. The highway is prone to wildlife crossings (deer, antelope, cattle) especially at dawn and dusk. Speed limits are high (65-70 mph) but road conditions can be variable. Plan rest stops every 2 hours to combat fatigue. The best family stop is the Lyon's Rest Area near Currant, which has clean restrooms and picnic tables. For children, the Ward Charcoal Ovens Historic State Park near Ely offers a short, easy walk to see 19th-century charcoal kilns. Pet-friendly stops include the Bishop Dog Park at the start and the Ely BLM land for off-leash hikes. In Tonopah, the Silver Queen RV Park has pet areas.

• Wildlife warnings: Reduce speed at night, watch for grazing cattle in open range.
• Fatigue breaks: Turnout at Montgomery Pass (7,000 ft) – panoramic views, short walk.
• Family activities: Great Basin National Park (juniper-pinyon forest, easy trails).
• Pet stops: Bishop's Pet-a-palooza Park and Ely's Ken's Challenge trail.

The landscape shifts dramatically. From Bishop, the Sierra Nevada towers to the west. As you head north on US 6, you enter the White Mountains, home to the ancient bristlecone pines. Beyond Montgomery Pass, the terrain opens into sagebrush plains dotted with volcanic buttes. Near Tonopah, the mountains are rich in mining history; you can visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. From Ely, consider a detour to Great Basin National Park (70 miles south), which features Wheeler Peak and Lehman Caves. Local commerce is sparse: small general stores in the hamlets of Basalt and Currant sell snacks and antiques.

• Bristlecone Pine Scenic Byway (off US 6 near Bishop): ancient trees, high altitude.
• Tonopah: Historic mining town with museums and the Mizpah Hotel (reportedly haunted).
• Little A'Le'Inn restaurant in Rachel (off US 93 near Area 51) – quirky alien-themed diner.
• Jackpot: Border casino action, but minimal local culture.