Claremont to Ely: Desert Road Trip Guide

Claremont, CA to Ely, NV spans 560 miles along I-15 and US-6, crossing the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. This route includes a stretch of the 'Loneliest Road in America'—US-50—from near Tonopah to Ely. The drive takes about 9 hours without stops, but you'll want to linger at the ghost town of Rhyolite, the warm springs near Bishop, and the vast salt flats.

The highest point is Montgomery Pass at 7,200 feet, just before entering Nevada. Gas stations become sparse after Tonopah; plan fuel stops in Barstow, Beatty, Tonopah, and Ely. This region experiences extreme temperature swings—summer days over 100°F and winter nights below 0°F. Carry water, blankets, and a full-size spare tire.

Claremont to Ely is best driven on I-15 north to Barstow, then US-395 north to Bishop, and finally US-6 east to Ely. This route avoids the congested Las Vegas bypass and offers scenic views of the Sierra Nevada. Total driving time is 8.5-9.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather.

• Road quality: Mostly good paved highways, but US-6 east of Tonopah has occasional frost heaves and potholes. I-15 is well-maintained.
• Gas stations: Critical stops at Barstow, Beatty, Tonopah, and Ely. The longest gap is 125 miles between Beatty and Tonopah—fill up before leaving Beatty.
• Cell service: I-15 has good coverage; US-395 has spotty service; US-6 has no service for long stretches. Download offline maps.
• Rest areas: Several on I-15; none on US-6 until near Ely. Plan to use gas stations for restrooms.

For families, consider stopping at the Timbisha Shoshone village near Death Valley or the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park south of Ely. Pets are welcome at rest stops but keep them leashed and hydrated—temperatures can be extreme.

Road safety on this route requires attention to wildlife (cattle, mule deer) at dawn/dusk, especially on US-6. Flash floods in summer can wash out arroyos; never drive through flowing water. Temperatures exceed 100°F in July; keep your engine cool and watch for overheating.

• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours. Good rest stops include Death Valley Junction (water available), Tonopah Station (casino with restrooms), and the Wigwam Motel in Rhyolite (historic photo op).
• Family suitability: Great for kids 8+. Highlights include the ghost town of Rhyolite (free, fascinating), the International Car Forest in Goldfield (quirky art), and the Lehman Caves tour (reserve in advance).
• Pet-friendly: Many motels in Ely and Tonopah accept pets. Keep dogs on leash at historic sites. Carry extra water and shade for pit stops.

Hidden off-route spots: The Warm Springs area near Big Pine has undeveloped natural pools. At Currant Summit on US-6, a short hike leads to a grove of bristlecone pines over 4,000 years old. These require 4WD or high-clearance vehicles for final approach.

The drive passes through three distinct landscapes: the Mojave Desert, the Owens Valley, and the Great Basin. The Mojave features Joshua trees and volcanic fields; Owens Valley offers alpine views of the Sierra Nevada; the Great Basin is high desert with sagebrush and ancient bristlecone pines.

• Natural Attractions: Red Rock Canyon (near Las Vegas), Alabama Hills (Lone Pine), Mono Lake (detour north on US-395), Lehman Caves (near Ely).
• UNESCO Sites: Death Valley National Park (UNESCO site) is a detour from Beatty. Also, the nearby Sierra Nevada is a biosphere reserve.
• Local Commerce: Bishop has eclectic shops like the Bishop Country Market (local produce); Tonopah has antique stores; Ely's downtown has rustic saloons and the Nevada Northern Railway Museum.

For gear, stop at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine for maps and permits. If you're looking for how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this route offers numerous dirt-road turnoffs to ghost towns and hot springs.