Ely to Big Sky: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This route begins on US-50, famously called 'The Loneliest Road in America,' stretching 287 miles through Nevada's Great Basin before climbing into the Rockies toward Big Sky, Montana. The drive covers roughly 700 miles (about 12 hours of pure driving time) but demands at least three days to appreciate its high-desert basins, volcanic moonscapes, and glacier-carved valleys.

Ely, NV sits at 6,435 feet elevation, while Big Sky, MT resides at 7,500 feet—your journey climbs nearly 1,000 vertical feet. The highest pass on the route is Snowbird Pass (elevation 7,200 ft) near the Utah-Idaho border.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

From Ely, US-50 crosses the vast Great Basin, past the Ward Charcoal Ovens (a historic charcoal production site). In Utah, detour to the Fishlake National Forest to see Pando, the 106-acre clonal aspen grove—one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Near Salt Lake City, the Bonneville Salt Flats offer an otherworldly white expanse.

• Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park: 20 minutes west of Ely; six beehive-shaped ovens from 1876
• Bonneville Salt Flats: Off I-80 west of Salt Lake City; best visited after rain for mirror effect
• Lava Hot Springs, ID: Soak in natural hot springs within a town known for its thermal waters
• Gallatin Canyon, MT: Rugged gorge along US-191 with Bridal Veil Falls

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While the route itself has no designated UNESCO sites, you can detour to Yellowstone National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) via West Yellowstone, MT, adding 100 miles round trip. Alternatively, visit the Temple of Sinawava in Zion National Park (about 4 hours south of Salt Lake City) if you have extra days.

For more on discovering such gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Local Commerce & Culture

Salt Lake City offers urban amenities, from the historic Temple Square to the bustling Granary Row food market. Idaho Falls has a walkable downtown with the Japanese Friendship Garden. In Big Sky, the Yellowstone Club (a private ski community) hosts luxury commerce, while the Town Center offers artisanal shops and galleries.

• Ely's Renaissance Village: Handcrafted Native American jewelry and antiques
• Salt Lake City's Broadway district: Indie bookstores and vintage shops
• Idaho Falls' Scheels: massive sporting goods store with a Ferris wheel
• Big Sky's Lone Peak Tram: summer scenic rides to 11,166 ft

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse on US-50 in Nevada; fill up in Ely before heading west. Expect gas prices to rise by 10-15% in remote stretches. A full tank in a mid-size SUV costs about $60 in Nevada, dropping to $35-40 in Utah and Idaho due to lower state taxes.

• Recommended fuel stops: Ely (NV), Delta (UT), Salt Lake City (UT), Idaho Falls (ID), West Yellowstone (MT)
• Diesel available at most truck stops but rare on US-50 east of Ely
• Average fuel consumption for a 700-mile trip: 30 gallons (at 23 mpg)

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

The route spans four climate zones: Nevada's high desert (summer highs 90°F, winter lows 10°F), Utah's Great Basin (similar), Idaho's Snake River Plain (windy, semi-arid), and Montana's Rocky Mountain foothills (cool, with sudden thunderstorms). The best travel window is June to September when mountain passes are snow-free.

• Spring: Wildflower blooms in Utah's Fishlake National Forest
• Summer: Perfect for hiking; but watch for afternoon monsoons in July/August
• Fall: Aspen gold in Montana's Gallatin Canyon
• Winter: US-50 and I-15 are plowed, but chain requirements possible in Montana

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-50 in Nevada is two-lane undivided highway with speed limits up to 70 mph but frequent wildlife crossings (mule deer, pronghorn). I-15 through Utah is well-maintained four-lane interstate. Montana section of US-191 is winding two-lane road with limited guardrails; drive cautiously at night due to elk and moose.

• Winter traction: Chains or snow tires required in Montana (Oct-May)
• Emergency services: Limited on US-50 (no cell service for 100-mile stretches)
• Road conditions: Call 511 for state updates

Family and Child Suitability

Several stops cater to families: The Bonneville Salt Flats is a natural playground for kids to run and take photos. Lava Hot Springs has a Olympic-sized swimming pool and hot pools. In Idaho Falls, the Museum of Idaho offers interactive exhibits. Big Sky's Mountain Village has a zipline and mini-golf.

• Great Salt Lake State Park: Mud flats and bird watching
• Idaho Falls Zoo: Small but engaging with snow leopard exhibit
• Big Sky's Big Sky Resort Summer Activities: Alpine slide, scenic chairlift

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most roadside attractions allow pets on leashes. US-50 has few rest stops, so plan for off-leash breaks in open desert. In Salt Lake City, Liberty Park has a designated dog off-leash area. Many hotels in Big Sky are pet-friendly, with the Big Sky Resort charging a $50 fee per stay. Note that Yellowstone National Park restricts pets on trails and boardwalks.

• Pet relief: At gas stations (most have grass patches)
• Kennels: Available in Salt Lake City and Bozeman for day hikes
• Water: Always carry extra water (desert and mountain dryness)

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long stretches on US-50 demand diligent breaks. Plan to stop every two hours. Designated rest areas exist near Holden (milepost 56) and Delta (milepost 72) in Utah. I-15 has frequent rest stops every 60 miles. The Idaho Falls area has a 24-hour Flying J truck stop with showers. In Montana, the Gallatin Rest Area is the last stop before Big Sky.

• Recommended rest stops: West Wendover, NV (casino town with 24-hour services), Brigham City, UT (rest area with picnic tables), Dillon, MT (quiet rest area with views)
• Caffeine and food: Stock up in Ely and Salt Lake City; food options are sparse on US-50
• Sleeping: Overnight in Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls to break the drive

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just south of US-50 in Nevada lies the ghost town of Osceola (abandoned mining camp). In Utah, the Goshute Indian Reservation near Ibapah has unmarked petroglyph sites. Near Idaho Falls, the Egin Lakes area offers hot springs accessible via a short hike. In Montana, the Lava Lake Trail (3 miles one way) leads to a pristine alpine lake without the crowds of Yellowstone.

To uncover more such spots, consult how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.