Ely to Blanding: Epic Desert Road Trip Guide

The road from Ely, Nevada to Blanding, Utah—roughly 300 miles via US-50, US-6, US-89, and US-191—transitions from the high Great Basin desert to the Colorado Plateau. This route crosses four major mountain ranges, passes within 15 miles of Great Basin National Park, and skirts the edge of the Basin and Range Province.

A little-known fact: the stretch of US-50 between Ely and Delta is officially designated the 'Loneliest Road in America,' a title earned by its sparse population and vast emptiness. Yet this same emptiness holds some of the most pristine dark skies and ancient petroglyph sites in the country.

This guide is designed to answer your key questions: what are the best stops between Ely and Blanding? How long should you plan to drive? Is it worth the journey? We'll also show you how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Great Basin National Park (Detour)

Just 15 miles east of Ely via NV-488, Great Basin NP offers ancient bristlecone pines, the Lehman Caves, and Wheeler Peak (13,063 ft). The drive up to the trailheads is steep and winding; allow 2-3 hours for a visit. Cave tours require reservations.

Ghost Towns and Mining History

North of US-50 near the Utah border lie the remnants of Osceola and other silver mining camps. These are unmarked dirt roads best tackled with high-clearance vehicles. The town of Baker, just inside Nevada, is a gateway to Great Basin NP and has a general store.

Fremont Indian State Park (Utah)

Near the junction of I-70 and US-89, this park protects one of the largest Fremont Indian archaeological sites. It displays rock art, pit houses, and artifacts. Admission $5. Open year-round.

Natural Bridges National Monument (Near Blanding)

40 miles west of Blanding, this park safeguards three massive natural bridges. The 9-mile scenic drive (one-way) passes each bridge. It's an excellent side trip if you have extra time.

Local Commerce in Blanding

Blanding is a hub for Navajo and Ute culture. Visit the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum for exceptional Ancestral Puebloan artifacts. Local shops sell pottery, jewelry, and weavings. The town also has grocery stores, cafes, and motels.

The Loneliest Road demands self-sufficiency. Carry water, snacks, a spare tire, and a basic tool kit. Speed limits are 65-70 mph, but watch for livestock and deer, especially at dawn and dusk. Fatigue is the biggest risk; schedule breaks every 90 minutes.

• Best rest stops: Border Inn (Nevada/Utah line) has a gas station and diner.
• Scenic overlooks: Several pull-offs east of Ely offer panoramic basin views.
• Rest areas: None on US-50, but Delta has a city park with benches.

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is long but manageable for kids if you plan stops. Great Basin NP's visitor center has interactive exhibits. Fremont Indian SP offers a short, hands-on trail. In Blanding, the museum has child-friendly displays. Avoid hot midday hikes with small children.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are welcome at most pull-offs and in Blanding. Great Basin NP allows leashed pets on paved paths and in campgrounds, but not on trails. Always carry water for your pet; temperatures can exceed 100°F in summer. Many motels in Blanding are pet-friendly; call ahead.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just north of US-50 at the Utah border, the remains of the Pony Express station at Fort Schellbourne are accessible via graded dirt road. Near the town of Sevier, the ancient Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is a surprising oasis. For extra adventure, the unpaved Burr Trail south of Boulder, Utah, leads to the remote Circle Cliffs.

Climatic Conditions

Ely sits at 6,427 ft; Blanding at 6,106 ft. Summer highs are the 80s-90s°F, winter lows can drop to 0°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common July-September, causing flash floods. Spring brings wind. Always check weather for mountain passes.

Culinary Infrastructure

Ely: La Fiesta (Mexican), the Jailhouse Casino buffet. Delta: Coffee shops, fast food. Fillmore: Victorian Inn Restaurant (American food). Salina: Mi Pueblo (Mexican). Blanding: Pat's Drive-In (burgers & shakes), Blanding Bakery (pastries). For fine dining, detour to Torrey (30 min north of Salina).

Fuel up in Ely; the next reliable gas is in Delta, 120 miles east. Along US-50, stations are sparse—plan accordingly. Cell service is intermittent; download offline maps before leaving Ely. The route is mostly two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes.

• Ely: multiple gas stations, grocery stores, and hotels.
• Delta: fuel, fast food, limited lodging.
• Fillmore: fuel, restaurants, state park.
• Salina: fuel, dining, last major town before Blanding.
• Blanding: fuel, lodging, supplies.

Driving time without stops is about 5.5 hours, but plan 7-8 hours to explore. The best time to travel is spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) to avoid extreme heat. Winter can bring snow near mountain passes; check weather conditions, especially for the 7,000+ ft summits on US-50.