Ely to Elko: Nevada's Remote Highway 93 Road Trip Guide

U.S. Route 93 from Ely to Elko stretches 150 miles across Nevada's high desert, climbing from 6,435 feet to 5,066 feet. This road trip passes through the Schell Creek Range and the Ruby Mountains, offering a stark beauty that few travelers experience.

The route is part of the Great Basin Highway, a designation that hints at the region's endorheic watersheds. One peculiar fact: the highway crosses the 39th parallel north exactly at mile marker 56, a line that also runs through the Great Salt Lake.

For tips on turning this drive into an adventure, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key Data at a Glance

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-93 is generally safe, but the remote nature requires preparation. Carry a spare tire, extra water, and a first aid kit. Speed limit drops from 70 mph to 45 mph in McGill and Currie; watch for speed traps.

Wildlife crossings: Deer and antelope frequent Spring Valley, especially dawn and dusk. Use high beams when no oncoming traffic.

• Emergency call boxes: None; satellite phone recommended
• Tow service: Limited; nearest in Ely or Elko
• Weather advisories: Tune to 1610 AM in Elko County

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is 2.5 hours without stops, but with children, plan for 4-5 hours. Ward Charcoal Ovens fascinate older kids (history and scale). Ruby Lake offers easy walking trails.

Pack snacks and activities, as services are far apart. Restrooms available at McGill Park, Currie, and the Lamolle Canyon trailhead. Elko has a children's museum and a bowling alley.

• Kid-friendly stops: Ward Ovens, Ruby Lake, Lamolle Canyon
• Food: Currie General Store (sandwiches, chips), Elko diners
• Activities: Hi-Point Pizza (Elko, arcade games)

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most outdoor stops are pet-friendly. Keep dogs on leash at Ward Charcoal Ovens and Ruby Lake (due to wildlife). The Currie General Store allows well-behaved dogs on the patio.

In Elko, the Ruby View Park has a dog park. Many motels along the route are pet-friendly, but call ahead.

• Pet relief stops: McGill park, Currie gas station, Elko's Centennial Park
• Water: Carry a portable bowl; tap water is safe at rest stops
• Avoid: Summer heat - never leave pets in cars

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

The monotony of Spring Valley can cause drowsiness. Take breaks every 45 minutes. Designated rest areas exist at Majors Place (mile 42) and a pullout near Schellbourne (mile 88).

Alternative: Stop at the McGill grocery for coffee. In Currie, stretch legs by walking to the historic Currie Schoolhouse (a 5-minute walk from the store).

• Rest areas: Unstaffed, with tables and vault toilets
• Best coffee: Currie General Store (freshly brewed)
• Power naps: Park at scenic overlooks, but lock doors

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For those with extra time, the Cherry Creek Road (paved, then gravel) leads to the ghost town of Cherry Creek, 8 miles east of US-93. Founded 1872, it has a few residents and a saloon.

Another gem: the Goshute Cave near Currie, a lava tube cave requiring a 4WD and a permit from the BLM. It's a 12-mile drive on dirt roads.

• Cherry Creek: Saloon open weekends
• Goshute Cave: Permit at BLM Ely office
• Secret hot spring: On private land near Ruby Lake; ask at refuge visitor center

Culinary Infrastructure

Ely has several diners (Jailhouse Cafe, La Fiesta). McGill has a small grocery with deli counter. Currie General Store is the highlight: try the green chile cheeseburger or huckleberry pie.

Elko offers diverse options: from Basque cuisine at the Star Hotel (family-style dinners) to sushi at Izakaya. The Cowboy Joe's restaurant serves Western-themed meals.

• Local specialty: Basque chorizo and lamb
• Road trip snacks: Jerky from Ely's gas stations
• Fine dining: The Grill at Elko (steaks)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are no UNESCO sites directly on this route. However, the nearby Great Basin National Park (60 miles east of Ely) is a designated International Dark Sky Park and has archeological sites. Also, the Ward Charcoal Ovens are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse along US-93. Fill up in Ely before departure, as the next guaranteed fuel is in McGill (15 miles north) and then Currie (80 miles north). Elko offers plentiful options.

Prices in Ely average $3.80/gallon, while Elko is about $3.60. Plan to spend around $25-30 for the trip if driving a standard sedan.

• Ely: Sinclair, Chevron, Exxon
• McGill: Shell (limited hours)
• Currie: Sinclair (small station)
• Elko: Multiple chains including Chevron, Shell, Maverik

Road Quality

US-93 is a two-lane highway with wide shoulders. Pavement is generally good, but watch for cattle grids and occasional gravel patches near ranch turnoffs. The section north of McGill has some undulating curves; drive with caution at dusk when wildlife (deer, antelope) is active.

• Surface: Asphalt, maintained year-round
• Cell Service: Spotty from Ely to Majors Place; no service in Spring Valley
• Emergency Services: Elko County Sheriff, dial 911; nearest hospital in Elko

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Best traveled May through October. Summer temperatures range 85-95°F (30-35°C), with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Winter can bring snow and ice; check weather before departing.

The route's aesthetics change dramatically: from the pine-forested Schell Creek Range near Ely to the sagebrush flats of Spring Valley, then to the mountainous Ruby Range near Elko.

• Spring: Wildflowers in April-May
• Summer: Deep blue skies, heat shimmer on asphalt
• Fall: Gold aspens in the Rubies
• Winter: Stark snow cover, possible road closures

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route offers three distinct landscape zones. First, the Schell Creek Range provides a forested backdrop for the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. These beehive-shaped ovens, built in 1876, are a must-see 0.5-mile detour from US-93.

Second, Spring Valley is a 30-mile sagebrush flat. It's prime hunting territory for antelope and coyotes. Pull over at the scenic overlook at mile 68 for a panoramic view of the valley.

Finally, the Ruby Mountains rise west of Elko. The Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 20 miles south of Elko via a gravel road, hosts migratory birds and offers fishing.

• Ward Charcoal Ovens: Open year-round, $5 entry
• Ruby Lake NWR: Free, best for birding in spring
• Lamolle Canyon: A 12-mile scenic drive off US-93 at mile 95, part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Local Commerce & Culture

McGill (pop. 1,148) is a former copper mining town. Visit the McGill Historical Society Museum (free, donations) for artifacts and a 1920s jail.

Currie (pop. 12) consists of a gas station and a motel. Stop for a burger at the Currie General Store, known for its homemade pies.

Elko is the commercial hub, home to the Western Folklife Center and the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Downtown's Idaho Street has art galleries and the Elko Railroad Museum.

• McGill Museum: Open weekends May-Oct
• Currie General Store: Daily 7am-9pm
• Western Folklife Center: 501 Railroad St, Elko