Ely to Groveland: A Nevada to California Road Trip Guide

The drive from Ely, Nevada to Groveland, California traverses the vast Great Basin and the rugged Sierra Nevada. Spanning roughly 300 miles via US-6 and US-395, this route crosses the Nevada-California border near the ghost town of Benton. The highway reaches an elevation of over 8,000 feet at Conway Summit, making it one of the highest year-round roads in California.

• Total distance: approximately 300 miles (480 km)
• Driving time: about 6 hours without stops
• Major highways: US-6, US-395, CA-120

The route passes through the Owens Valley, a rain shadow desert, and climbs into the Sierra Nevada near Tioga Pass. Groveland, a historic Gold Rush town, lies near Yosemite's western boundary. This guide covers the essential stops, hidden gems, and practical tips for the journey.

The landscapes shift dramatically: from the sagebrush steppe of the Great Basin near Ely to the volcanic tablelands of the Owens Valley. Notable natural attractions include the Lunar Crater volcanic field and Mono Lake, a terminal lake with tufa formations.

• Great Basin National Park (Ely area): 13,063-ft Wheeler Peak, bristlecone pines
• Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve: alkaline lake, migratory birds
• Yosemite National Park (via Tioga Pass): high alpine meadows, granite domes

This region is not designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but Yosemite (a UNESCO site) is a short detour. Local commerce is centered on mining history and tourism. In Tonopah, the Mizpah Hotel (1910) tells of silver booms. Lee Vining offers cafes and the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.

• Ely: Nevada Northern Railway Museum, historic downtown
• Tonopah: Central Nevada Museum, Tonopah Historic Mining Park
• Lee Vining: Mono Lake Committee Bookstore, Tioga Gas Mart (famous for Whoa Nellie Deli)
• Groveland: historic main street- Iron Door Saloon (oldest bar in Tuolumne County)

Fuel availability is a primary concern on this remote route. Gas stations are sparse between Tonopah and Lee Vining, especially along US-6. Plan to fill up in Ely, Tonopah, and Lee Vining. In winter, closures of Tioga Pass (CA-120) force a detour via CA-108 or CA-88, adding hours.

• Recommended fuel stops: Ely (NV), Tonopah (NV), Lee Vining (CA), Groveland (CA)
• Minimum distance between stops: 120 miles (Tonopah to Lee Vining)
• Road conditions: Check Caltrans for CA-120, NDOT for NV highways

For those asking how long to drive Ely, NV to Groveland, CA, the answer is around 6 hours of pure driving. However, to truly experience the region, is it worth driving Ely, NV to Groveland, CA—yes, especially in late spring and fall when the mountains are accessible. Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to plan breaks.

The route includes high passes and remote stretches. Safety requires checking weather, carrying chains in winter, and ensuring adequate fuel. Highway US-6 has long straight sections that can cause drowsiness; plan rest stops every two hours.

• Winter: Tioga Pass (CA-120) may be closed Nov-May; use CA-108 or CA-88
• Summer: afternoon thunderstorms common; watch for lightning
• Wildlife: mule deer pronghorn; drive carefully at dawn/dusk

Family/child suitability: Educational stops like the Tonopah Mining Park and Mono Lake Visitor Center can engage kids. Pet-friendly: Many motels and tent camping (e.g., Lee Vining Creek Campgrounds) allow dogs.

• Rest zones: pullouts near Montgomery Pass (US-6) and Conway Summit (US-395)
• Hidden off-route: ghost town of Bodie (from Lee Vining: 13 mi on dirt road, 4WD recommended)
• Fatigue: frequent coffee stops at Tonopah's Starbucks or Lee Vining's Whoa Nellie Deli