Ely to Hatch: Utah's Loneliest Road Odyssey

Did you know that the section of US-50 from Ely to the Utah line is the longest stretch of highway in the US without a single gas station? At 120 miles, it demands precise planning. This route from Ely, NV to Hatch, UT traverses the Great Basin Desert, climbs into the high plateaus of southern Utah, and ends at the doorstep of Bryce Canyon. The drive covers approximately 250 miles and takes about 4.5 hours without stops, but you should budget at least two days to explore.

Fuel desert from Ely to Baker: Fill up at Maverik in Ely (at the junction of US-50 and US-93). After that, no gas until the Border Inn (mile 56) or Baker (mile 60). The road is two-lane, mostly straight in NV, curvy in UT. Speed limit drops from 70 mph to 55 near towns.

Accommodation: Budget for either Baker (tiny) or Delta (full service). Hatch has motels and cabins. For an authentic stay, try the historic Stargazer Inn in Baker.

• Ely: Economy Inn, Best Western
• Baker: Stargazer Inn, motels
• Delta: Days Inn, Super 8
• Hatch: Bryce View Lodge, Cabins

Ely sits at 6,500 ft surrounded by the Schell Creek Range. East of town, the emptiness of the Great Basin unfolds, punctuated by the ancient bristlecone pines of Great Basin National Park. On the Utah side, the landscape changes to red rock canyons and alpine forests of the Fishlake and Dixie National Forests.

Best stops Ely, NV to Hatch, UT include the Ward Charcoal Ovens (15 miles north of Ely) and Baker Archaeology Site. In Utah, visit Cove Fort (historic Mormon fort) and the Fremont Indian State Park. For a hidden gem, take the detour to Cathedral Valley in Capitol Reef (4WD required). Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Local commerce: In Baker, buy pine nut products at the Great Basin visitor center. In Hatch, try locally roasted coffee at The Coffee Shop Hatch. The region is known for pinyon nuts and artisan crafts.

• Pinyon nuts from Baker
• Handmade pottery in Delta
• Utah sapphire jewelry in Hatch

Road condition is good on US-50, but watch for wildlife (deer, pronghorn) at dawn/dusk. US-89 in Utah has narrow sections and drop-offs. Use pull-outs for rest. Cell service is intermittent; download offline maps.

Family: The route is suitable for children, with plenty of national parks for short hikes. The Lehman Caves (Great Basin) are a hit. Pet-friendly: Most motels allow dogs; keep them on leash due to wildlife.

• Stop at the Border Inn for a photo op (NV/UT line)
• Sevier River Trail in Hatch is easy for kids
• Rest areas: Baker, Delta, and Fillmore (near I-15)

Fatigue management: The long straight stretches can cause highway hypnosis. Plan stops every 90 minutes. The Border Inn and the town of Hinckley are good break points.

Is it worth driving Ely, NV to Hatch, UT? Absolutely for those who love solitude and unspoiled nature. How long to drive Ely, NV to Hatch, UT? Without stops, 4.5 hours; with exploration, plan two days. Things to do between Ely, NV and Hatch, UT include Great Basin National Park, Cathedral Valley, and Bryce Canyon (30 min beyond Hatch).

Infrastructure safety: Emergency services are sparse. Bring extra water, food, and blankets. The nearest hospital is in Delta (95 mi from Ely) or Panguitch (20 mi from Hatch).