Ely to Helena Road Trip: Vast Deserts, Mountain Passes, and Hidden Gems

The 700-mile drive from Ely, Nevada to Helena, Montana follows US-93 and I-15 north, climbing from the Great Basin at 6,435 feet to the Rocky Mountain foothills. This route crosses three states and passes through the historic Lincoln Highway corridor near Ely, where the Nevada Northern Railway once hauled copper ore. The drive takes roughly 11.5 hours without stops, but the diverse landscapes demand exploration. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to truly experience this journey.

The route begins in the high desert of eastern Nevada, where sagebrush and juniper stretch to the horizon. North of Jackpot, the landscape transitions to the Snake River Plain, dominated by agricultural fields and volcanic formations. Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho offers a surreal lava field landscape. Further north, the Beaverhead Mountains in Montana signal the Rocky Mountains. Local commerce includes Basque culture in rural Nevada, potato farming in Idaho, and ranching in Montana. Visit the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves near Shoshone, ID, or the Lewis & Clark Caverns near Three Forks, MT.

• Natural attractions: Great Basin National Park (detour east of Ely), Craters of the Moon NM, Shoshone Falls (Twin Falls), Clark Canyon Reservoir (MT).
• Cultural stops: Nevada Northern Railway Museum (Ely), Basque restaurants in Elko, ID (detour), Idaho Potato Museum (Blackfoot), Butte's Mining History.
• Shopping: Local art galleries in Helena's Last Chance Gulch.

Safety is paramount on this route due to long stretches without services. Carry extra water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Wildlife (deer, antelope, elk) can appear suddenly, especially at dawn and dusk. Speed limits are 70 mph on US-93 and 80 mph on I-15. For families, plan stops every 2-3 hours. Kid-friendly attractions include the Living Planet Aquarium (near Salt Lake City, detour), and the Yellowstone Bear World (near Rexburg, ID). For pets, most rest areas allow dogs, but leash laws apply. National Forest lands offer off-leash opportunities.

• Fatigue management: Pull over at rest areas every 2 hours. Use apps like ROADSIDE to find clean restrooms.
• Pet-friendly: Motels like Super 8 and Best Western in Twin Falls and Idaho Falls allow pets; call ahead.
• Hidden off-route spots: Jarbidge Wilderness (NV), City of Rocks National Reserve (ID), Elkhorn Hot Springs (MT, near Dillon).

US-93 from Ely to Twin Falls is a two-lane highway through remote desert, with limited services. After Twin Falls, I-15 north provides four-lane divided highway to Idaho Falls and beyond into Montana. The road quality is generally good, but winter conditions can be severe from November to March. Gas stations are sparse between Ely and Jackpot, NV (73 miles), and then between Jackpot and Twin Falls (90 miles). Always fill up when possible. Cell coverage is patchy in Nevada and southern Idaho; download offline maps.

• Fuel stops: Ely, NV (last cheap gas); Jackpot, NV; Twin Falls, ID; Idaho Falls, ID; Dillon, MT; Butte, MT.
• Rest areas: Stateline Rest Area (NV/ID border), Craters of the Moon Rest Area (ID), Clark Canyon Rest Area (MT).
• Road conditions: Check NVroads.com, 511.idaho.gov, and mdt511.com before departure.