Ely to Idaho Falls: Nevada's Loneliest Road to the Snake River

This 342-mile stretch of US-93 from Ely, Nevada, to Idaho Falls, Idaho, is one of America's most underrated drives. It connects the high desert of the Great Basin with the volcanic plateau of the Snake River Plain, passing through ghost towns, wildlife refuges, and the edge of the Basin and Range Province.

The route is a study in contrasts: the lonely, open ranges of eastern Nevada give way to the irrigated farmlands of the Snake River Valley. A curious fact: the section between Ely and Jackpot, NV, is part of the old Lincoln Highway, one of the first transcontinental highways.

The entire route from Ely, NV to Idaho Falls, ID follows US-93, a two-lane highway for most of the way. The road is generally well-maintained, but expect occasional construction zones. The total drive is about 6 hours without stops, but plan for 8-10 hours with breaks. The best time to go is spring or fall to avoid extreme summer heat and winter snow, though winter offers unique snow-covered landscapes. For a deeper dive into planning, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Fuel: Gas stations are sparse on the Nevada portion. Fill up in Ely (last reliable station before Pioche, 95 miles). Pioche has a single station. Jackpot, NV has multiple options. Next major fuel is in Twin Falls, ID (95 miles from Jackpot). Idaho Falls has abundant stations.
• Road quality: US-93 is paved and in good condition, but sections near the Nevada-Idaho border can be rough with potholes. Watch for wildlife (deer, antelope) especially at dawn/dusk.
• Tolls: None.
• Alternative routes: Taking I-80 from Ely to Salt Lake City then north to Idaho Falls is faster but more scenic. US-93 is more remote and authentic.

This route crosses three distinct natural regions: the Great Basin desert, the Snake River Plain, and the Wasatch Range foothills. The landscapes evolve from stark, sagebrush-covered valleys to fertile irrigated farmlands along the Snake River. Wildlife viewing opportunities include pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, and migratory birds at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Local commerce along the way is minimal. In Pioche, a historic mining town, you can find small cafes and antique shops. Jackpot is a gambling town with casinos and basic services. Twin Falls is a larger city with Walmart, Target, and decent restaurants. Idaho Falls has a vibrant downtown with local breweries and farm-to-table eateries.

• Hidden gems off the route: Just east of US-93 near Wells, NV, turn onto NV-233 to visit the ghost town of Metropolis (no services, but abandoned buildings from the 1910s). Closer to Idaho Falls, take the Heise Road exit to access the Heise Hot Springs (natural hot springs on the Snake River).
• Best local food stop: In Twin Falls, the Snake River Grill (on Blue Lakes Boulevard) offers excellent Idaho trout and burgers. In Idaho Falls, the Great Meal Experience (on Broadway) serves continental cuisine with local ingredients.
• Cultural note: The region is heavily influenced by Mormon settlement. In Idaho Falls, the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a landmark. The annual Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot (August/September) showcases local agriculture.

Safety on US-93 requires vigilance: the road is mostly undivided with high speed limits (65-70 mph). Watch for impaired drivers near Jackpot casinos. In winter, the section between Pioche and Jackpot can get icy; check weather. Cell service is spotty in Nevada; download offline maps. Emergency services are limited; between Pioche and Jackpot, the nearest hospital is in Ely or Twin Falls (approx. 2 hours away).

For families, the best stops are at Ruby Lake NWR (free, visitor center with kids' activities) and the Twin Falls playground at Centennial Park. Pet owners will find many rest areas with grass; the Twin Falls Dog Park is a good off-leash break. Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours. Good rest zones include the Schellbourne Rest Area (NV, mile 60) and the Idaho Welcome Center near Declo, ID (mile 290).

• Best child-friendly attractions: The Shoshone Falls (higher than Niagara) viewpoint in Twin Falls; the Idaho Falls Zoo (small but affordable).
• Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow leashed pets. Hotels in Twin Falls and Idaho Falls are mostly pet-friendly; check specific policies. The Jackpot Dog Park (near the casino) is a novelty.
• Weather window: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer moderate temperatures (50-70°F) and clear skies. Summer (100°F+) is possible, and winter snowstorms may close passes.