Ely to Jackpot: Nevada's High Desert Road Trip Guide

On US-93 between Ely and Jackpot, you traverse a 167-mile corridor resolutely etched into the Basin and Range province. This exact stretch is part of the fabled 'Loneliest Road in America'—a designation earned through millennia of volcanic upheaval and modern isolation. The highway crests at Schell Creek Summit (elevation 7,764 feet) before descending into the Snake Valley, a landscape where antelope outnumber humans.

How long to drive Ely, NV to Jackpot, NV? Budget 2.5 hours of pure driving, but factor 3–4 hours to absorb the stops. Is it worth driving Ely, NV to Jackpot, NV? Absolutely—for those craving unfiltered desert solitude and a crash course in Great Basin geology.

This guide dissects the route using granular, thematic blocks. For a broader strategy on unearthing hidden gems along any corridor, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse. Fill up in Ely (prices ~5% above national average) and again in Jackpot (often 10% higher due to tax structures). The 150-mile gap between Lages Junction and Jackpot has no fuel—a critical fact for those wondering 'things to do between Ely, NV and Jackpot, NV' that includes budgeting gas.

• Ely: Chevron (1100 E Aultman St) and Maverik (1780 Great Basin Blvd)
• McGill: Chevron (51 E Mesquite Ave) — single pump, no diesel
• Jackpot: Cobre Gas (975 US-93) and Horseshu Truck Stop (1385 US-93)

Carry 5+ gallons extra if towing or driving a large RV. The elevation gain from Ely (6,437 ft) to Schell Creek Summit (7,764 ft) reduces fuel efficiency by 15–20%.

Road Quality and Safety

US-93 is two-lane undivided with a 65–70 mph speed limit. The pavement is generally excellent—Nevada Department of Transportation resurfaces this corridor every 5–7 years due to low traffic volume. Watch for cattle grids and occasional gravel blowouts near mile marker 48.

• Cell service: Patchy. AT&T covers 60% of the route; Verizon 70%. Download offline maps.
• Emergency call boxes: None. Carry a satellite messenger if traveling solo.
• Wildlife: Mule deer and pronghorn at dawn/dusk. Night driving is discouraged.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route is a geological textbook. Schell Creek Range rises abruptly from the valley floor, its fault-block structure visible in the tilted strata. At mile marker 62 (just north of McGill), pull into the Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area for a short walk amid sagebrush and blackbrush.

• Schell Creek Summit: Overlook with interpretive panel about Basin and Range formation.
• Pony Express Trail (historically remote station at Robert's Creek — no structures remain, but a marker exists)
• Humboldt National Forest: Accessible via dirt roads near mile 85; requires high-clearance vehicle.

For a curated digital guide to these natural features, refer to the approach described in how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

None lie directly on the route. The nearest is Yosemite National Park (390 miles west) or Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (600 miles north). However, the Great Basin National Park (100 miles south of Ely via US-6/US-50) is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a worthy detour. Best stops Ely, NV to Jackpot, NV often skip this, but for World Heritage buffs, plan an extra day.

Local Commerce & Culture

Ely's economy pivots on tourism (historic railway) and mining (copper). McGill is a former company town with a single grocery store (Macey's, 10 Mesquite Ave). Lages Junction is a ghost—just a crossroads with a defunct gas station. Jackpot's economy is casino-driven: Cactus Pete's and Horseshu offer 24-hour gaming, cheap steak dinners, and occasional live music.

• Ely: Renaissance Village (art gallery and coffee shop, 1395 E Aultman St)
• McGill: The McGill Drug Store (soda fountain and gifts, 101 Mesquite Ave)
• Jackpot: The Gift Box (local crafts, 1385 US-93 — inside Horseshu Casino)

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The road is well-maintained but narrow. Shoulders are minimal (2–3 feet) for long stretches. The highest risk is drifting off while distracted by scenery. Use the designated pullouts every 15–20 minutes to check navigation.

• Rest areas: None between Ely and Jackpot. The only facilities are at McGill (gas station restroom) and Jackpot (casino restrooms).
• Weather advisory: Sudden crosswinds near the Schell Creek Pass can push vehicles; reduce speed to 45 mph if wind exceeds 30 mph.

Family and Child Suitability

This is a low-stimulus route. Children may find it tedious. Recommended stops: Steptoe Valley WMA (short, flat trail—good for stretching legs), and the McGill Historical Mining Park (small outdoor display, kid-friendly). No playgrounds or interactive museums exist along the route.

• Best for ages 8–12: Counting antelope (peak sightings in April–May)
• Teens: Geocaching—download caches for coordinates along US-93
• Under 5: Bring tablets and snacks; rest stops are infrequent

Culinary infrastructure: limited. Only Jackpot has sit-down restaurants. Ely has diners (Nevada Hotel Coffee Shop, 501 Aultman St) and fast food (Subway, McDonald's).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most stops are pet-friendly. Ely's city park (Bristlecone Park, 900 E Aultman St) has a designated off-leash area. On the road, carry 1 gallon of water per pet—no public water stations exist. Casino hotels in Jackpot allow pets but charge a fee (Cactus Pete's: $25/night).

• Veterinary clinics: Only in Ely (White Pine Veterinary, 1400 Avenue H). No emergency vet between Ely and Twin Falls, ID (100 miles north of Jackpot).
• Pet relief: Use the gravel shoulders at scenic pullouts; pack waste bags.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Monotonous highway syndrome is real. Implement a '20-20-20 rule': every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. The two best rest zones are the Schell Creek Summit overlook (mile 53) and the UT-30 junction (mile 112) where you can park and walk on dirt roads.

• Recommended break schedule: Ely (0 min) -> McGill (15 min) -> Summit (45 min) -> Junction (1.5 hr) -> Jackpot (2.5 hr)
• Power nap spots: Hazard-free, well-lit only at Jackpot casino parking lots. For backcountry naps, use the dirt road at mile 85 (Humboldt NF access) but lock doors.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For a detour less than 10 miles each way:

• Baker Archaeological Site (8 miles east of Lages Junction via unnamed dirt road): Petroglyphs from 3000 BCE. Requires 4WD after rain.