Ely to Kellogg Road Trip: Nevada Desert to Idaho Mountains

This route begins at the junction of US-93 and US-6 in Ely, Nevada, at an elevation of 6,435 feet, and ends in the Silver Valley of northern Idaho, renowned for lead and silver mining. The total drive spans 500 miles, with a driving time of approximately 8 hours without stops. The journey crosses three distinct geological provinces: the Basin and Range, the Snake River Plain, and the northern Rocky Mountains. The most unique feature is the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, 12 miles south of Ely—beehive-shaped kilns built in 1876 that produced charcoal for smelting, a relic of Nevada's mining era that most travelers miss.

The drive offers stark contrasts: from the arid sagebrush steppe of eastern Nevada to the lush conifer forests of the Idaho Panhandle. The highest point is the crossing of the Bitterroot Range via Lookout Pass (4,700 ft) on I-90, while the lowest is the Snake River Plain near Twin Falls (3,700 ft). The route also passes within 30 miles of the Utah border near the Great Salt Lake Desert, providing remote desert vistas.

For those wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this guide breaks down every segment.

Road quality is excellent: US-93 is a well-maintained rural highway; I-84 and I-90 are modern interstates. Winter driving (Nov-Mar) can be hazardous near Lookout Pass, where snow accumulates quickly. Summer sees temperatures exceeding 100°F in the desert—carry extra water. Cell reception is spotty between Ely and Wells; download offline maps.

For families: the Herrett Center for Arts and Science at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls offers a planetarium and museum. The Magic Valley Speedway in Jerome (15 min north) provides Saturday night stock car racing. Pet-friendly rest stops are abundant: Bruneau Dunes State Park (30 min south of Mountain Home) has a dog-friendly hiking trail. Fatigue management is critical; take a break every 2 hours. The Shoshone Falls viewing area (just east of Twin Falls) is a scenic, easy pull-off with bathrooms.

Hidden off-route spots: The City of Rocks National Reserve (off US-93 near Almo, ID) offers granite spires popular with climbers. The Cassia County Historical Society Museum in Burley has artifacts from the Oregon Trail. For a unique fuel stop, try the Chevron in Jackpot, NV—casino-fuel station combo with cheap gas and slot machines.

The primary arteries are US-93 from Ely north to Jackpot, then I-84 west through Twin Falls, and finally I-86/I-15 north to I-90 east to Kellogg. Total distance: 500 miles. Estimated continuous drive time: 8 hours. Fuel economy on this route: a typical sedan averages 28 mpg on open highways, requiring about 18 gallons. Gas stations are sparse, especially between Ely and Wells (120 miles).

Best stops Ely, NV to Kellogg, ID include the Shoshone Ice Caves (50 mi west of Twin Falls) and the Bonneville Salt Flats (detour 30 mi). Is it worth driving Ely, NV to Kellogg, ID? Absolutely—the diversity of landscapes and low traffic make it a serene road trip.

The Great Basin National Park (detour 60 mi) protects Lehman Caves and 13,063-ft Wheeler Peak. The Snake River Plain features the dramatic Snake River Canyon, partly navigable via the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers alpine lakes and rugged peaks—a detour on ID-75 worth two extra hours.

Local commerce thrives in mining towns: Ely's Kennecott copper mine, Wells' cattle ranches, and Kellogg's Silver Mountain ski resort. The route crosses the Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Reservation near Pocatello; visitors can stop at the Sho-Ban Trading Post for authentic beadwork and fry bread. The small town of Arco, Idaho (off I-86) boasts the Experimental Breeder Reactor I—a National Historic Landmark where nuclear power first generated electricity.