Ely to Kemmerer Road Trip: A Complete Guide

Ely, Nevada, sits at an elevation of 6,435 feet, making it one of the highest desert towns in the state. The drive to Kemmerer, Wyoming, covers 312 miles along US-93, US-50, US-6, US-89, and I-80. This route traverses the Great Basin and the Wasatch Front, a landscape that shifts from sagebrush steppe to alpine forests and high desert plains.

A fascinating historical detail: the segment of US-50 through Nevada is known as the Loneliest Road in America, a title earned from its sparse population and vast emptiness. But this stretch from Ely to the Utah border is actually the most scenic part, with the Schell Creek Range and Snake Range rising sharply from the valley floor.

Here is a quick overview of the route:

The route has limited cell coverage in Nevada and western Utah. Download offline maps and carry a spare tire. Speed limits are 65–70 mph on two-lane highways. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and pronghorn, at dawn and dusk. Winter travelers need chains or 4WD, as snow can linger on the summits through May.

Family-friendly stops include the Great Basin Visitor Center (stamp for National Park Passport), the fish hatchery in Springville, and the JCPenney Museum in Kemmerer. For children, the Fossil Butte National Monument has interactive exhibits and a junior ranger program. Restrooms are available at most fuel stations, but public rest areas are over 50 miles apart on the Nevada stretch.

Fatigue management on this drive is crucial: the long, straight sections can induce drowsiness. Plan stops every 2 hours or 100 miles. Recommended rest zones: rest area at the Utah/Nevada border (approx. mile 75 from Ely), a break in Delta (fuel, food), and a stop in Nephi for coffee and stretching. Pet-friendly framework: most hotels in Kemmerer accept pets, and there are several grassy rest stops along the route, such as the Clear Lake rest area in Utah (just off I-15).

For those interested in uncovering unique experiences beyond the highway, the article how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities offers strategies for making the most of any road trip.

How long to drive Ely, NV to Kemmerer, WY? The drive time without stops is about 5 hours and 15 minutes. However, plan for at least 7 hours to account for breaks, fuel stops, and scenic overlooks. The best time to travel is spring through fall, as winter storms can cause road closures, especially over the 7,000-foot summits.

Fuel stations are sparse on US-50/6 in Nevada and western Utah. The longest stretch without services is the 105 miles between Ely and Delta, Utah. Always fill up in Ely (prices around $4.50/gallon) and again in Delta ($3.80/gallon). Further east, prices drop below $3.50/gallon in Utah and Wyoming.

Current fuel price range along route: $3.50–$4.50/gallon. Recommended refuel stops:

• GBC Gas Station & Convenience Store, Ely (4.0 rating)
• Sinclair, Delta, UT (4.2 rating)
• Maverik, Fillmore, UT (4.3 rating)
• Loves Travel Stop, Nephi, UT (4.1 rating)

Road quality is generally good. US-50/6 in Nevada is well-maintained two-lane highway. US-89 in Utah has some twisty sections. I-80 west of Salt Lake City can be congested during rush hour.

Natural landscapes cascade from the desert ranges of eastern Nevada to the lush Wasatch Mountains. Within 30 minutes of Ely, the highway enters Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The Schell Creek Range offers pullouts with views of Ward Mountain and the distant Snake Range, where Great Basin National Park (featuring Lehman Caves) is a detour worth considering.

Is it worth driving Ely, NV to Kemmerer, WY? Absolutely, for the geological diversity. In Utah, you cross the Sevier Desert and then climb into the Fishlake National Forest. The route passes near the Pony Express Trail and historic Fort Deseret. The final leg through southwestern Wyoming reveals the Green River Basin, a fossil-rich area where you can find trilobites and fish fossils.

Things to do between Ely, NV and Kemmerer, WY include: Great Basin National Park (2 hours detour), Cathedral Gorge State Park (near Panaca), and Fossil Butte National Monument (outside Kemmerer). Local commerce in small towns like Delta and Fillmore features antique shops and pioneer museums. At the end, Kemmerer is home to the JCPenney Mother Store and a downtown historic district.