Ely to Midway Road Trip: Desert to Mountain Guide

The route from Ely, NV to Midway, UT spans roughly 250 miles, crossing the vast Great Basin Desert before ascending into the Wasatch Mountains. This drive, primarily on US-93, US-50, and I-15, takes about 4.5 to 5 hours of pure driving time, but the real value lies in the stops along the way. The first recorded crossing of this corridor by a non-indigenous traveler was in 1776 by the Domínguez–Escalante expedition, who sought a route from Santa Fe to California. Today, you can follow a similar path through high desert plains, ghost towns, and alpine reservoirs.

Highway US-50 is famously called the “Loneliest Road in America,” but the stretch between Ely and Delta is anything but empty when you know where to look. The route transitions from sagebrush steppe to the pinyon-juniper woodlands of the Great Basin National Park area, then climbs into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This guide covers everything from fuel strategy to pet-friendly stops, ensuring you experience the best stops Ely, NV to Midway, UT.

Fuel stations are sparse between Ely and Delta, with nearly a 100-mile stretch without services. The best practice is to fill up in Ely (multiple stations near US-93) and again in Delta before heading into the mountains. The section from Delta to I-15 is well-served, with small towns like Lynndyl and Fillmore offering basic gas. Once on I-15, exits every 10-15 miles provide fuel, food, and lodging.

• Ely, NV: Shell, Chevron, Maverik (open 24/7 near US-93)
• Delta, UT: Holiday Oil, Sinclair (open until 10 PM)
• Provo, UT: Multiple chains (I-15 exit 265)

Road quality is excellent on US-93 and US-50, though watch for cattle grazing near the highway. US-6 from Delta to I-15 is a two-lane road with moderate traffic; passing zones are infrequent. I-15 is well-maintained but can be congested near Provo. The final leg to Midway follows US-189 and US-40, which are scenic mountain roads with occasional construction. For a deeper dive on planning stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Leaving Ely, the landscape is a mosaic of sagebrush flats and distant mountain ranges. Near Baker, NV, a turnoff to Great Basin National Park offers the Lehman Caves and 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak. The park is a UNESCO-designated area for its dark skies and ancient bristlecone pines, though not a full World Heritage Site. This detour adds 2-3 hours but is one of the best stops for natural landscapes.

• Great Basin National Park: cave tours, stargazing, alpine lakes
• Notch Peak: a 9,604-foot limestone peak visible from US-50
• Little Sahara Recreation Area: sand dunes near Lynndyl

Local commerce along the route is a mix of mining towns and Mormon settlements. Delta, UT, is a agricultural hub known for its melons and the Topaz Mountain area for rockhounding (topaz, beryl). In Provo, the Brigham Young University campus and its museums offer cultural stops. Midway itself is a Swiss-themed town with cheese factories and a tiny waterpark at the Homestead Resort. The Heber Valley Railroad provides scenic train rides through the mountains.

1. Ely: Nevada Northern Railway Museum (historic steam trains)
2. Eureka, UT: Tintic Mining Museum (ghost town heritage)
3. Midway: Creamery on Main (local cheeses and ice cream)

Safety on this route requires preparation for extreme weather shifts. In summer, temperatures can exceed 100°F in the desert, while winter storms may close I-15 near Provo. Always carry water, snacks, and blankets. The greatest fatigue risk is the long empty stretch of US-50; plan to stop at the Border Inn (NV-UT state line) for a break. It offers a restaurant, gas station, and even a small casino.

• Rest areas: Baker (NV), Hinckley (UT), Provo River (UT)
• Fatigue tips: Rotate drivers every 2 hours, take a 15-min walk at the Border Inn
• Emergency: Dial *647 for Nevada Highway Patrol, 911 in Utah

For families, the best stops are kid-friendly and educational. Great Basin National Park has junior ranger programs and easy hikes to the caves. In Midway, the Homestead Crater is a geothermal swimming hole inside a limestone dome—unique for all ages. Pet-friendly framework: most national forest lands allow leashed pets, but Great Basin National Park restricts them on trails. Many hotels in Ely and Provo accept dogs; check in advance. The drive is worth it for families who love diverse landscapes and small-town charm.

• Family stops: Lehman Caves tour, Heber Valley Railroad, Crater Swim
• Pet breaks: Border Inn (outdoor tables), Provo River Trail
• Hidden off-route: Cathedral Gorge State Park (NV) and Mona Reservoir (UT)