Ely, NV to Buffalo, WY: Road Trip Guide via US-50 and I-80

The drive from Ely, Nevada to Buffalo, Wyoming covers approximately 530 miles, mostly along US-50 (the "Loneliest Road in America") and I-80. This route traverses the Basin and Range Province, crossing the Utah border near the Great Salt Desert, then climbs through the Wasatch Range before descending onto the High Plains of Wyoming.

One specific factual detail: just west of Ely, the highway passes the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, home to one of the best-preserved steam locomotive collections in the West. The entire journey typically takes 8 to 10 hours of driving time, depending on stops. This guide explores the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities along this route.

Key milestones:

• Ely (mile 0)
• Border of Nevada/Utah (mile 90)
• Great Salt Lake (mile 230)
• Salt Lake City (mile 245)
• Evanston, WY (mile 325)
• Rawlins, WY (mile 495)
• Buffalo, WY (mile 530)

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse along US-50 in Nevada and western Utah, with gaps up to 80 miles between services. The cheapest fuel is typically in Utah cities like Salt Lake City, while Wyoming stations can be more expensive. Plan to fill up every 200 miles.

• Ely to Delta, UT: 150 miles, no services except in tiny towns like Baker (Great Basin National Park).
• Delta to Tooele, UT: 80 miles, few options.
• Tooele to Evanston, WY: well-served along I-80.
• Evanston to Rawlins: regular services at exits.
• Rawlins to Buffalo: 120 miles without services after Rawlins, so fill up.

Road Quality

US-50 east of Ely is a two-lane highway in good condition through Nevada and western Utah. I-80 is an interstate with excellent surface quality. US-16 from Rawlins to Buffalo is a scenic two-lane road through the Bighorn Mountains, with some winding sections. In winter, check conditions for mountain passes.

• Nevada: 65 mph, few curves
• Utah: 70-80 mph on I-80
• Wyoming: 75 mph on I-80, 65 on US-16

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The trip showcases dramatic contrasts: the Great Basin Desert, the Wasatch Front, and the Bighorn Mountains. Highlights include:

• Great Basin National Park (near Baker, NV): Lehman Caves, 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak.
• Great Salt Lake (Utah) antipode: Bonneville Salt Flats (off I-80 near Wendover).
• Utah's Wasatch Range: see Mount Timpanogos from I-80.
• Wyoming's Red Desert (between Rock Springs and Rawlins): arid, colorful badlands.
• Bighorn National Forest (US-16 west of Buffalo): Cloud Peak Wilderness, Medicine Wheel.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The nearest UNESCO site is the Dinosaur National Monument (Utah/Colorado border), a 2-hour detour south of I-80 near Vernal. This site features a wall of dinosaur fossils. Otherwise, the route has no direct UNESCO sites.

Local Commerce & Culture

Small towns like Delta, UT and Evanston, WY offer local diners and antique shops. Ely has a historic downtown with mining-era buildings. Salt Lake City provides urban amenities. Buffalo, WY is a charming ranching town with the Occidental Hotel.

• Ely: Nevada Northern Railway Museum, historic hotels.
• Delta, UT: Topaz Museum (Japanese internment history).
• Salt Lake City: Temple Square, free museums.
• Evanston: historic railroad depot, breweries.
• Rawlins: Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum.
• Buffalo: Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Main Street shops.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-50 is remote; cell service is spotty from Ely to Delta. Carry a physical map. I-80 has emergency call boxes every 2 miles. US-16 through the Bighorns has steep grades and wildlife. Winter driving requires chains or winter tires.

• Ely to Delta: no services, prepare emergency kit
• I-80 well patrolled by highway patrol
• US-16: watch for elk and deer at dawn/dusk

Family and Child Suitability

This route is best for families with older children who can appreciate long drives. Great Basin National Park offers easy cave tours (family-friendly). Salt Lake City has the Hogle Zoo, Discovery Gateway children's museum, and the Living Planet Aquarium. In Wyoming, Frontier Prison in Rawlins may not be suitable for very young children.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most national parks and rest stops allow leashed pets. Great Basin National Park permits dogs on trails except caves. Hotels along I-80 generally accept pets. Rest areas with pet exercise areas exist every 30-50 miles on I-80.

• Pet relief at rest areas: common in Utah and Wyoming
• Pet-friendly lodging: Super 8, Motel 6, La Quinta
• Dining: many restaurants with outdoor patios

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan breaks every 2 hours. Key rest areas:

• Wendover, UT (mile 230) – casino city with services
• Salt Lake City (mile 245) – downtown and parks
• Evanston rest area (mile 325) – scenic pullout
• Green River, WY (mile 400) – riverfront park
• Rawlins (mile 495) – fuel and food
• Buffalo city park (mile 530) – picnic area

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detours worth taking:

• Notch Peak, UT (west of Delta): 40-mile gravel road to one of the tallest vertical cliffs in North America.
• Spiral Jetty (near Promontory Point, UT): earthwork sculpture on Great Salt Lake, requires 15 miles gravel drive.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (south of I-80 near Green River): 40-mile loop with red rock canyons.
• Boysen Reservoir (north of US-26 near Shoshoni): camping and fishing, just off I-80.