Ely to West Wendover Road Trip: Nevada's Loneliest Highway Guide

The 180-mile drive from Ely, NV to West Wendover, NV follows US-93 and Alternate US-93, a ribbon of asphalt that cuts through the heart of the Great Basin. This stretch is part of the famed 'Loneliest Road in America,' but don't let the name fool you—hidden gems and stark beauty await. The route climbs from Ely's 6,435-foot elevation to the 7,500-foot Connors Pass, then descends into the Bonneville Salt Flats basin. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours of driving time, plus stops.

One quirky fact: the road crosses the historic Lincoln Highway alignment near the ghost town of Schellbourne. This early transcontinental highway used a nearly identical path. Today, the highway is mostly empty, with long stretches between services. Fuel up in Ely (last reliable gas until Wendover) and carry water. The scenery shifts from pine forests to sagebrush steppe, then to salt flats—a microcosm of Nevada's diversity.

Infrastructure Safety: US-93 Alt is a two-lane highway with a 65-70 mph speed limit. Road quality is good except for occasional frost heaves in spring. Watch for wildlife—mule deer, pronghorn, and the occasional wild horse. Night driving is not recommended due to lack of lighting and animals.

Family and Child Suitability: The drive is long but manageable for kids if you break it up. Great Basin National Park offers junior ranger programs and easy hikes (e.g., Lehman Caves tour, 1 hour). In Wendover, the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway is a fun photo op. No major amusement parks, but the salt flats provide an unforgettable play area (watch for sharp salt crystals).

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most motels in Ely and Wendover allow pets with fees. National parks require pets on leash and not on trails (except paved paths). Rest areas have no designated pet areas—use roadside pullouts. Carry water for your pet; desert heat can be intense even in spring.

Fatigue Management: The monotony of the salt flats can induce highway hypnosis. Stop every 45-60 minutes. Suggested rest points:

• Great Basin National Park visitor center (detour: 10 miles off route)
• Majors Place (general store with shady porch)
• Lages Station historical marker (pullout, interpretive sign)
• Bonneville Salt Flats rest area (no services, but stunning view)

Hidden Off-Route Spots: For adventurers, the Goshute Canyon Road (dirt, high clearance) leads to hot springs and petroglyphs. The Ferguson Springs area (BLM land) offers primitive camping. Always check conditions locally.

The route begins in Ely on US-50 east, then turns north onto US-93 Alt (Great Basin Highway). After about 45 miles, you'll pass through the tiny settlement of Majors Place (elevation 6,200 ft). From there, Alt 93 continues north and merges with US-93 at Lages Station (no services). The final 80 miles run straight across the Bonneville Salt Flats to West Wendover.

Fuel Economics: Gas prices in Ely are typically 10-15 cents higher than national average due to remoteness. West Wendover has lower prices thanks to Utah-based competition. A full tank from Ely should easily make it to Wendover (tank range ~300 mi). Diesel available in Ely and Wendover. No fuel stops in between.

• Ely: Multiple stations (Shell, Chevron) open 24/7.
• Majors Place: One station, limited hours, cash only.
• West Wendover: Abundant stations near casino row.

Rest areas: There is one unstaffed rest area 10 miles north of Ely (no water, pit toilets). The next facilities are in West Wendover. Plan restroom breaks accordingly. Cell service is spotty—AT&T and Verizon have coverage near Ely and Wendover, but a 60-mile dead zone exists around the Salt Flats. Download offline maps.

The journey begins among the Snake Range, home to Great Basin National Park (just 5 miles east of Baker, NV, a short detour). The park features Wheeler Peak (13,063 ft), ancient bristlecone pines, and Lehman Caves. If you have time, this is a must-see—it's one of the best stops between Ely and West Wendover. The park entrance fee is $15 per vehicle.

North of Majors Place, the landscape flattens into the Goshute Valley, named after the indigenous Goshute tribe. You'll pass the ghost town of Schellbourne (a few ruins and a cemetery). This area was a Pony Express station and later a mining camp. Local commerce here is virtually nonexistent—the only business is a ranch that sells firewood and the occasional roadside gem stall (unmanned, honor system).

Approaching Wendover, the road drops into the Bonneville Salt Flats, a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville. The stark white expanse is otherworldly. The Utah-Nevada border is marked by the Wendover Will casino sign. West Wendover is a small gambling hub with several hotels, buffets, and a small airport. The culture is a curious mix of Utah Mormons crossing the line for slot machines and long-haul truckers.