Ely to Winslow Road Trip: Desert, Canyons, and Route 66

The US-93 from Ely, NV to the junction with I-40 near Winslow, AZ crosses some of the most sparsely populated terrain in the contiguous United States. One notable fact: the section from Ely to Pioche traverses the historic 'Silver Trips' corridor, where 19th-century silver rushes left ghost towns and collapsed mines.

This guide covers 430 miles of high desert, national forests, and Navajo Nation landscapes. Driving time without stops is around 7 hours, but you'll want to budget 10-12 hours for the full experience. Key highways: US-93 south from Ely to I-40, then I-40 east to Winslow.

Road quality: US-93 is mostly two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. Surface is generally good, but watch for wildlife (deer, antelope) at dawn/dusk. I-40 is interstate standard. Construction zones exist; check NDOT and ADOT for closures.

Fatigue management: Long, straight stretches can cause drowsiness. Plan stops every 2 hours or 100 miles. Rest zones exist at mountain passes and near Caliente. Coffee is available at small-town diners. Alternative: take a 15-minute nap at a rest area.

Family and child suitability: Kids will enjoy the quirky Route 66 attractions: Seligman's Supai Motel with teepees, Two Guns ghost town (just east of I-40), and Winslow's Standin' on the Corner Park. However, long drives with limited entertainment require tablets or travel games.

Pet-friendly framework: Most motels along the route accept pets, but call ahead. Rest stops have grass areas. National forests allow leashed pets. Note: Cathedral Gorge State Park permits dogs on trails.

Culinary infrastructure: Ely offers Basque cuisine at the Hotel Nevada. Pioche: The Summit Cafe serves Amer-Afghan fusion (try the kabuli pulao). St. George has a wide range. Seligman's Road Kill Cafe is a Route 66 icon (order a Route 66 burger). Winslow: The Turquoise Room at La Posada Hotel serves Southwestern fine dining.

Hidden off-route spots: From Caliente, take NV-317 east to Kershaw-Ryan State Park (waterfall and picnic area). Near Kingman, off I-40 exit 66, discover the ghost town of Hackberry (antique shops and vintage cars).

The drive begins in the Great Basin Desert, with sagebrush, juniper, and expansive views of the Schell Creek Range. South of Ely, the landscape transitions to the Mojave Desert near Caliente. A must-see is the Cathedral Gorge State Park just north of Panaca, featuring weirdly eroded clay spires.

• Cathedral Gorge State Park: 5 miles north of Panaca. Day-use fee $5. Short hikes through slot canyons.
• Beaver Dam State Park: Near Caliente, offers fishing and hiking in a riparian canyon.
• Mojave Desert landscapes near Littlefield: Red sandstone cliffs and Joshua trees.
• Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument: Vast, remote wilderness south of St. George. Unpaved roads require high clearance.

Climatic Conditions: Elevation in Ely is 6,400 ft, leading to cool mornings even in summer. Average summer highs: Ely 85°F, St. George 105°F, Winslow 95°F. Winter brings snow to Ely and possible ice on US-93. Spring and fall ideal. Route Aesthetics: Contrast between Great Basin's vast, high desert and the red rock country near the Arizona border is striking.

Local commerce beyond gas: Pioche boasts the historic Million Dollar Courthouse (admission $5). Caliente has a vintage train depot. In Seligman, the 'birthplace of Route 66' renaissance, buy roadside kitsch at Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In. Winslow's downtown offers Navajo jewelry and pottery at Standin' on the Corner Park.

This route is essentially a lonesome highway with limited services. Fuel stations are sparse from Ely to Caliente (120 miles). Fill up in Ely before departing. The next reliable gas is in Caliente, then Panaca, but confirm hours as small-town stations close early.

• Ely, NV: Multiple stations including Shell, Chevron, and Sinclair. Gas prices higher than national average; fill up.
• Pioche, NV: One station (Maverik) on the main drag, open 6am-10pm.
• Caliente, NV: Two stations (Sinclair, 76) with regular hours.
• St. George, UT (if detouring): Abundant stations, lower prices.
• Littlefield, AZ: Single Chevron station.
• Kingman, AZ: Many stations.
• Seligman, AZ: A few stations along Route 66.
• Winslow, AZ: Numerous stations on I-40 Business.

Cellular coverage: Spotty from Ely to Caliente. AT&T and Verizon have moderate signals near towns, but vast dead zones exist. Download offline maps. Wi-Fi available at most motels and libraries in larger towns.

For tips on discovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.