Green River to Tonopah: A Desert Road Trip Guide

This route traces the path of the old Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental road.

From the Colorado Plateau's red rock to the Great Basin's sagebrush, the landscape shifts dramatically. Covering about 400 miles, the drive typically takes 6.5 to 7 hours without stops.

Long, straight roads can lull drivers; take breaks every two hours. Designated rest areas are located near Lynndyl, UT, and Currant Summit, NV, but they are basic—expect picnic tables and pit toilets.

Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk, especially deer and antelope. Speed limits are 65-70 mph, but strong crosswinds can affect handling, especially near Gale Hills.

The route is not ideal for young children due to limited services. However, the open spaces allow for easy pet breaks, but beware of hot pavement and cactus. For hidden gems, consider a detour to the 12-mile long Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, NV, just off Route 93. For more tips on finding such spots, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Midway, the town of Ely, NV, offers a chance to stretch legs at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Though a slight detour (40 miles), it's a family-friendly stop with train rides.

The San Rafael Swell, a 60-mile-long geologic fold, dominates the first two hours. Its sandstone cliffs and canyons are part of the Colorado Plateau.

Near Delta, Topaz Mountain yields rare topaz crystals, and the region is dotted with prehistoric Fremont rock art. The local diner in Delta, the 'Mule Train', serves hearty burgers and is a favorite among travelers.

West of Delta, the terrain flatten into basin-and-range country, where valley floors meet isolated mountain ranges. This is quintessential Great Basin scenery, characterized by sagebrush and juniper.

Tonopah is a mining town with a wild west history; the Historic Mining Park and the Mizpah Hotel are must-sees. The local culture is steeped in decades of silver and gold extraction.

US-6 and US-50 form the backbone of this drive, a mix of divided highway and two-lane road. The pavement is generally good, but remote stretches demand preparation.

Fuel is scarce—plan to fill up in Green River, Delta, and Tonopah. Expect to pay 10-15% more than national average in these small towns.

• Cell coverage is spotty west of Delta; download offline maps.
• Carry at least one spare tire and extra water.
• Major towns: Green River, UT (pop. 950), Delta, UT (pop. 3,400), Tonopah, NV (pop. 2,200).
• The road climbs to 6,500 feet at Sacramento Pass in Nevada.