Incline Village to Hanksville: Epic Desert Road Trip Guide

From the pine-fringed shores of Lake Tahoe to the Martian badlands of Utah, this 470-mile drive along US-50 and I-70 is a study in contrasts. The route begins at an elevation of 6,300 feet and plunges into the Great Basin before climbing back up to the Colorado Plateau. Incline Village, NV sits on the north shore of Lake Tahoe; Hanksville, UT is a speck on the edge of Capitol Reef National Park. The drive takes roughly 7 hours without stops, but you'll want to budget at least two days.

One little-known fact: the stretch of US-50 between Ely and Delta, NV is widely celebrated as “The Loneliest Road in America” because it passes through vast, empty basins where the nearest gas station can be 80 miles apart. This stark emptiness is precisely what makes the route unforgettable. For tips on finding hidden gems along any highway, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key Statistics at a Glance

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route passes near two UNESCO sites: Great Basin National Park (NV) and Capitol Reef National Park (UT). Great Basin is known for the ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves. Capitol Reef features the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth's crust. Though not officially on the direct path, a short detour via UT-24 or NV-487 is worthwhile.

• Great Basin: 20-mile detour from Baker, NV. See Wheeler Peak glacier.
• Capitol Reef: 40 miles south of Hanksville via UT-24. Free entry with America the Beautiful pass.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The drive transitions from Sierra Nevada forests to the Great Basin sagebrush (Nevada), then into the red rock canyons of Utah. Key natural landmarks: Hickison Petroglyphs (45 min stop near Austin), the fossilized sand dunes of Cathedral Gorge (near Panaca, a slight detour), and the moonscape of the San Rafael Swell (east of Green River). Near Hanksville, the Mars Desert Research Station is a surreal sight—a simulated Martian habitat.

• Best stops: Ely's Nevada Northern Railway Museum for steam trains.
• Hidden gem: the Ghost Town of Hamilton (shallow canyon hike near Ely).
• Photography tip: sunrise at the Baker Archaeological Site (Great Basin).

Local Commerce and Culture

Most towns along US-50 are remnants of mining booms. Austin has a historic courthouse and a few antique shops. Ely retains a frontier feel with old-time saloons and the White Pine Public Museum. In Hanksville, the BLM Field Station offers maps and advice. The Paiute and Shoshone tribes have ancestral ties to the region; the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah operates a small gift shop on US-95.

• Buy: local turquoise jewelry in Ely's Main Street galleries.
• Don't miss: the annual 'Loneliest Road' celebration in Fallon (August).
• Unique: the Border Inn sits exactly on the NV-UT line; step across for a souvenir photo.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse east of Fallon, NV. Fill up in Incline Village (multiple stations) and again in Ely (last reliable stop before Utah). Between Ely and Delta, there is exactly one gas station at the Border Inn (NV/UT line), but it's often overpriced and closes early. In Utah, gas is available in Salina (I-70 exit 56) and then again in Hanksville. Expect fuel prices 10-20¢ higher than national average in remote areas.

• Incline Village to Austin, NV: ~100 miles, no services for 60+ miles.
• Austin to Ely: ~90 miles, limited services in Eureka (small station).
• Ely to Delta: ~110 miles, only Border Inn at mile 50.
• Delta to Hanksville: ~90 miles via UT-24, services in Salina and Richfield.

Seasonal Access and Road Conditions

US-50 stays open year-round but can close briefly after heavy snow (rare). I-70 over the Wasatch Plateau (Salina to Green River) sees occasional winter closures due to high wind and snow. Summer brings scorching heat; carry extra water. Most of the route is two-lane highway with speeds up to 70 mph. Watch for cattle and wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk.

• Best months: April-June, September-October.
• Winter hazards: black ice near Sacramento Pass, sudden snow squalls.
• Summer hazards: extreme heat (100°F+), flash flood risk in slot canyons near Hanksville.

Accommodation and Culinary Infrastructure

Lodging is limited along the route. In Incline Village, there are resorts and vacation rentals. Midway points: Austin (small motels), Ely (multiple hotels), Delta (basic motels), Hanksville (few inns and a KOA). Dining options are scarce; the best meals come from diners in Ely (La Fiesta) and Salina (Mom's Cafe). Pack snacks and a cooler. In Hanksville, try the Hollow Mountain Grill for burgers.

• Best coffee: The Coffee Cup (Ely).
• Best pie: Mom's Cafe (Salina).
• Best picnic spots: Great Basin National Park (just off route near Baker, NV).

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

US-50 is generally well-paved but narrow and with soft shoulders. I-70 is a modern interstate, though between Salina and Green River it has long desolate stretches. Guardrails are minimal in Nevada. Cell service is intermittent; download offline maps and bring a physical map. Emergency call boxes are present every 10-20 miles on I-70 but absent on US-50. Always carry a spare tire, jumper cables, and extra coolant.

• Speed limits: 65-70 mph on US-50, 75-80 on I-70.
• Winter tire requirement: none legally, but highly recommended November-March.
• Stop for alertness: every 2 hours or 150 miles. Designate rest stops: Eureka, Ely, Border Inn.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is more suited for older children (8+) who can appreciate geology and vast landscapes. The long stretches without amenities can be challenging for toddlers. However, several kid-friendly stops break up the monotony: the California Trail Interpretive Center near Elko (detour but engaging), the Great Basin National Park's Junior Ranger program, and the Mars Dunes near Hanksville (sand play).

• Best restroom stops: Ely's McDonald's, Border Inn (clean but dated).
• Fun fact for kids: the Great Basin Desert is the largest cold desert in the US.
• Activity: collect rocks in the San Rafael Swell (no collecting in national parks).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most roadside stops allow pets on leash, but beware of extreme heat: asphalt can burn paws in summer. Many motels in Ely and Delta accept pets for a small fee (under $25). Great Basin NP permits pets only on paved trails and campgrounds. Carry collapsible water bowls and shade cloth.

• Pet-friendly lodging: Budget Inn Ely, Super 8 Delta.
• Vet clinics: Ely Veterinary Hospital (emergency), Hanksville has no vet—nearest is in Torrey (45 min).
• Trail warnings: keep dogs away from porcupines and cacti.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

The “loneliest” stretch from Austin to Delta induces highway hypnosis. Combat this by planning active stops: walk around the ghost town of Osceola (near Ely), hike the short trail at Hickison Petroglyphs, or explore the Fascination Museum (Eureka) for a quirky break.

• Drive time between rest stops: 45-60 minutes.
• Recommended music playlist: country or classic rock to stay alert.
• Alternative: use the Roadtrippers app (offline) for real-time fatigue alerts.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Off the main road, you'll find isolated gems: the hot springs at Spencer Hot Springs (near Austin, free, primitive), the fossilized whale bones at the Outdoor Museum of Natural History (by the Border Inn), and the Goblin Valley State Park (south of Hanksville, a World of Sci-Fi rocks). To discover more like these, refer to the guide to hidden gems. Another overlooked spot is the remains of the town of Summit (UT-36 near the border, just a sign and ruins).

• Best detour: UT-24 to Capitol Reef's eastern flank.
• Secret camp: Moon House Ruin (requires permit, near Blanding).
• Waterfall surprise: Baker Creek Falls (Great Basin NP).