Lone Pine to Orderville: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Lone Pine, California to Orderville, Utah covers roughly 380 miles via US-395 N and UT-14, taking about 6.5 hours without stops. This route traverses the eastern Sierra Nevada, crosses the Great Basin, and ascends the Colorado Plateau, ending in a high desert valley. A curious fact: the road crosses the boundary of the Basin and Range geologic province near the Nevada line, where the Earth's crust is stretching, creating the dramatic ranges you'll see.

Key milestones: From Lone Pine, head north on US-395 for 160 miles to Tonopah, NV (2.5 hours). Then continue northeast on US-6 and US-50 for 80 miles to UT-21 junction (1.5 hours). Finally, take UT-14 east through Cedar Breaks to US-89 south into Orderville (2 hours). The route offers stark contrasts: sagebrush flats, volcanic fields, alpine forests, and red rock canyons.

The route passes through three distinct ecoregions. In California, the Sierra escarpment gives way to the Owens Valley, with the Alabama Hills just south of Lone Pine. These are popular film locations (think Western movies). Further north, the landscape flattens into sagebrush steppe around Bishop (marked by the Volcanic Tableland).

• Alabama Hills: Granite boulders and arches, perfect for photography.
• Mono Lake (slight detour): Tufa towers and brine shrimp. Must-see.
• Tonopah: Historic mining town; the Tonopah Historic Mining Park offers underground tours.

Entering Utah, the route climbs to Cedar Breaks National Monument, a natural amphitheater of colorful limestone cliffs. This is a preview of Bryce Canyon. After descending, you traverse the Markagunt Plateau, with pine forests and meadows. Orderville itself is a small town near Zion and Bryce, known for pioneer history and artisan crafts.

Fuel stops are sparse between Lone Pine and Tonopah, and especially between Tonopah and the Utah line. Fill up in Lone Pine (last cheap gas), then again in Tonopah. In Utah, gas stations are in Beaver, Panguitch, and Orderville itself.

• Lone Pine: Several stations on US-395. Expect $5.50/gal.
• Tonopah: Stations at the junction of US-95 and US-6. Prices similar.
• Orderville: One station near the US-89 junction. Higher prices.

Road quality: US-395 is a well-maintained two-lane highway. US-6 and US-50 in Nevada are smooth but remote. UT-14 climbs steeply into Cedar Breaks; watch for sharp curves and occasional rockfall. US-89 south to Orderville is good pavement. No tolls. Cellular service is spotty in Nevada; download offline maps.

For more tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check our guide.

This remote route requires preparation. Carry extra water, food, and blankets. Cell service is absent for long stretches. Safety tips: avoid driving at dusk due to wildlife (deer, pronghorn). Speed limits are 65-70 mph, but road conditions may require lower speeds.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Watch for sudden weather changes in Utah; UT-14 can get snow even in spring.
• Rest stops: Little Antelope Summit rest area (mile 80 on US-395) and Baker, NV for a restroom.

Family-friendly activities: Visit the Death Valley Visitor Center in Lone Pine (exhibits on geology). The Bishop Museum of Natural History. In Utah, the Cedar Breaks visitor center has junior ranger programs. Orderville offers a pioneer museum and easy hikes in nearby Red Canyon. Pet-friendly accommodations: Most motels in Lone Pine and Orderville allow pets with a fee. National parks restrict pets on trails; stick to paved paths.