Midway to Tonopah: Desert Road Trip Guide

This route crosses the Wasatch Range and the Great Basin, where the elevation drops from 5,500 feet in Midway to 6,000 feet in Tonopah, but with a dramatic change in aridity. The drive is about 310 miles and typically takes 5 to 6 hours without stops.

Start on US-40 West, then merge onto I-15 South near Provo. Follow I-15 to Nephi and take US-6 West through Delta and into Nevada. The road is well-paved but remote, with limited services.

• Fuel: Gas stations are sparse; fill up in Nephi, Delta, and Ely (if detouring). The longest stretch without gas is about 100 miles between Delta and Tonopah.
• Costs: Gas prices are similar to the national average, but remote stations may be 10-20 cents higher.
• Road quality: Good condition, but watch for wandering livestock and occasional sand drifts.

Driving is safe but monotonous, so plan rest stops. The Great Basin is high desert: hot summers, cold winters, and sudden storms. For families, the Territorial Statehouse State Park in Fillmore provides a break, and the Little Sahara Recreation Area near Jericho offers sand dunes for kids.

Pets are welcome at rest areas, but must be leashed. For fatigue, use the designated rest areas or pullouts; never stop on the shoulder. For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, keep an eye out for the turnoff to the Topaz Museum, which honors Japanese-American internment during WWII.

The route passes through diverse landscapes: the green Heber Valley, the red rock of the San Rafael Swell, and the stark salt flats near the Nevada border. The Loneliest Road in America (US-50) intersects near Ely, offering a detour to Great Basin National Park.

Local commerce includes small-town diners and motels. In Nephi, the Dairy Delight serves classic burgers; Delta's Silver Sage is known for its pie. In Tonopah, the Mizpah Hotel, built in 1907, offers a historic stay.