Price to Tonopah: A Utah-Nevada Road Trip Guide

The route from Price, UT to Tonopah, NV follows US-6 west for roughly 350 miles, crossing the Great Basin Desert. This drive is notable for its stark beauty and long stretches of isolation, with the highest point at 7,465 feet over Sacramento Pass.

Between Price and Green River, the Book Cliffs dominate the skyline. After Green River, the landscape opens into sagebrush flats, with the San Rafael Swell to the south. This is prime fossil-hunting territory, but collecting is prohibited without permits.

Local commerce is limited to small ranching communities. In Delta, the Great Basin Museum offers insights into the area's history. For quirky stops, check out the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for more ideas.

US-6 is a two-lane highway for most of the route, with occasional passing lanes. Fuel stations are sparse, especially in Nevada; plan to fill up in Price, Green River, and Ely.

• Gas prices trend lower in Utah than Nevada; fill up before crossing the border.
• No major cities along the way—only small towns like Delta and Lund.

Cell service is intermittent, so download offline maps. The road is well-maintained, but watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.

Rest areas exist but are basic; plan to stop at towns for more amenities. For families, the drive offers plenty of open space to stretch legs, but attractions are few. The Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park near Ely is a unique detour, with beehive-shaped ovens from the 1870s.

Pets are allowed at most rest stops but must be leashed. Carry extra water for both you and your pet, as summer temperatures can exceed 100°F. To combat fatigue, rotate drivers every 2 hours and use designated pullouts.