Redlands to Ely: Desert Road Trip Guide

The drive from Redlands, California to Ely, Nevada spans roughly 480 miles across two distinct desert ecosystems. You'll transition from the chaparral-covered foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains into the starkly beautiful Great Basin Desert. This route, primarily via US-395 north and US-6 east, has a peculiar quirk: after crossing into Nevada at the remote stateline near Montgomery Pass, you'll encounter the longest stretch without services in the state—over 150 miles of nothing but sagebrush and open sky.

Why do this drive? The journey answers the question how long to drive Redlands, CA to Ely, NV with a firm 7.5 hours of pure driving time. But few travelers rush this route, as its landscapes reward those who pause. From the ancient bristlecone pines of the White Mountains to the ghost towns of the old mining frontier, the corridor offers a time capsule of the American West. For tips on unearthing such curiosities, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The Owens Valley is a rift valley framed by the Sierra Nevada to the west and the White Mountains to the east. Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous US, looms over Lone Pine. Further north, the Alabama Hills offer movie-set boulder fields. In the White Mountains, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest harbors trees over 4,000 years old—a detour that adds 2 hours but is unforgettable.

Local commerce clusters around mining history. Bishop sells Paiute handcrafts and artisan goods; Tonopah's historic Mizpah Hotel offers a glimpse into silver rush opulence. Ely's Nevada Northern Railway Museum preserves steam-era railroading. For truly local cuisine, try the savory pasties at the Tonopah Elks Lodge (Friday nights) or the Basque lamb at the NorWester in Ely.

• Natural wonders: Alabama Hills, Mono Lake (detour), Great Basin National Park (near Ely).
• Cultural stops: Eastern California Museum (Independence), Central Nevada Museum (Tonopah), White Pine Public Museum (Ely).
• Hidden off-route spots: Bodie Ghost Town (CA-270), Belshazzar's Feast (rock formation near Tonopah), Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park.

Safety on this route requires preparation. In winter, snow and ice can close US-6 passes; carry chains and warm gear. Summer temperatures top 100°F; ensure coolant and spare water. The distance between services means a breakdown can be serious. A roadside assistance membership is advisable. Family-friendly stops include the Laws Railroad Museum in Bishop and the Ward Charcoal Ovens ghost town near Ely. Pets are welcome at most rest areas, but keep them on leash due to wildlife.

Fatigue management is critical on the long, straight stretches east of Tonopah. Plan breaks every 2 hours at designated rest areas (such as Montgomery Pass or Currant Summit). Carry snacks and a good playlist. For accommodation, traditional motels cluster in Bishop, Tonopah, and Ely. Consider a mid-point stay at the Tonopah Station Hotel for a funky retro experience.

• Best stops for families: Laws Railroad Museum, Bodie Ghost Town, Great Basin National Park (cave tours, hiking).
• Pet-friendly rest stops: Miller Park (Bishop), Tonopah Rest Area (leashed pets okay), Ely City Park.
• Fatigue warning signs: mile marker 28 (US-6 east of Tonopah) offers a spectacular overlook; pull over to stretch.

The primary artery is US-395 north from Redlands, a well-maintained highway that slices through the Owens Valley. At Bishop, you'll turn east onto US-6, a two-lane road that crosses the Nevada border. This segment demands attention to fuel: gas stations become scarce after Tonopah, with the next service at Currant (limited hours) or Lund (seasonal). Always top off in Tonopah, and carry at least a half-tank reserve.

• Fuel stops: Redlands (multiple), Bishop (major), Tonopah (major), Ely (destination).
• Intermediate towns with services: Big Pine, Independence, Lone Pine, Beatty (on NV-374 detour).
• Cell service: Sparse from Bishop to Tonopah; near-nonexistent from Tonopah to Ely except at summit passes.
• Road quality: US-395 is excellent; US-6 is good but narrow shoulders; watch for cattle and wildlife at dawn/dusk.