Reno to Hanksville: Epic Utah Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the stretch of US-50 from Fallon to Delta is famously called 'The Loneliest Road in America'? This 450-mile route from Reno to Hanksville traverses Nevada's stark basins and Utah's red-rock canyons. The drive covers approximately 7 to 8 hours of pure driving time, but plan for a full day with stops. You'll cross the Great Basin, a vast region of internal drainage, and end near the San Rafael Swell, a geological dome that looks like a crumpled blanket.

The road is mostly two-lane highway with 65 mph limits. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk—pronghorn, mule deer, and occasionally wild mustangs. For families, stop at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely (kid-friendly train rides) and the Little Sahara Recreation Area (sand dunes). Pet-friendly stops: rest areas along US-50 (no leash required but keep under control) and the BLM lands near Hanksville. Fatigue management: take a break every 2 hours at the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area (mile 180) or the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park (south of Ely).

• Safety tips: always carry a spare tire (few services), cell coverage is spotty, download offline maps
• Family stops: Ely's White Pine County Museum, Delta's Great Basin Museum
• Rest zones: Illipah Reservoir (picnic area), Black Rock Desert (volcanic rock formations)

The route showcases the Basin and Range province—long mountain ridges alternating with flat valleys. Near Austin, the Toiyabe Range rises to over 11,000 feet. As you cross into Utah, the terrain shifts to the Colorado Plateau: near Hanksville, you'll find the Bentonite Hills and Goblin Valley State Park. Local commerce includes artisan crafts at the Renaissance Village in Ely and the historic Sutherland Mercantile in Delta.

• Natural attractions: Great Basin National Park (near Baker, NV), Cathedral Gorge State Park (near Panaca), San Rafael Swell
• Commerce: Ely Art Bank, Delta's Fossil Museum, Hanksville's Hogback Pottery

Fuel up in Reno and plan stops at major towns: Fernley, Fallon (mile 60), Austin (mile 170), Eureka (mile 240), and Ely (mile 290). Between Ely and Delta, services are sparse; the only gas is at Majors Place (mile 350) or Baker (mile 400). Carry extra water and snacks. For detailed planning, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Gas stations: Reno (plenty), Ely (Chevron), Delta (several), Hanksville (one at the junction)
• Food: Reno (all cuisines), Fallon (The Oasis, burgers), Ely (La Fiesta, Mexican), Hanksville (Blondie's Store, sandwiches)