Reno to Midway Road Trip: Epic Utah Adventure

Did you know that the stretch of US-50 between Ely, NV and Delta, UT is officially known as "America's Loneliest Road"? This 287-mile corridor is one of the most remote paved highways in the US, with only five towns along the way and no services for over 100 miles in some sections. Your journey from the Sierra Nevada to the Wasatch Mountains crosses this legendary road, offering solitude and stark beauty.

Total driving distance is approximately 580 miles, requiring about 9.5 hours of pure driving time. But is it worth driving Reno, NV to Midway, UT? Absolutely, especially if you plan for stops to break up the journey. The best stops Reno, NV to Midway, UT include Great Basin National Park, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and historic Ely.

From the Sierra Nevada slopes to the Great Basin Desert, this route spans dramatic ecological transitions. The best stops Reno, NV to Midway, UT include Great Basin National Park (near Ely), home to the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak and ancient bristlecone pines. Further east, the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah offer an otherworldly white landscape.

Local commerce along US-50 reflects Nevada's mining history. In Ely, visit the Nevada Northern Railway Museum for a ride on a historic steam train. In Delta, Utah, explore the Topaz Museum, which tells the story of a Japanese American internment camp.

• Great Basin National Park: stellar astronomy programs, hiking, cave tours
• Bonneville Salt Flats: photography, land-speed racing history
• Ely Railroad Museum: train rides, historic depot
• Delta's Topaz Museum: WWII internment history

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route? While none directly on US-50, a detour to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado is 4 hours from Midway. Alternatively, the route passes near the newly inscribed "Ice Age Fossils" sites in Nevada, though not yet a UNESCO site. For tips on discovering hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Driving US-50 requires vigilance: long desolate stretches, potential wildlife crossings (deer, pronghorn, cattle), and limited cellular service. Carry a paper map, full tank, and emergency kit. The speed limit is 70 mph on most of US-50, but weather conditions can demand slower speeds.

For families and children, the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is a highlight. Old-fashioned train rides and a petting zoo at the nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park entertain all ages. In Utah, the Sundance Resort near Midway offers year-round activities including zip lines and hiking.

• Child-friendly: railroad museum, salt flats (run to horizon), park in Midway
• Pet-friendly: most National Forest land allows dogs, but check National Park rules
• Midway’s Homestead Resort: pet-friendly lodging, hot springs

Fatigue management: The monotonous desert highway can induce drowsiness. Use rest stops like Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area (milepost 82 on US-50) or Grimes Point Archaeological Area near Fallon. Both have short walking trails to stretch legs. The town of Eureka has a historic opera house and cafes to take a break.

Hidden off-route spots: Near Austin, check out the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, home to ancient marine reptile fossils. In Utah, detour to the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry near Price (45 minutes off route) for one of the densest Jurassic fossil beds in the world.

This route primarily uses Interstate 80 east from Reno to Fernley, then US-50 east through Nevada, and finally US-6 and US-191 into Utah, connecting to US-40 and US-189 to reach Midway. Road quality is generally good on interstates, but US-50 has long stretches of two-lane highway with occasional rough patches.

Fuel stops are critical. Plan to fill up in Reno, Fallon (60 miles), Austin (190 miles), Ely (287 miles), and Delta (420 miles). Between Ely and Delta there are no services for 133 miles, so always carry extra water and snacks. In Utah, fill up in Price (480 miles) or Heber City (560 miles).

• Reno to Fallon: 60 mi, 1 hr
• Fallon to Austin: 130 mi, 2 hrs
• Austin to Ely: 97 mi, 1.5 hrs
• Ely to Delta: 133 mi, 2 hrs
• Delta to Midway: 160 mi, 3 hrs

For those wondering how long to drive Reno, NV to Midway, UT, the total drive time is 9.5 hours without stops. Add at least 3-4 hours for sightseeing and breaks. For updated road conditions, check Nevada DOT and Utah DOT websites.