Driving US Route 50: America’s loneliest road you’ll never forget

Want to have a legendary road trip experience? Then get ready for driving US Route 50, famously known as the “Loneliest Road in America”! It is not just a simple drive but a whole transformation from a modern world to open roads with endless horizons.

This blog covers everything you need to know before starting your journey, including a detailed itinerary, hidden gems & helpful tips to experience Route 50 the way it was meant to be.

What is US Route 50?

It is one of the longest highways in the United States, which stretches over 3,000 miles (4,800 km). You start from the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City and drive across the country to end in Sacramento.

Unlike its more famous sibling, Route 66, the best part about Route 50 is that it is quieter, less commercialized & honestly far more raw. You will pass through historic towns, mountain ranges, agricultural heartlands & vast deserts.

But wait for the most iconic stretch that lies in Nevada, where civilization feels like a distant concept. You are going to love it!

Why is Highway 50 the loneliest road in America?

Back in 1986, Life Magazine described the Nevada stretch of Route 50 as the “Loneliest Road in America.” They associated that specific stretch with isolation, as you won’t spot any cars for miles, there are way too few towns & services. You’ll only find yourself with endless desert scenery. In a nutshell, it is just you, the road & freedom.

How long does it take to drive Route 50 US?

For a perspective, as per the 3,000 miles distance a continuous drive would be around 45 to 50 hours. And as per the recommended and most popular itinerary, this distance can be covered in 7-14 days.

What makes driving US Route 50 so special?

You must be wondering what makes the loneliest road of America so unique? Unlike your typical road trips filled with crowded attractions, this route offers:

• Away from the city noise, you get to spend time with your thoughts & nature.
• You get awestruck by the changing landscape views. From alpine lakes to desert valleys to mountain passes, the scenery never repeats itself.
• It feels like you have time-traveled to the 1800s; you’ll pass through towns that have not evolved yet.
• Stargazing near Great Basin National Park is something extraordinary; you enjoy observing the clear sky full of stars, which is rarely seen in cities.

Your ultimate US Route 50 itinerary (10–12 days)

This itinerary balances driving, exploration, rest & must-see spots to make this a memorable road trip ever!

Day 1–2: Ocean City to West Virginia

Start your journey early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic in Ocean City. Enjoy the Chesapeake Bay views & slowly you will enter the Appalachian landscapes.

Day 3: West Virginia to Ohio

From here, the journey will be mainly through forests and hills. You will experience the quiet mountain roads along with small towns.

Day 4–5: Ohio to Kansas

Now the land opens into wide plains with endless farmland and vast skies. This stretch will be all about peaceful & calm driving.

Day 6: Kansas to Colorado

Now the air gets cooler, elevation changes and you’ll notice a dramatic transformation in the terrain. This is where you will see the Rockies first. Take a stop at Bent’s Old Fort (near La Junta), which is a famous historic area.

Day 7: Colorado to Utah

Welcome to the land of cinematic landscapes covered in red rock formations, canyon vistas and desert magic. Capitol Reef National Park is the must-see spot for travellers in this region.

Day 8–9: Nevada (heart of the Highway 50 drive)

This is exactly where you will experience the real thrill of driving US Route 50. Long empty highways, ghost towns and deep silence make it the loneliest road in America. More than isolation, you will enjoy complete freedom here. Do make a stop at the Great Basin National Park, Ely and Austin.

Day 10: Lake Tahoe & Sierra Nevada

As you approach Lake Tahoe, everything shifts to crystal-clear lake views, pine forests and cool mountain breeze. Enjoy driving through the majestic Sierra Nevada.

Day 11–12: Sacramento

The final stretch will be all about relaxation as you have just finished your journey by crossing the 12 states of the nation. Take a moment to appreciate this beautiful experience after ending your drive in Sacramento.

Where to stay on the loneliest road in America

You will find several budget-friendly accommodations on US Route 50. The key is to plan smart & know your options beforehand:

• Roadside Motels: at least once in a lifetime, you should have this “Classic American” experience by staying in a motel. Chains like Motel 6 and Super 8 are among the affordable options, convenient & widely available.
• Campgrounds: opt for camping in Utah and Nevada. You will get multiple cheap alternatives with great scenic views. It is worth all for the most memorable drive of your life.
• Small-Town Inns: another economical option is the historic inns in small towns like Eureka and Austin. Some of these inns might cost you less than chain hotels and offer more authenticity.
• Airbnb & Cabins: this option is feasible if you are travelling in a group or if staying in one location for plenty of days.
• Hostels: they are less common in remote stretches like Nevada, but you’ll find excellent options in Colorado (11th Avenue Hostel), bunkhouses in Utah and at the end of your journey in California.

Let’s plan your US Route 50 road trip

Decide your route & direction

Because Route 50 is a coast-to-coast drive, you have 2 ways you can do it. First option is East → West, i.e. starting from Ocean City & ending at Sacramento (that we have already discussed in the itinerary).

The second option is by going West → East. Start from Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada & end with the calmer countryside of Ocean City.

How many days do you need?

A minimum of 7 days is required if you want to finish the drive quickly. However, we recommend spending 10 to 14 days to take the full experience (first-time travellers generally opt for this period). That being said, if you are a slow traveller, you can complete the US Route 50 drive in 2–3 weeks.

Choose the best time to travel

The time of the year in which you plan your US Route 50 drive can change your entire experience. So choose the season wisely. Spring (March, April, May) offers mild weather with fewer crowds & beautiful landscapes.

Summer (June, July, August) is ideal for full access to everything, be it stays, attractions, national parks or road conditions. However, you must also note that it is very hot (sometimes above 40°C/104°F) in the Nevada desert.

You will enjoy the cooler temperatures in the fall (September, October, November) along with the scenic colours in the mountains.

During peak winter months (December, January, February), it snows in Colorado and the Sierra Nevada, so there are chances of road closures. It is better to ask the tourism authorities before you start your journey.

Choosing the right vehicle

Make sure your car can easily handle the terrain changes (mountains + desert) as you drive ahead. You can even consider the car rental options in case you don’t want to take your personal vehicle.

The vehicle you select must have enough space to accommodate all your essential things. Another thing to focus on is the fuel range and reliability of your car. The best options are opting for a fuel-efficient standard or intermediate sedan or an SUV.

Fuel & distance planning

This is the most crucial part of your journey because gas stations are 80–160 km apart, especially in Nevada. Some of them operate for a limited time.

So the rule is to never let your tank drop below half. Whenever you spot a station without any second thoughts, just refuel & make sure to always have a backup fuel for emergencies.

Connectivity & navigation

In certain parts of the US Highway 50 route, you will lose signal. So make sure to download offline maps like Google Maps. As a backup, carry a physical map and save all the key stops in advance, including hospitals or help points. Plan your stops wisely & do not overdrive as this journey is not about the speed.

Your essential packing list

Here are some must-haves that you cannot forget while packing your luggage: water (at least 3–5 litres per person), snacks to enjoy while driving, a first-aid kit, a power bank, a flashlight, a cooler box which is optional but it may be really useful while travelling in the summer. If you are planning to camp, carry the complete gear and an extra fuel can.

Some driving tips for the loneliest road

• Watch for wildlife & stay alert on empty stretches as animals appear suddenly. When you spot an “Open Range” sign while driving US Route 50 in Nevada, be prepared because animals like cattle may be on or near the road at any time.
• There are no fences and dark-colored animals can be hard to spot, particularly at night. The key is to always keep your headlights on, slow down & be patient if they’re crossing.
• Before entering a remote stretch, check your tires condition, carry a spare tire and always inspect the brakes & engine carefully.
• Try to start your drive early in the day. This way, you can avoid the extreme afternoon desert heat, can take plenty of stops by exploring the region nicely and can reach your next stop before it gets too dark.
• Open desert areas in Nevada can have sudden wind gusts so always be alert and keep both hands on the steering.
• Taking breaks in between is important not just for yourself but also for the car. Long desert drives can strain your vehicle, so let it cool down completely & then continue your journey.
• No matter how tempted you get to see the open roads, stick with the speed limit & be more careful on curves in small towns. Most of the accidents happen mainly due to overspeeding.

Some hidden gems along Route 50 US

Given below are some of the lesser-known places that you must explore along your drive. These spots are not so popular, but that is the best thing, right?

• Berlin Ghost Town & Ichthyosaur State Park: take a stop in Nevada to see a fascinating mix of a preserved mining ghost town and ancient marine fossils. You can walk through abandoned buildings and then see the remains of prehistoric sea creatures.
• Sand Mountain: a massive, isolated sand dune rising out of the desert. It’s quiet, surreal and often missed by travellers rushing through Nevada.
• Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area: this place is completely off the usual tourist radar, crossing Nevada. Basically, they are ancient rock carvings created by Native Americans thousands of years ago. Take a short walk to see mysterious symbols etched into stone.
• Kit Carson Trail: located in Colorado, this trail is filled with preserved 19th-century homes and stories from the Old West. It is perfect for a quiet cultural stop for history lovers.
• Wilson Lake: also called the “Clearest Lake in Kansas,” this peaceful spot offers a refreshing break from long drives with scenic views and calm waters.
• Toadstool Hoodoos: located in Utah, it feels like a miniature fantasy world with strange mushroom-shaped rock formations. Not many people know about this wonderful spot for a break.

Travellers want to know

• How is the US Route 50 road conditions?

  The road conditions on US Route 50 are generally good and well-maintained across many states. However, in some remote areas in Nevada, you have to go through isolated stretches with minimal services, occasional rough patches and limited lighting at night. Overall, it’s a smooth drive, but requires alertness due to its remoteness and changing terrain.

• How long is the Nevada stretch of US Route 50?

  The Nevada stretch of U.S. Route 50 is approximately 409 miles (658 km) long, running across the state of Nevada from west to east. This is the famous section known as the Loneliest Road in America.

• Which type of vehicle is best for driving the loneliest road in America?

  For driving Highway Route 50, a reliable, fuel-efficient mid-size sedan or a comfortable SUV is ideal. Sedans are great for saving fuel on long stretches, while SUVs offer extra comfort and stability in remote areas like Nevada.

• What are the top US Route 50 attractions?

  Top attractions along the route include Lake Tahoe for its stunning alpine scenery, Great Basin National Park for stargazing and ancient trees & Capitol Reef National Park for dramatic red rock landscapes, along with charming historic towns scattered across Nevada.

• Is US Route 50 scary to drive?

  Driving US Route 50 is safe and well-maintained. However, its remote stretches, especially in Nevada, can feel intimidating due to long empty roads and limited services. With proper planning, it’s more peaceful than frightening.