I used to drive US 50 the Lincoln Highway once a month for a couple of years. Top off your tanks in Fallon. Austin has the highest price on the road, avoid buying fuel there. Ely is your best bet. Stop in Eureka, one of the nicest small towns around. Austin has great history.
US 50 crosses many mountain ranges, there are 276 of them in Nevada, classic Basin and Range country. The Toiyabe Range east of Austin is the steepest. Take your time and gear down over the central ranges like the Taquimas and Monitors. Spring is the grand time to be out there. The valleys have greened up with plenty of snow in the mountains. There is a lot to look at. I love 50. Watch out for livestock on the road, cattle and horses. It is best not to drive at night.
Take some time to appreciate the mining and ranching heritage of the area.
