We are planning a trip from the SF Bay area to Bryce UT, -->Silverton CO ----> Taos/Santa Fe NM in July.My route finder on the iphone gives 3 routes to Bryce. I already know I don't want to take the southern route across the so cal Mojave->las vegas-> St George--> etc. Too hot.The other route is taking hwy 50 across Nevada. I've heard it's the "loneliest road in America" and the scenery is pleasant. Can anyone attest as to how pleasant / unpleasant the ride is across that hwy? If it's bumpy like the urban interstates in CA, maybe we'll take I-80 instead and go a little further.I appreciate your responses.ThanksDavid

Not bumpy. Wide two lane road. Not too twisty, but it goes up and down and up and down over the mountain ranges -- the road runs east and west, and the mountains run north and south. No problem -- the grades are not steep at all -- but your mpg will suffer a little.I liked that road. Desolate valleys, green mountains in the distance, great views of the countryside. Almost zero traffic. No radio reception -- few gas stations.

I've been across NV on 50 several times. Only thing I don't like is it's a 2 lane with little or no shoulder in a lot of places. I usually overnight and fuel up in Ely.

The other route is taking hwy 50 across Nevada. I've heard it's the "loneliest road in America" and the scenery is pleasant. Can anyone attest as to how pleasant / unpleasant the ride is across that hwy?Took that route from Berkeley to Santa Fe and Taos several years ago, but that was a car trip. Would most probably feel differently about taking that same trip in my RV. The uninterrupted landscape is pleasant enough, but after a while I would have preferred at least some interruption. Ely provided that. I delayed departing Ely knowing I would be back on the 'loneliest highway in America".The road was fine. Make sure you have enough gas to get to Ely before embarking though.

Haven't been over it for some years now but seem to remember it being in pretty good shape. Services are quite far apart for sure.Below is a Sunset Magazine article that might be of interest if you have any time for some sightseeing. And also an article highlighting the old Pony Express route.Sites Along the WayPony Express Route

This is an excellent hiway with good surface. Traffic is light and scenery varies. Fuel is available about every 60 miles or so. The "Loneliest Road" is hype to get people interested in it. I wish every road in U.S. was like this one!

Hwy 50 across Nevada | Good Sam Community

Water-Bug
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2013
We use to take Hiway 50 from the SF bay area to Lake Tahoe. I recently had the opertunity to drive it from US 70 in Ohio to Bridgeport WV. Ever since, I've fanticized about driving it coast to coast (or as close as you could get). Seems like it would be reminiscent of the original route 66. It's a transcontenental highway that didn't turn into a limited access freway.
The_Texan
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Plenty of them. We always overnight about 22 miles east of the state line in UT, in a huge unpaved wayside. Love the good road and the solitude it offers.
mockturtle
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2013
Are there turnouts?
Fish__n___Grits
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
Last summer we drove US 50 from Lamar CO, to Reno. I had driven it once before in the late 60's and was surprised to see how little most of it had changed. Since we don't like the interstate highways, 50 is our kind of road. You'll enjoy driving at the speed you choose.
Fishinghat
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2013
Be prepared to see a whole lot of nothing, and more of it. If you like "wide open desert", this is it. You may not see another vehicle for miles and miles. Otherwise, the road is well maintained and it is a peaceful drive.
J_herb
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
We just drove it in April and in May and enjoyed it, we also drove it in 2007 and will do it again.
mittshel
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013
I like that road very much. Look forward to taking it again. Don't remember the exact scenery, just that I thought it was a nice relaxing drive. Enjoy. Betsy.
The_Texan
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
IDman wrote:
This is an excellent hiway with good surface. Traffic is light and scenery varies. Fuel is available about every 60 miles or so. The "Loneliest Road" is hype to get people interested in it. I wish every road in U.S. was like this one!
Good info and very accurate. We have traveled the road at least 10x in both directions and it is our preferred route. There is no problem with fuel availability, the road is excellent and the climb from Austin to Ely is about the only up grade you will have. Then once in Utah, there is a slight up grade about 20 mile after the state line and then it is a down grade into the Great Basin and into Delta. The scenery is IMO, awesome and varied.
fly-boy
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
Not bad but it can be hot out there!
IDman
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
This is an excellent hiway with good surface. Traffic is light and scenery varies. Fuel is available about every 60 miles or so. The "Loneliest Road" is hype to get people interested in it. I wish every road in U.S. was like this one!

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