Pahrump to Winnemucca

The road is fine, just a little lonely.

Road is good. Be sure to have enough gas. I stayed at New Frontier Campground when I took that route. Recommend it. Winnemaucca.

It will not be 85 in May.
Nevada is the most rural state. Outside of Reno and LV there there is not much out there. You have to adjust your thinking. Even for a day trip, carry several gallons of water, a couple of sleeping bags, some food.
Keep your fuel tank at least half full at all times.

Whenever I travel in sparcely populated areas, I always carry 5 gallons of gasoline, extra water and food, and enough blankets or sleeping bags for COLD weather.
You can't be overprepared.
We have helped other families out with food and water on more than one occasion. Last time we were going in Pahrump, we stopped to see what we could do to help out a young man with the hood open on his truck. He had been there for over an hour and nobody stopped. All he needed was a couple of gallons of water for his truck. We followed him into Pahrump to make sure he made it.

Being well prepared and traveling with 2 dogs is definitely a priority.

While taking US95 as far as Tonopah, there appear to be multiple choices from there. Continuing on US95 to I80 may be a bit longer, but stays closer to civilization. It may also have better gas choices.

I have passed through Tonopah, but in a East-west direction, from Caliente to Big Pine. Tonopah was a welcome gas stop since there wasn't much of an alternative in the 200 miles from Caliente.

The most direct route through Austin doesn't look too bad - gas wise. The Champs gas station appears to be an important stop for US50 travelers. It closes at 9 (according to GM), and even has a EV charging station.

I just watched a vlog of a world traveler passing through Austin on US50. Looks like more of a historic mountain town than I first realized. With some history, gem shops, and such.