South from Jackpot, NV to Las Vegas, NV on 93

[Mike_NW]

We will be hitting Jackpot, NV on Christmas day and then heading to Las Vegas the following day. I curious about the route on 93 south from Jackpot. Is the road well maintained during the winter? Should we have concerns about driving this road during the winter? Much of the roadway looks very remote and I guess I am somewhat concerned about whether we will have cell service (ATT) and also gas service. Any comments on the route would be appreciated.

[slickest1]

2 years ago we were coming back from AZ and stopped at Jackpot for the night. It was the end of Feb and it was pretty cool. We woke up the next morning in a blizzard and 10 inches of snow. The crews were out plowing and after an hr or so we left, When we got to twin falls there was hardly any snow.

It is a nice easy drive and we have used it many times. Like said watch the weather.I think this is still an easier route when the weather is bad.

[obgraham]

If you are nervous about fuel on this route after you pass up fueling at Ash Springs or Alamo and then think Vegas is a bit too far, well now there is a big Love's at the junction of 93 and I-15.

[bobsallyh]

We run this route every spring and fall. Use the Rt 318 out of Ely. It will save you approx. 40 miles and several grade pulls. We fill up in Ely and refill in Sin City. Dually crew cab pulling a 40' fiver, 35 gallon tank. This an excellent two lane road. Some trucks, RVs, and some cars.

[Mike_NW]

Great advice from everyone and I thank you all.

[2gypsies1]

Harvard wrote:
1. I would not take Hgy 93 between Ely and Alamo.
2. There are no fuel stops between Ely and Alamo, no matter which route.

Wells to Ely is 137 miles

Ely to Alamo is 147 miles

I can't see a fuel problem. When driving to Alaska everyone knows to fill up when you see fuel available and drive on the top half of the tank. This can work in the lower 48 as well.

[Harvard]

1. I would not take Hgy 93 between Ely and Alamo.
2. There are no fuel stops between Ely and Alamo, no matter which route.

[obgraham]

The route is as others say. There are only three things to consider. 1. Weather 2.Weather 3.Weather. I can tell you from experience that US93 can be a really tough place to be in bad winter weather. Several times I've run it in the "light snow" stage, and once in a white-out below Wells. That wasn't smart.

Check the weather forecast!

It's amazing to me how the weather gets better as soon as you pass Caliente.

[old_guy]

we gas up in jackpot, then wells and then Ely. we can make it to the truck stop this side of Vegas well enough. I like my tank to be as full as it can in case the roads get bad and I can still keep warm. or keep propane in your TT tanks full. last year in Nov a fried of mine just missed getting caught in a road closure when a gas tanker slid off the road.

[jmtandem]

Carry fuel. Stay on the top of your tank. Don't drive at night. Black cow, black road, black night........you get the idea. Much of Nevada's rural roads are not fenced. Otherwise it is a very good road and drive.

[time2roll]

It is a good road. It is remote. If snow starts to accumulate do not expect to see a plow anytime soon.

Couple spots with 100 miles between fuel stops but you will be fine. Depending on your range go ahead and fill up as soon as you get below half tank.

+1 for taking the 318 as it will cut miles and time.

We have frequently run Boise to Vegas down this road. We overnight in Ely to split the drive. Never any trouble.

[Mike_NW]

2oldman wrote:
Have you checked the ATT coverage map?

Good idea--checked, coverage actually looks decent.

[Dakota98]

Hwy 93 all the way to Ely. At that point, you have two choices. Take Hwy 6 from Ely which connects to Hwy 318 then back to Hwy 93 just before Alamo. Or, from Ely Hwy 93 all the way to Alamo & on to Las Vegas. Highway 93 from Ely is about 50 miles / one hour more than 6/318/93, but will have better phone coverage the entire way. Coverage for any cell service is sparse in that part of Nevada. Either route is about the same road conditions, both decent.

[2oldman]

Have you checked the ATT coverage map?

[Rev-limiter]

Jackpot to Wells I-80, Wells to Panoche and Caliente has a couple of passes that may have some light snow, but should be worked if there is. If you are traveling at night, be cautious. They don't usually plow at night. Cell is intermitant as it normally is in the far outback. Other than that, good road.