Summer Road Trip Ideas: Nevada’s Loneliest Road

As the world starts to turn again, now is a great time to break out the map and start planning your next summer road trip. If you live in Arizona and want to go out of state, but not too far out, then one great choice of a short but exciting road trip is taking Nevada’s Loneliest Road.

Nevada’s Loneliest Road AKA US Route 50

Life Magazine ran an article in the 1980s calling Nevada’s portion of Highway 50 “The Loneliest Road in America.” Those authors weren’t being kind, stating, “It’s totally empty. There are no points of interest. We don’t recommend it. We warn all motorists not to drive there unless they’re confident of their survival skills.”

Well, Nevada didn’t take offense and instead leaned into the name, and within a few years, motorists everywhere were praising this stretch of road for not only offering some superior points of interest, but also featuring spectacular views of some of America’s most unique landscapes. In 1997, Time Magazine devoted nearly the entirety of its July 7th issue to the beauty of US Highway 50 and renamed the road the “Backbone of America.”

Checking Into the Highlights of Route 50

Regardless of which name you choose, there are plenty of things to see and do along the Nevada stretch of this road that connects Reno with Baker, NV. The entirety of this stretch is 400 miles, making it a great choice for the long weekend voyage or an extended weeklong (or two) summer road trip. Here are just a few great highlights to include as you plan your summer road trip:

• National Automobile Museum. If you love all things with an engine, then a stop by this Reno museum is a must. Here, you’ll see gorgeous and one-of-a-kind models like the car from Rebel Without a Cause.
• Overland Hotel and Saloon Restaurant. A real blast from the past, this Wild West hotel and bar is the perfect stop for a drink before you explore the rest of what Fallon, NV has to offer.
• Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area. Located in Battle Mountain, this unique park features a hiking trail that takes you by 10,000-year-old petroglyphs.
• Blue Mass Scenic Area Campground. This is a must-go campground for anyone who likes the site of Nevada’s unique landscapes.

Get Your Vehicle Tuned Up Before You Go

Of course, you don’t want to hit the road before having your vehicle tuned-up and ready to go. Schedule your next oil change or general maintenance visit at our friendly Arizona auto body and repair shop.