The History of Highway 50: America's Loneliest Road
A Journey Through Time Across Nevada’s Wild Heart
Stretching from Ocean City, Maryland, to Sacramento, California, U.S. Route 50 is one of the great highways of the American road trip. But it’s the stretch that cuts across the heart of Nevada that has earned it an almost mythical status. Known today as the Loneliest Road in America, Highway 50 offers a glimpse into the rugged, remote beauty of the West—and into the soul of the country’s past.
And right in the middle of it all? Ely, Nevada—a historic mining town and proud home of the Hotel Nevada, a legendary stopover for travelers on this timeless route.
🛣️ The Origins of U.S. Route 50
U.S. Route 50 was officially commissioned in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Highway System. Designed to connect the East Coast to the West Coast, Route 50 became a vital east-west corridor long before interstates took over.
Spanning over 3,000 miles, Highway 50 passes through 12 states, linking rural communities, scenic landscapes, and historic towns. In its early years, sections of the road—especially through the Great Basin in Nevada—were rough, remote, and sparsely traveled, accessible mostly to the bold and the adventurous.
🚧 The “Loneliest Road in America”
In 1986, Life Magazine famously dubbed Nevada’s stretch of Highway 50 the "Loneliest Road in America," warning readers that it had few gas stations, little civilization, and offered “no points of interest.”
But Nevadans took that label and ran with it.
What was meant as a slight became a badge of honor—and the route was reborn as a bucket-list road trip for travelers seeking solitude, scenery, and the soul of the West.
Today, the Nevada portion of Highway 50 is beloved for its empty beauty, rolling basins, towering mountain ranges, and quirky, welcoming towns like Ely, Eureka, and Austin.
🏜️ Highway 50 Through Ely: Mining, Mountains, and Main Street Americana
Ely, founded in the late 1800s as a mining and railroad town, became a key stop along Highway 50 thanks to its copper boom, railway connection, and position at the foot of the Schell Creek Range.
When you roll into Ely today, you’re entering a town where history is still alive. From the towering neon sign of the Historic Hotel Nevada to the restored steam engines at the Nevada Northern Railway, the town is a living reminder of Highway 50’s frontier roots.
Whether you're exploring local art murals, visiting Cave Lake State Park, or grabbing a burger and a cold drink downtown, Ely is more than a stop—it's part of the story.
🏨 Where to Stay on Highway 50: Hotel Nevada
Since 1929, the Historic Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall has welcomed guests traveling Highway 50 with rustic charm, great food, and a warm bed. It’s been everything from a prohibition-era casino to a celebrity stopover—and today, it’s one of the most iconic places to stay in the entire state.
Why it’s a must-stop:
Located right on Highway 50 in downtown Ely
Premium suites and comfortable rooms with a Western flair
24-hour casino, restaurant, and bar
Pet-friendly and trailer-ready for road-trippers and riders
Steps from Ely’s murals, museums, and attractions
Whether you're passing through or spending a few nights exploring the region, Hotel Nevada is a true part of the Highway 50 experience.
🚗 Modern Road Trip Must-Do: The Highway 50 Survival Guide
To make the most of your trip, Nevada’s tourism board created the Highway 50 Survival Guide—a fun, passport-style booklet that you can get stamped at stops along the way (including Ely!). Finish the route and you'll earn a certificate and bragging rights.
Pro Tip: Grab a guide before your trip and turn your journey into a real-life adventure.
📷 Highlights Along Nevada’s Highway 50:
Ely: Murals, museums, the Nevada Northern Railway, OHV trails, and Hotel Nevada
Ward Charcoal Ovens: Unique historic site just south of town
Great Basin National Park: One of the country’s most underrated national parks
Eureka & Austin: Tiny towns with big Old West personality
Endless open road: With jaw-dropping skies and solitude you can’t get anywhere else
📅 Take the Trip. Embrace the Silence.
In a world that never stops moving, the Loneliest Road in America invites you to slow down. To disconnect. To look out your window and remember what open space feels like.
And when you’re ready for a warm bed, good meal, and a touch of Nevada hospitality, Hotel Nevada will be waiting—just like it has since 1929.
