Saturday Itinerary: Nevada on Historic US Route 6
A High Desert Saturday Across Nevada
Nevada’s stretch of Historic US Route 6 delivers one of the most expansive and memorable road days in the entire Route 6 corridor. This is Great Basin travel at its purest. Wide valleys. Mountain passes. Railroad history. Mining towns. Dark skies that reward travelers who slow down and stay curious. This Saturday itinerary is designed as an east to west journey that balances scenic driving with meaningful stops and authentic Nevada character.
Starting Point
Utah state line at Sacramento Pass near Baker, Nevada
This natural gateway into Nevada sets the tone immediately. Open landscapes, high elevation air, and long sightlines introduce travelers to the rhythm of Route 6 in the Silver State.
Morning Stop: Ely
Why it matters: Ely remains one of the most important historic anchors on US Route 6.
Don’t miss
- Nevada Northern Railway Museum
A rare chance to experience a working rail yard tied directly to Nevada’s mining history. - Historic downtown Ely
Murals, classic storefronts, and a walkable main street that still feels like a railroad town.
Breakfast option
- Local diners near Aultman Street offer hearty, no rush starts that fit a Saturday pace.
Late Morning Detour: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Why it matters:
These six stone ovens, built in the late 1870s, supported silver mining operations and remain some of the most photogenic industrial artifacts in the state.
What to experience
- Short walks around the ovens
- Quiet mountain scenery in the Egan Range
- A tangible connection to Nevada’s boom and bust mining era
Midday Drive: Open Range US Route 6
Ely to Warm Springs
This is classic Nevada Route 6. Long straightaways. Minimal traffic. Basin and Range geology unfolding mile by mile. This stretch is as much about the drive as the destination.
Important note
- Fuel up in Ely. Services are extremely limited until Tonopah.
Afternoon Stop: Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark
Why it matters:
A volcanic landscape that looks more like the moon than the American West.
What to experience
- Short gravel loop drive from US Route 6
- Views into volcanic craters
- A reminder that Nevada’s story is written in both rock and time
Late Afternoon and Evening: Tonopah
Why it matters:
Tonopah captures the spirit of Nevada’s mining age and pairs it with some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states.
Don’t miss
- Tonopah Historic Mining Park
Self guided walks through authentic mining structures. - Mizpah Hotel
A landmark hotel that tells its own stories with every hallway. - Tonopah Stargazing Park
Best enjoyed after sunset, especially during low moon phases.
Dinner option
- Tonopah Brewing Company for a relaxed meal and local flavor.
Estimated Travel Time
- Approximate distance: 300 plus miles
- Driving time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours without long detours
- Ideal as a full day itinerary or an overnight trip with a Tonopah stay
Cultural Experiences Along the Way
- Living railroad history in Ely
- Mining era infrastructure preserved in place
- Vast Great Basin landscapes that define Nevada travel
- Night skies that reconnect travelers with the scale of the West
Tips for Saturday Travelers
- Carry extra water year round
- Expect limited cell service between towns
- Plan fuel stops carefully
- Dress in layers. Elevation and desert weather shift quickly
- Download offline maps before leaving Ely or Tonopah
Historic US Route 6 stories do not preserve themselves. Every itinerary shared, every museum visited, and every mile driven with intention helps keep this highway’s legacy alive.
The US Route 6 Tourist Association works to protect, promote, and interpret this historic corridor through partnerships, education, and storytelling. Your support helps ensure that places like Ely, Tonopah, and the open road between them remain accessible and understood for future travelers.
Consider supporting the association, subscribing to Happenings, or sharing your own Route 6 experiences. Nevada’s Route 6 story is vast, and it continues because people care enough to keep telling it.
Subscribe to the Happenings Subscription for updates on local events, hidden gems, and stories from communities along Historic US Route 6.
