Nevada Road Trip on US Route 6: From Montgomery Pass to Baker

US Route 6 Nevada Itinerary: Montgomery Pass to Baker 

Total Distance: ~305 miles
Recommended Duration: 2–3 days
Theme: Ghost Towns, Stargazing, and Great Basin Adventure


Day 1: Montgomery Pass → Tonopah

Begin your Nevada journey at Montgomery Pass, nestled near the California border. As you descend into the high desert, stop to admire Boundary Peak, Nevada’s tallest point.

Tonopah Highlights:

  • Tonopah Historic Mining Park – Tour real mining equipment and tunnels.
  • Clown Motel – The internet-famous oddity worth a quirky photo.
  • Central Nevada Museum – Learn the region’s colorful past.
  • Stargazing – Tonopah boasts some of the darkest skies in the lower 48.

Overnight in Tonopah


Day 2: Tonopah → Ely

Drive east through Nevada’s open spaces. This section is part of the Loneliest Road in America, offering pure solitude and stunning desert vistas.

En Route Stops:

  • Warm Springs – Explore an abandoned ghost town and natural hot springs.
  • Lunar Crater – A massive volcanic formation with a short gravel-road detour.
  • Currant – A tiny waypoint near the White Pine Range.

Ely Highlights:

  • Nevada Northern Railway Museum – Ride a vintage steam train.
  • Downtown Ely Murals – Outdoor art experience celebrating local culture.
  • Jailhouse Casino – Eat and stay in a Western-themed casino-hotel.

Overnight in Ely


Day 3: Ely → Baker

Head toward the Utah border with scenic mountain views as your backdrop. The route culminates in Great Basin National Park, one of Nevada’s natural treasures.

Must-See in Baker:

  • Lehman Caves – Join a ranger-led cave tour through marble formations.
  • Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive – Spectacular views at over 10,000 feet.
  • Bristlecone Pine Trail – Hike to trees that are thousands of years old.
  • Great Basin Observatory – Some of the best stargazing in the country.

Travel Tips:

  • Bring extra fuel, food, and water – towns are sparse.
  • Download offline maps and GPS routes.
  • Dress in layers; Nevada’s elevation changes mean temperature swings.
  • Always check road conditions before setting out.

Journey Through Utah on Historic US Route 6 in Utah: Delta to Price

Experience the rugged beauty, small-town charm, and open-road freedom that only a journey across US Route 6 in Utah can deliver. 
From the agricultural heart of Delta to the vibrant crossroads of Price, your Route 6 adventure is lined with historic mining towns, dramatic mountain passes, and unforgettable landscapes.

️ Delta, Utah – Your Starting Line

Begin your journey in Delta, a friendly agricultural town known for its strong community spirit and access to nearby Great Basin landscapes.
Don’t miss:

  • Topaz Museum – An emotional look at the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.
  • Delta City Park – A great spot for a morning stroll or picnic before hitting the highway.

Travel Tip: Fill up on gas and grab snacks here — stretches of US 6 ahead are wide open and services sparse!


️ Eureka, Utah – Ghosts of a Golden Past

After about 70 miles northeast, you’ll enter Eureka, a living time capsule of Utah’s mining boom.

Highlights:

  • Tintic Mining Museum – Learn how silver put Eureka on the map.
  • Historic Downtown Eureka – Wander among preserved 19th-century storefronts and mining remnants.
  • Abandoned Mines & Historic Homes – Perfect for photographers and history buffs.

Forward Look: Eureka is part of the Tintic Mining District, a future heritage tourism hotspot with emerging restoration projects.


️ Spanish Fork, Utah – Gateway to the Wasatch

Continue east to Spanish Fork, nestled against the Wasatch Mountains.

Things to explore:

  • Spanish Fork River Trail – A scenic multi-use trail ideal for a quick stretch.
  • Icelandic Association Monument – A nod to Utah’s Icelandic immigrant heritage.
  • Downtown Spanish Fork – Boutique shops, coffee houses, and a welcoming vibe.

Pro Tip: Spanish Fork is evolving into a culinary hub. Look for pop-up events, food trucks, and farmers’ markets especially in the summer!


️ Through Price Canyon to Price, Utah – The Finale

Your Route 6 journey culminates as you pass through Price Canyon, one of Utah’s most dramatic geological corridors.

Arriving in Price, enjoy:

  • Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum – Amazing dinosaur exhibits and ancient artifacts.
  • Historic Downtown Price – Murals, cafes, and community festivals give this town its heartbeat.
  • Coal Mining History – Explore how the region’s coal industry shaped the local economy and culture.

Vision for the Future: Price is positioning itself as an outdoor recreation hub for ATV riding, hiking, and fossil hunting.

 Exploring Historic US Route 6 in California: From Long Beach to the Nevada border

Here’s a detailed California itinerary following the historic US Route 6 from Long Beach to the Nevada border, blending scenic drives, small-town charm, historical context, and Route 6 heritage:


Historic US Route 6 Itinerary – California Segment

Route: Long Beach to Nevada Border (near Benton)
Distance: Approx. 400 miles
Suggested Duration: 3–4 days


Day 1: Long Beach to Palmdale (~90 miles)

Highlights:

  • Long Beach – Starting Point
    • Historic Note: US Route 6 originally ended here before being truncated in 1964.
    • Things to See: Shoreline Village, RMS Queen Mary, and the historic US 6 terminus plaque.
  • Compton/Inglewood (Route 6 path via Alameda St & Redondo Beach Blvd)
    • Follow the original alignment as much as possible.
    • Great areas for urban Route 6 sign photography (if posted).
  • Los Angeles to Pasadena via Figueroa St & Colorado Blvd (Historic Route)
    • Visit Colorado Street Bridge and Route 66/6 Convergence Zones.
  • Glendora – Azusa Canyon Drive (into the foothills)
    • Scenic drive as you start ascending toward the Antelope Valley.
  • Palmdale
    • Overnight Stop: Explore Joe Davies Heritage Airpark and Route 6 context at Palmdale’s Transportation History Exhibit.

Day 2: Palmdale to Bishop (~200 miles)

Highlights:

  • Lancaster
    • Seasonal: Visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve (spring bloom).
    • Historic Stop: Western Hotel Museum (built 1886).
  • Rosamond → Mojave
    • Follow Sierra Highway (Old US 6).
    • Mojave Air & Space Port – Aerospace history along the way.
  • Red Rock Canyon State Park (near Cantil)
    • Striking desert cliffs and hiking trails. Great roadside stop.
  • Inyokern → Ridgecrest
    • Route 6 bypassed Ridgecrest but came close – optional detour for supplies or lodging.
  • Olancha to Lone Pine
    • Gateway to Mount Whitney and Alabama Hills filming locations.
  • Bishop
    • Overnight Stop: Historic Route 6 town with small-town charm, murals, and local eats.
    • Don’t miss Laws Railroad Museum for old-west rail + Route 6 heritage.

Day 3: Bishop to Nevada Border (~110 miles)

Highlights:

  • Chalfant Valley → Benton
    • Explore local artisan shops and ranch lands.
  • Benton Hot Springs (Optional overnight or stop)
    • Historic mining town with relaxing hot springs – perfect end to California stretch.
  • Nevada State Line (near Montgomery Pass)
    • Cross into Nevada on Historic US 6 heading toward Tonopah.

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Detour to Death Valley from Olancha (add a day).
  • Extend the route through Tonopah, NV continuing on Historic US 6 eastward.

Tips for Travelers:

  • Watch for US Route 6 signs – some areas retain historical signage.
  • Document your journey for the US Route 6 Tourist Association archives.
  • Check road conditions, especially in winter near Sierra passes.

 

 

Journey Through Massachusetts on Historic US Route 6

From Seekonk to Provincetown – A Timeless Coastal Adventure

Get ready to experience one of the most scenic and historic stretches of US Route 6 as it weaves through the heart of Massachusetts! Starting near the Rhode Island border in Seekonk and ending at the windswept shores of Provincetown, this journey captures the vibrant spirit, maritime legacy, and natural beauty that define the Bay State.


Starting Point: Seekonk, Massachusetts

Our adventure begins in Seekonk, a welcoming town known for its blend of New England charm and easygoing energy. Route 6 enters Massachusetts here, offering convenient access to the vibrant urban hubs and coastal gems that lie ahead.

Before heading out, take a moment to explore local parks like Seekonk Grand Prix for a bit of fun, or fuel up at one of the many family-owned diners dotting the town.


Fall River – A City Steeped in Maritime History

As Route 6 heads east, you’ll soon reach Fall River, famously known for its textile industry legacy and rich nautical history.
Highlights include:

  • Battleship Cove – Home to the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels, including the USS Massachusetts.
  • Fall River Heritage State Park – Offering riverside walking trails and stunning views of the Taunton River.
  • Lizzie Borden House – A must-see for true crime enthusiasts.

Fall River’s vibrant waterfront and historic mills make it an unforgettable stop on your Route 6 journey.


New Bedford – The Whaling City

Continue east to New Bedford, where seafaring history runs deep. In the 19th century, New Bedford was the world’s preeminent whaling port, and that legacy remains alive today.

Top stops:

  • New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park – Stroll through cobblestone streets and visit historic whaling-era buildings.
  • New Bedford Harbor – Watch commercial fishing vessels unload the day’s catch at one of America’s most valuable fishing ports.
  • Buttonwood Park Zoo – A delightful detour, especially if you’re traveling with family.

Cape Cod Canal – Gateway to the Cape

As you approach Bourne, you’ll cross the Cape Cod Canal, a marvel of engineering that reshaped maritime travel.
Route 6 runs close to both the
Bourne Bridge and Sagamore Bridge — either route will sweep you onto Cape Cod.

Recommended stop:

  • Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center – Learn about the canal’s fascinating history, or enjoy a bike ride along the scenic Canal Bikeway.

Crossing the canal truly feels like stepping into another world: slower-paced, sea-scented, and rich with coastal charm.


Cape Cod Adventure: From Sandwich to Orleans

Once on Cape Cod, Route 6 becomes a true coastal highway.
Drive through historic towns like:

  • Sandwich – The Cape’s oldest town, known for its glass museum and serene beaches.
  • Barnstable – A collection of seven villages, each with its own flavor.
  • Orleans – The gateway to the National Seashore, offering beaches like Nauset Beach.

Consider quick detours to local seafood shacks, antique stores, and cranberry bogs along the way.


Destination: Provincetown – Where the Journey Ends (or Begins!)

At the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown awaits — a vibrant, artsy town with stunning coastal beauty and a welcoming atmosphere.

Must-see experiences:

  • Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum – Climb for panoramic views.
  • Race Point Beach – Perfect for watching the sunset or spotting whales offshore.
  • Commercial Street – Stroll this lively strip filled with galleries, shops, and restaurants.

End your Route 6 journey by dipping your toes into the Atlantic Ocean at Race Point or Herring Cove Beach — a fitting finale to a truly historic road trip.