️ 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.