6 of the best road trips in Nevada

17.11.2023 - 14:53 / lonelyplanet.com / Lake Tahoe

Those who enjoy wild and lonely places will love driving Nevada's scenic and remote back roads.

Whether you’re planning to add some scenic byways into a longer road trip in the USA or just want to squeeze in a bit more sightseeing, our pick of Nevada’s best drives are worth adding to your itinerary.

Best for peace and quiet on the open road
Distance: 320 miles

Stretching east from Fallon, Nevada, to Great Basin National Park and the state line, remote Hwy 50 follows some of America's most iconic routes – the Pony Express, the Overland Stagecoach and the Lincoln Highway – across the heart of the state. It was described by Life magazine in 1986 as the "Loneliest Road in America," and the name has stuck.

Planning tip: You can pick up a Hwy 50 Survival Guide from most tourist information offices; expect mile after mile without another vehicle in sight and only austere basin expanses and rugged peaks to keep you company.

Best road trip for retro Vegas sights
Distance: 5 miles

This five-mile route may be short but it’s the USA’s only night-time scenic byway and it’s an iconic drive. Here you can soak up some of the best of the Las Vegas’ sights without diving into the craziness of the Strip (although it’s right there waiting for you when you're ready).

See the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign and go "around the world" spotting the themed resorts, including Ancient Egyptian pyramids, medieval castles, the Eiffel Tower and more. It can take just thirty minutes to complete but many linger around the route for several hours exploring or taking snaps.

Best for heart-stopping hairpin bends
Distance: 12 miles

Ascending 3000ft, this out-and-back scenic drive will have your ears popping and jaw dropping at the staggering views of both Wheeler Peak and the basin floor. At each turn (these hairpins aren't for the fainthearted), the vistas just keep getting better. From the roundabout at the end of the drive, you can park up and climb the mountain (provided you're appropriately prepared). Other, shorter hikes are no less beautiful.

Local tip: Park rangers tell us the drive crosses the same number of eco-regions as exist between northern Nevada and Canada's frozen Yukon, thousands of miles north.

Best road trip for stunning alpine views
Distance: 24 miles

The romantic name for State Route 431, this drive connects Lake Tahoe’s Incline Village with Reno and includes an elevation of more than 8000ft above sea level at Mount Rose Summit. The scenic overlook three miles in is an essential stop to get the full impact of the sparkling alpine lake.

Planning tip: If you’re undertaking this drive in the winter, always check the road conditions before you set off.

Best for serene beaches
Distance: 34 miles

A piercingly blue