Driving across the United States is sometimes a very strange experience. The country is so big and empty in some areas that you can truly go miles without seeing anyone or anything. One example of a road that is known for its emptiness is US Highway 50. Since Life magazine dubbed it “the loneliest road in America” back in 1986, this road has maintained a reputation for being one of the loneliest drives in the country. It is a dangerous road, with no infrastructure to speak of, no gas stations for miles, no cell signal, no other cars in sight and many stories of optical illusions that would make anyone think twice before using it to travel.
US Highway 50 was built in 1926, when the US started building a network of major routes across the country to start connecting major metropolitan areas that were starting to emerge. It goes coast to coast from Washington, D.C., all the way to California, but despite its length it is only one portion of it that is really something to fear, and that is the Nevada portion.
US Highway 50, a very strange road that you should take seriously
It is hard to comprehend the fear, after al we have been driving for a century and we have gotten used to doing so in less than ideal conditions, thinking nothing about going for miles without encountering anyone or anything. We have driven through deserts, snow covered mountains and prairies, but even so US Highway 50 in Nevada is something different.
So much so that the American Automobile Association (AAA) warns drivers to not attempt this stretch of road unless you know how to handle your car in tough, remote conditions. Having said that, it is kind of the point. The conditions could have been fixed and improved at any point, but as Travel Nevada explains, the journey is a mix of raw nature, historic nuggets, and small-town charm and every stretch of pavement tells a story.
When Life magazine ran their piece calling it “the loneliest road in America,” locals were not thrilled, as it painted a very somber picture that no one would like to be a part of, but then the state leaned into it, using it more as a travel attraction than as a way to travel from one coast to another. It is such a tourist thing to do that now travelers can collect stamps in a special “passport” at various stops, pick up themed souvenirs, and even grab a survival kit made for road warriors looking to conquer the loneliest road. It is now a badge of honor to complete the drive.
But that does not mean that it is still not dangerous and a bit reckless. There are a lot more controls than there used to be and patrols do happen to rescue those that are in over their heads, but that does not mean that planning for the worst has become unnecessary. AAA suggests filling up your tank and bringing extra fuel, stocking up on food and water, double checking your vehicle’s condition, and telling someone when you expect to arrive.
This might seem a bit overboard, but you cannot rely on your phone on this trip, so carrying a map will be important and if you have access to a satellite phone consider taking that with you as well.
The trip is worth it for those who love nature, the Great Basin National Park offers some of the darkest night skies in the country and traversing the old mining towns that stand frozen in history, with their dusty saloons still clinging to life is a once in a lifetime experience, but care should be taken every step of the way to ensure your safety.