The Loneliest Highway

Highway 50 through Nevada is called 'America's loneliest highway'. I love this stretch of road for that reason - there's hardly any traffic. I put the van in cruise-control, load up my CD player or tune-in Sirius satellite radio, blast the music, and sing my way across the state. Sometimes the desert is glorious with the yellow blooms and the bright green of new growth. After a rain, I roll down the windows and take in the delicious, pungent scent of sage. The road travels over several beautiful mountain passes for a cooler and different change of scenery - juniper and pinion pine forests.

~~~ NV desert in spring ~~~

~~~ NV desert in winter ~~~

There are several places along Highway 50 where I've stopped for a rest or to spend the night. All are free and have toilet facilities.

- Sand Mountain - 25 miles E of Fallon

- about 20 miles E of Sand Mtn, turn R on 722. There are a couple of places on the R within 10-15 miles. 722 joins 50 again just beforeAustin.
- Bob Scott NF c.g. - about 10 miles E of Austin; closed in winter,but there is a spot just before the gate where a small rig can tuck inbetween the trees.
- Hickison Petroglyph c.g. - between Austin and Eureka.
- Illiapah Reservoir c.g. - about 35 miles W of Ely