I always thought Nevada was just Las Vegas, but I discovered I was incorrect. My most recent trip along the Great Basin Highway, which was mostly US Route 93 in Nevada, demonstrated a completely different side. This is one of the most memorable scenic drives in Nevada. It’s a path through old rock formations, green oases, and quiet towns. It’s wild to think that while Vegas gets millions, key spots like Great Basin National Park saw just over 146,000 visitors last year. This trip is great for escaping crowds and finding some of the best things to do in Eastern Nevada, from desert hikes to seeing the stars in clear skies.
Travel Insurance
For a remote road trip, travel insurance is a good idea. It covers unexpected delays and medical needs, keeping your journey stress-free.
Things to Do Along the Great Basin Highway
1. Valley of Fire State Park
This park is just an hour from Las Vegas, but feels like you are in another world, the bright red Aztec sandstone glows like lava especially at sunrise and sunset. It makes everything look like it is on fire. It was an easy stop to get the Nevada road trip itinerary started. I spent hours driving the scenic roads and pulling over for short walks to see ancient petroglyphs.
- Special Feature: Fiery red Aztec sandstone formations that seem to glow.
- Where to Stay: North Shore Inn at Lake Mead, Overton, NV 89040
- Hours: Park: sunrise to sunset; Visitor Center: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Hidden Gem: Pink Canyon (Pastel Canyon), an unmarked slot canyon.
2. Overton, Nevada
This small, friendly town is that perfect entry point for the Valley of Fire and Lake Mead. It’s home to the Lost City Museum. The museum gives a good look into the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived here. Overton has a quiet charm that feels a world away from Las Vegas. It’s a great place to resupply before heading north.
- Special Feature: Home to the Lost City Museum and its ancient artifacts.
- Where to Stay: North Shore Inn at Lake Mead, Overton, NV 89040
- Hours: Museum: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Tues–Sun).
- Hidden Gem: See the resurfaced St. Thomas ghost town in Lake Mead.
3. Kershaw-Ryan State Park
This park is an oasis in the desert. It occupies a deep, colorful canyon. The lush plant line is due to a spring that feeds the area, which is startling because of the dryness of the surrounding area. I liked the short hiking trails to overlooks of Rainbow Canyon. This park is a nice spot for a picnic with shady trees if you are wanting something different.
- Special Feature: A lush, spring-fed oasis inside a 700-foot-deep canyon.
- Where to Stay: Shady Motel, 430 Front St, Caliente, NV 89008
- Hours: Day-use area open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
- Hidden Gem: The small, spring-fed wading pool is a fun surprise.
4. Caliente, Nevada
Known as Nevada’s “City of Roses,” Caliente is the activity hub for the region. It’s a historic railroad town with a nice mission-style depot building. This is a great basecamp for seeing the area’s five Nevada state parks. The Town is also developing a following for mountain biking with trails in hills of varying levels of difficulty.
- Special Feature: The historic 1923 mission-style Caliente Railroad Depot.
- Where to Stay: Patty’s Motel, 350 Falcon Dr, Caliente, NV 89008
- Hours: City offices open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Mon–Fri).
- Hidden Gem: Ask locals about the hidden hot springs on nearby trails.
5. Beaver Dam State Park
If you want to get off the grid, this is the place. As Nevada’s most remote state park, it offers true solitude. The drive-in is also located on a gravel road, which helps reduce crowds visiting. I enjoyed the wilderness aspect of the scenic canyon areas and the streams filled with rainbow trout. It’s a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing and disconnecting from everything.
- Special Feature: Considered the most remote and primitive of Nevada’s state parks.
- Where to Stay: Pioche RV Park & Campground, 420 E Meadow Valley Rd, Pioche, NV 89043
- Hours: Open 24/7, year-round; road access can be limited in winter.
- Hidden Gem: Find the historic stone ruins of the old Hamblin Ranch.
6. Cathedral Gorge State Park
Walking through Cathedral Gorge State Park feels like seeing another world. The park is famous for its spires and slot canyons carved into soft bentonite clay. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially in the late afternoon light. I had a blast squeezing through the narrow passages of the “caves.” This is a must-see stop along US Route 93 in Nevada.
- Special Feature: Seeing the unique, cave-like slot canyons in soft clay.
- Where to Stay: Pine Tree Inn, 10 Main St, Panaca, NV 89042
- Hours: Open 24/7; Visitor Center open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily.
- Hidden Gem: The historic stone water tower built by the CCC in the 1930s.
7. Pioche, one of the living Nevada ghost towns
Pioche is one of the most authentic Nevada ghost towns near the Great Basin Highway that’s still alive. This old mining town was famously rough, and its history is everywhere. You can see it from the “Million Dollar Courthouse” to the Boot Hill Cemetery. Don’t miss the rusting aerial tramway buckets still hanging over the town, a cool reminder of its past. It’s an interesting look into the Wild West.
- Special Feature: The last-of-its-kind aerial tramway with ore buckets over town.
- Where to Stay: Historic Overland Hotel & Saloon, 66 N Main St, Pioche, NV 89043
- Hours: Museums open seasonally; verify on the official site.
- Hidden Gem: Boot Hill Cemetery’s headstones tell wild stories.
8. Echo Canyon State Park
Centered around a 65-acre reservoir, this park is a nice spot for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The contrast between the water and the rugged volcanic rock formations is neat.I took the Ash Canyon trail that is along the valley rim, which provides great views. It is a calm, quiet park that feels remote at times, yet is accessible and close to a roadway.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: 800 feet
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 1.5–2 hours
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9. Spring Valley State Park
History and nature come together perfectly here. The park has the Eagle Valley Reservoir is an excellent fishing spot among the beautiful unique gray and pink volcanic rock. I visited the 19th century ranch buildings which included the Stone Cabin to get a feel of pioneer days. The trail to view the historical sites was an easy, pleasant walk from the ranch to Las Vegas via Great Basin National Park.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: Verify on the official site
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1.5 hours
10. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
It is impressive to see the six gigantic beehive-shaped ovens situated in the high desert. Built in the 1870s to produce charcoal for silver smelters, they are well-preserved. It’s a quick but memorable stop that tells a good story of Nevada’s mining boom. The isolation of the Ward Charcoal Ovens provides a perfect opportunity for stargazing as well.
- Special Feature: Six perfectly preserved 30-foot-tall charcoal ovens.
- Where to Stay: Prospector Hotel & Casino, 1501 Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
- Hours: Open 24/7, year-round.
- Hidden Gem: The incredibly dark skies make for good stargazing.
11. Ely, Nevada
Ely is the largest town on this journey and a good hub for seeing the region. It is full of history, from the murals in downtown to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. The “Ghost Train” is to die for. Ely is the intersection of the Great Basin Highway and “The Loneliest Road in America“, thus the crossroads for travelers.
- Special Feature: Ride a historic steam engine at the Nevada Northern Railway.
- Where to Stay: Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, 501 Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
- Hours: NNRM Museum: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Mon–Sat), 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sun).
- Hidden Gem: Grab a classic malt at the vintage Economy Drug soda fountain.
Travel Basics & Tips
- Fill up on gas often; stations are far apart on this scenic drive.
- Download offline maps for the Great Basin Highway; cell service is rare.
- An inconvenience is the lack of services; pack lots of extra water.
- Book campsites in advance for popular Nevada state parks.
- Keep your eye out for wildlife crossing the road during the particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Always assure you have cash for small town areas or park fees just in case.
Conclusion
The adventure along the Great Basin Highway is more than just a road trip; it is a journey to search for something new. I was surprised at how the desert changed to beautiful, cool, secluded alpine lakes. One of my memories will be the absolute silence under the stars as we camped at the Great Basin National Park. You leave behind the neon lights, only to discover a stateline rugged beauty, history, and, reality of solitude. It completely changed how I see Nevada.
