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Players, Pioneers & Pony Express: Discover Nevada on the Road

Nevada

Nevada is best known for its Las Vegas glitz, glamour, neon and nightlife. Just beyond the obvious are places and communities with breathtaking scenery, gentle surroundings, old western history and character. All Nevada towns and communities feature gaming, but Nevada’s true charm and color only come to life once you hit the state’s wide open roads.

Check out the itinerary below to find out the best way to spend 6-7 on the road in Nevada to discover its history, heritage, pioneers and the pony express.

Nevada Road Trip Itinerary: Players, Pioneers and the Pony Express

Day 1

Arrival and overnight in Las Vegas.

DAY 2

Scotty's CastleDepart the neon of Las Vegas for the nature of Nevada.

Drive west on U.S. Route 95 to Beatty, NV (116 mi/187 km) – the gateway to Death Valley National Park. Here are some exciting attractions and sights in this region:

  • Rhyolite is one of Nevada’s most photogenic ghost towns where gold was discovered in 1904. Among the handful of landmarks still found in this once-thriving mining town are the Bottle House, built with more than 20,000 bottles when other building material was so scarce, an old railroad depot and picturesque ruins.
  • Death Valley National Park, is the lowest point in the United States where most of the acreage is below sea level.
  • Scotty’s Castle, an international attraction that showcases the life of Walter Scott, a flamboyant gold prospector, is at the north end of Death Valley. Scheduled tours by interpretive park rangers are available.

Exiting Death Valley on State Route 267 to Scotty’s Junction, drive north on U.S. Route 95 to Tonopah (60 mi/97 km).

  • On the way, pass through the historic community of Goldfield where gold was discovered in 1902. Tonopah was once the Queen of the Silver Camps and site of one of the West’s biggest silver strikes in 1900.
  • The Tonopah Historic Mining Park offers a chance to explore the actual mines that created the town.

Stay overnight in Tonopah.

DAY 3

Highway 50Depart Tonopah to State Route 376 and drive north. Here’s what you’ll find on the way!

  • Belmont (45 mi/72 km) from Tonopah, is one of Nevada’s oldest and largest living ghost towns; now home to a quaint bed and breakfast and photogenic ruins. Retracing the road from Belmont back to State Route 376, drive north through the picturesque Smoky Valley to Highway 50, the Loneliest Road in America.
  • While it is known for its desolation, Highway 50 is actually the center of Nevada history from the Pony Express to prehistoric times. The Loneliest Road in America will celebrate its 20th anniversary summer of 2006 with a collectible passport booklet available in communities along the highway and at www.travelnevada.com .
  • Driving west on Highway 50, the nearest community and good place to take a break is Austin. In the mid-19th century, this mining town was the second largest community in Nevada with about 5,000 residents. Today, it attracts mountain bikers because of the rugged terrain, clear blue skies and un-crowded conditions. Several historic churches, gem shops, ice cream parlours, cafes and antique stores are within easy walking distance of one another.
  • From Austin, drive east on Highway 50 to Eureka through the Toiyabe National Forest (70 mi/113 km). Eureka is another living ghost town in Nevada complete with many beautifully restored historic buildings and a cast of local characters.

Stay overnight in Eureka Inn.

DAY 4

Ely MuralTour the sights of Eureka before departing for Ely, don’t forget to catch these before you go!

  • Eureka Opera House – a completely restored Western-style opera house with an original hand-painted stage curtain.
  • Eureka County Court House – Built in 1879, features an ornate courtroom and walk-in vaults.
  • Eureka Sentinel Museum – memorabilia and restored newspaper production site.

Drive east on Highway 50 to Ely (78 mi/126 km) – the Pony Express route!

Ely, another Nevada mining community, is a graceful town where vintage buildings have been revitalized through a citywide mural project. More than 25 murals provide an artistic glimpse into Ely’s colorful and ethnically diverse past. Here’s what to see in Ely:

  • Nevada Northern Railway and Museum – an early 20th century mining railroad that offers excursions.
  • Ward Charcoal Ovens – smelting structures once used when mining was at its peak.
  • Mural Project – more than 25 charming paintings found around the town of Ely.
  • Great Basin National Park – Nevada’s best-kept secret. Includes Lehman Caves and groves of ancient Bristlecone Pines, some nearly 3,000 years old.

Stay overnight in Ely.

DAY 5

Lehman cavesDepart Ely for Great Basin National Park (65mi/105km) and while you’re there, be sure to catch:

  • Lehman Caves – guided tours are available of the underground passages.
  • Bristlecone Forest – hike to Bristlecone Forest weather permitting (June – October). Return to Ely (65mi/105km).

Stay a second night in Ely.

DAY 6

Caliente Depart Ely for Las Vegas driving south on U.S. Route 93 (242 mi/389 km). On the way:

  • Pioche – see the Million Dollar Court House.
  • Cathedral Gorge State Park – red sandstone spires in a park-like setting.
  • Caliente – restaurants and an historic mission-style railroad depot built in 1923.

Arrive back in Las Vegas – for a game of poker or to head home!

For more information on Nevada or other road trip itineraries, please visit: www.travelnevada.com .

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