US-50 to I-70 Road Trip

[ZLoth]

So, next May, after Memorial Day weekend, I plan on taking a multi-state road trip solo. Part of this trip means that I will travel from Sacramento to Utah on US-50 to I-70 Utah, with a planned gas stop in Carson City or Reno, and a overnight stay in Ely, Nevada. Any suggestions? Is the Hotel Nevada in Ely, Nevada still worth staying at?

[roadfro]

If you're staying on US 50 the entire way to I-70, gassing up in Reno wouldn't make any sense (and gas is usually cheaper in Carson anyway).

This would take you on "The Loneliest Road in America" stretch of US 50, from Fallon to Ely. Be sure to have a full tank of gas prior to leaving Fallon. You can get a tourist guide from the state online for the loneliest road. It used to be that if you got a stamp on the guide from participating businesses along the way and mailed it in, you could get a certificate (and possibly other swag) for "surviving" the loneliest road--not sure if they still do that.

[Revive 755]

Ely, Nevada has a couple of hotels to choose from.  From personal experience, I recommend having reservations at one of them, otherwise IIRC your next options along US 50 are one hotel at the state line, then a couple at Delta.

[The High Plains Traveler]

If you're staying on US 50 the entire way to I-70, gassing up in Reno wouldn't make any sense (and gas is usually cheaper in Carson anyway).

This would take you on "The Loneliest Road in America" stretch of US 50, from Fallon to Ely. Be sure to have a full tank of gas prior to leaving Fallon.

I pulled my travel trailer over U.S. 50 last year - my goal was to travel the highway from Sacramento to home - and when towing I am paranoid about having over 150 miles between gas stops. There are multiple choices for gasoline in both Austin and Eureka. Austin is 109 miles east of Fallon.  I can't say anything about the hotel in Ely, though that is an interesting, rustic town (the KOA is nice, though  ).

[roadfro]

... Be sure to have a full tank of gas prior to leaving Fallon.

... There are multiple choices for gasoline in both Austin and Eureka.

Hmm... in my tired delirium, I must've been thinking about the scarcity of gas on US 6 instead of US 50.

[ZLoth]

I plan on having reservations along the way. As I said, either Carson City or Reno for fill up, as I expect long distances between gas opportunities.

[oscar]

At the US 93 junction east of Ely, look south a few hundred feet to see if the cutout US 93 marker (only one in Nevada, AFAIK) is still there. 

[roadfro]

As I said, either Carson City or Reno for fill up, as I expect long distances between gas opportunities.

US 50 doesn't go to Reno but is one of two main routes through Carson City...so unless you're planning an 30+ mile detour into Reno, you'd want to gas up in Carson City.

[ZLoth]

Because I use I-80 and US-50 all the time between Sacramento and Reno/Lake Tahoe, I'm quite familiar with that portion of the road. Thus, it's either Reno or Carson City.

[roadfro]

Ah, your original post stated taking US 50 all the way...that's where my statement came in.

[gonealookin]

Fallon is a good-sized place due to the military presence and has all supplies you might need including reasonably-priced gasoline.

There's a very nice natural (totally undeveloped, free) hot spring about 6 miles off U.S. 50, in a valley about 20 miles east of Austin, NV and off a gravel road running southeast from the junction of U.S. 50 and NV 376.  If the weather is cool enough, which it could still be around Memorial Day, that's a great place to pause for a relaxing soak.  Search for "Spencer Hot Springs" for directions and pics.

[Kniwt]

Is the Hotel Nevada in Ely, Nevada still worth staying at?

It's an experience worth having at least once. Reservations are usually advised, especially if you want one of the cheaper "budget" rooms.

It's an old building with one tiny elevator right in the middle of the casino (and a very old stairway in the back), so don't expect modern luxury. Do expect, however, a shower with hot and cold water that varies so wildly that the proprietors have tried to make it a quaint selling point ... so much so that they've put this sign in the guest rooms (not my pic):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytravelphotos/6322728277/

Oh, also be sure to stop for at least an hour or so in Eureka to tour the opera house and museum. If you have longer, do a mini walking tour of the entire city for another half-hour or so.

[ZLoth]

Just as a minor update.... the trip budget was made, and the time off was arranged. Can't wait until mid-June.