Community Forums

BernieCheryl · 06-25-2018, 12:41 PM

We are on a long RV trip to the northwest (Montana, Washington, Oregon, Northern California) before we have to head back to home in Colorado to do a few necessary things. We are thinking about stopping off at Great Basin National Park, supposedly, one of the least visited national parks. It actually looks beautiful.

I looked and the last threads here on the park are several years old. Has anyone visited recently, and what can you recommend in terms of routes? I am uneasy about going on Route 50 from west to east, dubbed the "loneliest road in America", and suspect I'll go from Sparks, Nevada to Wells on I-80 and then drop down to stay in the Baker area.

Any suggestions? I'd prefer having full hookups.

Melvo · 06-25-2018, 02:37 PM

We have stayed at Great Basin several times but not in the last few years. Never made a reservation but always had a choice of sights. We like the upper campgrounds along the stream but it is a steep climb up to those and not to many for large rigs. The lower campgrounds are more crowded but easier to get to. Great cave tour and some good hiking. Visitor center has a place to eat and some displays. Also road art on the entry road. Highway 50 is not a bad drive just some long distance between services and one long curvy uphill climb. Great place.

beaverfever · 06-25-2018, 04:40 PM

well worth the drive. we were there last year in july so we stayed at the the border inn and casino ( it has full hook-ups) hiway 50 is a well maintained road all the way across nevada, just stay on the top end of you tank and enjoy some beautiful scenery

Lv2Roam2 · 06-25-2018, 06:05 PM

Agree with all - great drive along the 'loneliest highway' - good campgrounds to choose from - great hike to the top of the ridge to see the ancient trees (after the drive up the hill with your toad).

twogypsies · 06-25-2018, 10:52 PM

You really should drive Hwy 50. It's certainly not 'lonely' nowadays. Drive on the top 1/2 of your tank and then fill up when you see it. Many RVers drive this highway and it's very pleasant to do.

Great Basin is worth doing. Take the cave tour, too.

PeteRissler · 06-26-2018, 11:30 AM

Treat yourself and drive 50, fill up at
Fallon
Austin
Eureka
Ely

BernieCheryl · 07-13-2018, 12:53 AM

I just wanted to thank those of you who encouraged me to make this drive. It was such a fun road to drive! We crossed the old Pony Express route in a couple of places, which was interesting. The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and the road was not difficult at all in my 35' motorhome towing a dinghy.

We are staying in Ely, and went to Great Basin National Park today, which was definitely worth it. We are considering heading back out there tomorrow.

Thanks again, and I highly recommend "The Loneliest Road in America" to anyone.

twogypsies · 07-13-2018, 10:50 PM

Thanks for returning with your update. Wish more folks would do this. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

PeteRissler · 07-14-2018, 07:04 AM

I always enjoy driving through Central Nevada on the loneliest road even though it's not so lonely anymore.

BernieCheryl · 07-14-2018, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Thanks for returning with your update. Wish more folks would do this. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

You are welcome.

And to add to the update, today we drove from Ely to Cedar City, Utah. If you can believe me, taking Utah 21 from the Baker, Nevada area (right next to the Park), made Route 50 seem like Denver's rush hour. We drove 76 miles on that road, saw only one habitation (a ranch in an extremely lonely valley) and had about 10 cars pass us. And the scenery was absolutely spectacular!

My Garmin kept worrying about whether the road was RV accessible, but my Good Sam Atlas said it was, and the Atlas was correct.

I recommend this drive to folks. It's well worth it.