Nevada Highways and Scenic Byways

Nevada Highways and Scenic Byways

Nevada’s highway system spans wide desert valleys, rugged mountain passes, historic mining towns, and some of the most remote landscapes in the United States. In addition to critical transportation corridors, the state offers **nationally designated scenic byways**, historic trails, and iconic road trip routes that attract travelers from around the world.

This page provides an overview of Nevada’s highways, scenic byways, and the travel infrastructure that connects its diverse regions.

Overview of Nevada’s Highway System

Nevada has over **5,000 miles of state-maintained highways**, managed by the **Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT)**.

Types of Highways

• **Interstate Highways**

 * I-15 – Connects Las Vegas to Southern California and Utah
 * I-80 – Major east-west corridor through Reno, Elko, and Wendover

• **U.S. Highways**

 * U.S. 50 – Known as the "Loneliest Road in America," running east–west through central Nevada
 * U.S. 95 – North–south route linking Las Vegas, Tonopah, and Fallon

• **State Routes**

 * Include highways such as SR 160 (Las Vegas to Pahrump) and SR 431 (Mount Rose Highway between Reno and Lake Tahoe)

Scenic Byways in Nevada

Nevada is home to several **designated scenic byways**, recognized for their natural beauty, cultural value, and recreational opportunities.

National Scenic Byways

• **Lake Tahoe – Eastshore Drive (US 50)**: Offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe, granite boulders, and alpine scenery.
• **Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway (Forest Road 660)**: Located in the Ruby Mountains near Elko, this glacier-carved canyon features wildlife, waterfalls, and fall colors.
• **Great Basin Highway (US 93)**: Runs from Las Vegas to Ely, passing historic towns, open desert, and Great Basin National Park.
• **Walker River Scenic Byway (Alt US 95 & SR 208)**: Features riparian valleys, ranchland, and views of the Wassuk Range.

State-Designated Scenic Routes

• **Mt. Rose Highway (SR 431)**: Connects Reno and Incline Village with panoramic mountain and lake views.
• **Valley of Fire Highway (SR 169)**: Passes through the Valley of Fire State Park with striking red rock formations.

Historic and Cultural Roadways

• **Pony Express Trail**: Parallels U.S. 50 through central Nevada; includes interpretive signs and historic stations.
• **Lincoln Highway**: The first transcontinental road in the U.S., runs alongside parts of modern U.S. 50 and I-80.
• **Extraterrestrial Highway (SR 375)**: A remote stretch through Rachel and near Area 51, popular with UFO enthusiasts and road trippers.

Road Trips and Travel Routes

Nevada is a road trip-friendly state with low traffic, open skies, and plenty of roadside attractions. Popular routes include:

• **The Loneliest Road (US 50)**: Spans from Ely to Fallon, with ghost towns, mountain passes, and hot springs.
• **The Cowboy Corridor (I-80)**: A cultural route connecting ranching towns like Elko, Winnemucca, and Battle Mountain.
• **Death Drive Loop (Las Vegas to Death Valley)**: Loops through Amargosa Valley, Beatty, and Pahrump.
• **Free-Range Art Highway (US 95)**: Features quirky roadside attractions and public art installations.

Safety and Infrastructure

• NDOT operates the **Nevada 511** traveler information service for road closures, weather, and construction alerts: https://nvroads.com
• Remote areas may have limited fuel and cell service—plan accordingly and carry extra supplies.
• Many scenic routes cross federal lands (BLM, Forest Service), so check land access rules and seasonal conditions.

Bicycling and Motorcycling Routes

• Nevada offers **long-distance bicycle routes** along U.S. highways with low traffic volumes.
• Popular with motorcyclists: SR 341 (Geiger Grade to Virginia City), SR 447 (Burning Man route), and Lamoille Canyon Road.