8 Most Scenic Road Trips To Take In The Great Basin

The Great Basin is a huge, alluring area that stretches over several states and offers beautiful scenery, unusual geological formations, and a feeling of independence on the open road. There are several picturesque drives inside this amazing region that let travelers fully experience the Great Basin's natural landmarks. Read on to find out all about eight of the most scenic drives in the area in this post. These road journeys will take adventurers through breathtaking landscapes, displaying the beauty and diversity of the Great Basin, from narrow mountain passes to vast desert panoramas. Buckle up, and prepare to go through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes the Great Basin has to offer!

The Loneliest Road in America (Highway 50, Nevada)

Take a trip along Highway 50, sometimes referred to as "The Loneliest Road in America," and get a taste of the enormous Nevada desert. Charming cities, historical mountain ranges, and vast desert plains may all be seen along this magnificent road. Enjoy the serenity while taking in the Great Basin's unspoiled landscapes and witness those stunning sunsets and starry nights. Those who have driven before recommend taking this trip in the springtime when the flowers are in full bloom and the natural sights are their most dazzling. The Spencer Hot Springs are a must to stop at and soak stiff travel legs while basking in the sun and gazing out at the surrounding mountain range. Stop over at the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park which is more than worth the small entry fee for visitors from outside of Nebraska; guests can explore the ghost town of Ward and one of Nebraska’s prominent silver mining towns. There are plenty more parks along the way, the scenic stops making the lonely highway seem a lot less lonely with nature’s beauty keeping travelers company.

Great Basin Highway (Highway 93, Nevada)

Follow Highway 93 across the Great Basin of Nevada and be mesmerized by the imposing mountains and enormous desert vistas. This road trip offers the chance to discover unspoiled landscapes and national parks such as the Great Basin National Park. While traveling this interesting road and taking in the area's raw appeal, keep an eye out for animal sightings! The possibilities along this road truly are endless; starting out in Las Vegas means travelers looking for nightlife can explore the downtown area, or even the outskirts for over-the-top shows, food, and drinks. Wind down exploring the more natural sights along the route like the colorful Seven Magic Mountains, which practically glow at sunset. Exploring Ryan State Park is worth the small fee so visitors can explore the amazing trails that often feel secluded amongst the lush greenery. There are other parks like Cathedral George State Park that are worth putting on the list of stops along this road trip that offers activities that range from rambunctious to serene.

Valley of Fire Road (Nevada)

Learn about Nevada's breathtaking Valley of Fire Road, so named because of its striking red sandstone formations. This picturesque route has impressive cliffs, historic petroglyphs, and captivating desert vistas. Enjoy the vibrant colors that paint the landscape and capture the Great Basin's natural beauty with your camera. Check out the absolutely stunning desert stops like Elephant Rock and Atlatl Rock, explore the unique Pastel Pink Canyon Trail, and hike the short distance up to Mouse’s Tank. For amazing views of the Valley of Fire, the hike at Rainbow Vista is another short trail and is worth every step once visitors reach its viewing point. Although this road trip is on the shorter side, the sights are sure to extend the time spent along it, just be sure to watch out for mountain goats along the way!

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway (Highway 150, Utah)

Take a drive along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway which is a perfect route to take when passing through Utah's lovely Uinta Mountains. Alpine landscapes, thick woods, and crystal-clear lakes are all shown on this scenic road trip. One must stop at Mirror Lake when driving along this route, whether to have a quick bite to eat by the calm waters or go for a quick dip in the water. However, those who hold off on swimming a little longer can fully experience the Provo River Falls by taking a plunge into the power pools of the falls. There are plenty of other outdoor activities to do along the way including kayaking, horseback riding, ATVing, snowmobiling, and more. Take in the peace and quiet of this highland wonderland, where the air is fresh, and the beauties of nature are all around.

Lehman Caves Scenic Byway (Highway 488, Nevada)

Take a thrilling drive along the Lehman Caves Scenic Byway in Great Basin National Park. Explore the interesting Lehman Caves while meandering through stunning mountain vistas and see some old bristlecone pine woods. Start off at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to find out more about the route and surrounding area. Stretch those legs on trails such as the Baker Creek Loop, Alpine Lakes Loop, or on one of the Bristlecones Trails. Teresa Lake located in Great Basin National Park is a great place to stop and take in the serene waters and beautiful mountains surrounding it. Visitors can admire the unusual geological structures and enjoy the peace that this gem of a road trip offers.

Extraterrestrial Highway (State Route 375, Nevada)

In the lonely Nevada desert, close to Area 51, take a surreal journey down the Extraterrestrial Highway. This road journey provides wide desert views, an eerie mood, and the possibility of UFO sightings. The Alien Research Center for UFO is full of neat souvenirs and alien apparel and the perfect start to this extra-terrestrial route. Pull over and take some pictures of the infamous Black Mailbox by the highway, just be sure not to open it! For those feeling like a salty snack at a rest stop, ET Fresh Jerky is a great place for a quick photo op, rest stop, and some jerky to snack on. For non-alien related activities, visitors can spot plenty of wildlife at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, explore the unique rock formations and petroglyphs in the Mt. Irish Wilderness Area, or walk through the impressive arches at the Basin and Range National Monument site. Travelers traversing through this fascinating and enigmatic journey can certainly let their imagination run wild.

Pony Express Territory (Highway 50, Utah)

Travel through time on the Pony Express Territory Road trip along Utah's Highway 50. Travelers will pass through picturesque villages, untamed terrain, and important locations connected to the fabled Pony Express postal transportation service on this historical adventure. Start the historical road trip with a stop in Nevada’s first gold rush town, Dayton, and explore remains of the 1861 Rock Point Mill where silver was processed. Gear heads will want to check out the Fernley 95A Speedway which hosts plenty of racing events. Eureka is a great spot to discover the region’s historical architecture which has been restored; visitors can find out more about the structures at the Eureka Sentinel Museum. While traveling along this fascinating path, become engulfed by the atmosphere of the Old West.

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (Highway 395, California)

Just beyond the Great Basin area, travelers can find the gorgeous Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway.  Take in the breathtaking mountain panoramas, alpine lakes, and quaint communities while traveling along Highway 395. Littered with short stops and cool photo ops, this is a great road trip for making memories on the road. Randsburg General Store has a quirky old western design on the outside, and unique cold sodas on the inside, the perfect quick break and snapshot. Follow that up with a pose with the giant statue of a lady by the hubcap capital of the world, and then pull over twice more to take a picture with a bizarre Twilight Zone House and then one with the spunky-looking Lemon House. The natural sights along the way are also very unique; the Fossil Falls are paved with oddly shaped volcanic rock showcasing peculiar geological features and remnants of a prehistoric waterfall. This road trip offers a magnificent adventure to remember while showcasing the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains' natural beauty.

In Conclusion

The Great Basin region provides a variety of breathtaking road journeys that let travelers fully experience its breathtaking vistas. Each road has its own distinct beauty and character, from the isolation of the Loneliest Road in America to the unearthly allure of the Extraterrestrial Highway and the quirkiness of the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway. The Great Basin Road excursions guarantee life-changing adventures, whether the goal of the trip is to go through historic regions, cross enormous deserts, or explore magnificent mountains. So, fill up the car, grab a camera, and go on an expedition across the Great Basin's mesmerizing views. Visitors should be prepared to make priceless memories as they travel along these picturesque road trips through the Great Basin.