
See more

How long is Hwy 50?
3,073 miU.S. 50 / Length
Does route 50 still exist?
U.S. Route 50 is a paved road with a length of 3,000 miles (4,800 km) linking Ocean City, Maryland on the Atlantic Ocean to West Sacramento, California, on the Pacific Ocean.
Where does US Highway 50 start and stop?
U.S. Route 50 is a transcontinental highway in the United States, stretching from the Sacramento region of California in the west to Ocean City of Maryland in the east. The Nevada portion, which goes through the center of the state, was named The Loneliest Road in America by Life magazine in July 1986.
How long does it take to drive the loneliest road?
That's pretty much what it's like to drive Highway 50 through Nevada — a stretch that's been named the Loneliest Road in America. Depending on your route, the road trip is 375-500 miles and while you can do it in a day, it's suggested that you budget three.
What is America's longest highway?
U.S. Route 20U.S. Route 20 is the longest road, beginning in Boston at Route 2 and runs through to an intersection with US 101 in Newport, Ore. A dozen states make up U.S. Route 20, covering 3,365 miles of road.
Is 50 closed to Tahoe?
NO TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE REPORTED FOR THIS AREA.
What is the longest road in the world?
The Pan-American HighwayThe Pan-American Highway covers 19,000 miles. Stretching from the frozen north of Alaska to the glacial tip of Argentina, the Pan-American Highway runs the most miles — or kilometers, if that's your thing — of any road on Earth.
Is Highway 50 a major highway?
U.S. Route 50 or U.S. Highway 50 (US 50) is a major east–west route of the U.S. Highway system, stretching 3,073 miles (4,946 km) from Interstate 80 (I-80) in West Sacramento, California, to Maryland Route 528 (MD 528) in Ocean City, Maryland, on the Atlantic Ocean.
Where is the longest stretch of straight highway in the world?
1. Highway 85 (Saudi Arabia): 1.116km (693mi) Running through the heart of Saudi Arabia, the Highway 85 is 693 miles (1.116 km) of straightness close to the border with Jordan.
What is the speed limit on Highway 50 in Nevada?
Once you exit the city limits of Fallon traveling eastbound, the speed limit increases from 45 mph to 70 mph. However, you will never see a state trooper and it's not uncommon for bikers to go in excess of 85 mph.
Where is the straightest road in the world?
Saudi Arabia'sSaudi Arabia's Highway 10 is the world's longest stretch of completely straight road, StepFeed reported. The highway that stretches from Haradh to Al Batha is around 256 kilometres and cuts through the Rub Al-Khali desert.
What is the most desolate road in America?
This entire 3,000 mile route is dubbed “America's Loneliest Road.” Route 50's path cuts across the corner of Utah, passing by the Canyonlands National Park, the Arches National Park and through the vast emptiness of the Great Salt Lake Desert.
Does Route 66 still exist?
Decommisioning of US 66 began in California in 1964 in Pasadena. On January 1, 1975 the remaining stretch of US 66 in California was decommissioned all the way to the Arizona border. Route 66 ended on the Colorado River near Needles CA, at its junction with US 95.
Why is highway 50 called the loneliest road in America?
The name originates from large desolate areas traversed by the route, with few or no signs of civilization. The highway crosses several large desert valleys separated by numerous mountain ranges towering over the valley floors, in what is known as the Basin and Range province of the Great Basin.
Is there an i60?
Interstate 60 (I-60) is an Interstate Highway in the northern south-central part of the United States. It is a major east-west interstate stretching from Grand Junction, Colorado on its west end at Interstate 70 (I-70) to Mount Vernon, Illinois on its east end at Interstate 57/Interstate 64 (I-57/I-64).
What was Rt 50 called?
The western half of the highway in California is a four-or-more-lane divided highway, mostly built to freeway standards, and known as the El Dorado Freeway outside of downtown Sacramento.
Where does US Highway 50 start and end?
The road was created in 1926. Running coast-to-coast through the heart of America on a 3,000-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea, US-50 passes through a dozen different states (California, Nevada,Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland) as well as the District of Columbia) and four state capitals, as well as the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, is how one often describes the coast to coast trip across the United States. US Highway 50 wasn’t built overnight. The history of US Highway 50 starts almost two hundred years ago. There were no established trails other than pathways left by the Native Americans.
Where does US 50 go?
US-50 crosses more than 400 miles of Nevada’s countryside, climbing up mountain ranges while passing through four mining towns and the capital, Carson City. You can still find some old gas stations, motor courts and diners hidden between newer buildings and businesses – a glimpse to another time in America’s past.
How many passes does the US 50 pass?
In Nevada, US 50 crosses several mountain ranges using 17 passes and one tunnel. The road tops out at Connors Pass, at an elevation of 7,729 feet (2.356m) above the sea level. There is a stunning absence of people across hundreds of miles of sandy, rocky terrain.
What is the longest road in the US?
US Highway 50, the Loneliest Highway In America. U.S. Route 50 is an asphalted road with a length of 3,000 miles (4,800 km) linking Ocean City, Maryland on the Atlantic Ocean to West Sacramento, California, on the Pacific Ocean.
Was Highway 50 built overnight?
US Highway 50 wasn’t built overnight. The history of US Highway 50 starts almost two hundred years ago. There were no established trails other than pathways left by the Native Americans.
What is Highway 50?
Highway 50: Plenty of Space at Your Own Pace. In July of 1986, Life magazine dubbed Nevada’s Highway 50 the “Loneliest Road in America.”. The article claimed there were “no points of interest” along the route and “warned” readers not to risk traveling it unless they were confident of their “survival skills.”.
How tall is Wheeler Peak in Nevada?
Get gnarly among 5,000-year-old bristlecone pine trees —the oldest living things on Earth. Drive up to 10,000 feet and hoof it up to 13,064-ft Wheeler Peak—Nevada’s 2nd tallest. Navigate stalactites and stalagmites at stunning Lehman Caves. Then discover why “half the park is after dark” as you scan the Lower 48’s darkest night skies for shooting stars and entire galaxies.
Is Highway 50 alive?
From ghost towns and state parks to hot springs and Sagebrush Saloons, the Loneliest Road is alive with passions to chase. Along the way, you’re bound to enjoy Highway 50’s endless vistas, friendly communities, and historic towns filled with stories and characters who can spin a yarn that’ll keep you mesmerized and yearning to explore more.
How Does Construction on US 50 by Blue Mesa Affect Delta County?
The required closure of US Hwy 50 overnight (M-F) and during the daytime (M-F) will lead to significant traffic delays on Hwy 50 and detour passenger vehicle traffic, small trucks and trailers/commercial vehicles up to 70 feet in length over CO Hwy 92 via Black Mesa through the towns of Crawford, Hotchkiss, and Delta. This means that traffic which normally takes Hwy 50 to travel between Gunnison and Montrose daily will have to instead travel Hwy 92 or wait in line at the closure until the next time the road opens.
Is there a traffic increase on Hwy 92?
At this time it is unknown how many vehicles will travel Hwy 92 daily but we do expect at least a 10% increase in traffic on Hwy 92, possibly more as we head into the summer months. There will likely be additional trucks pulling trailers, RVs and tourists traveling Hwy 92 that could lead to traffic backups and delays. Additionally, additional traffic is expected to cause congestion at intersections along Hwy 92 between Crawford and Delta, including the “Y” at Hwy 92 and Hwy 133 in Hotchkiss.
Crashes and Disasters
News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Caldor Fire creates danger for motorists, Caltrans warns drivers to stay off side roads
Caltrans closed Highway 50 between Pollock Pines and Meyers due to the Caldor Fire. (Google Maps Screenshot)
Where to hike in Colorado from Cimarron?
From Cimarron, go east toward the tiny town of Sapinero and drive by the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and one of the three reservoirs in the Curecanti. Just beyond is a hiking trail that leads up to Dillon Pinnacles, craggy rocks that stand as evidence of an earlier volcanic era.
Where is the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Colorado?
From Cimarron, go east toward the tiny town of Sapinero and drive by the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and one of the three reservoirs in the Curecanti.
How long is the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park—The South Rim Drive. It's only seven miles in length, but plan for half a day if you want to really enjoy the 12 overlooks along the South Rim Drive of the Black Canyon, so named because sunlight has a hard time penetrating the deep, steep, and narrow chasm.
Where is US 50?
U.S. Route 50 (US 50) is a major east–west highway, connecting Ocean City, Maryland and West Sacramento, California. Stretching 3,000 miles (4,800 km), the route runs through mostly rural areas in the Western part of US. It includes the section through Nevada known as “The Loneliest Road in America”. All the way across the country, US-50 passes ...
What is the best road across the middle of the United States?
Blue Highways author William Least Heat-Moon writes about US-50, “for the unhurried, this little-known highway is the best national road across the middle of the United States.” The route offers such a compelling cross-section of the nation that Time magazine devoted nearly an entire issue (July 7, 1997) to telling the story of the road it called the “Backbone of America.”
What is the lonely road in Nevada?
The Nevada portion of the route, named “The Loneliest Road in America” by travelers, evokes the feeling of loneliness. You find miles and miles of little more than mountains, sand, and blue sky. US Highway 50 westbound, West of Eureka, NV. U.S. Route 50 looking toward Hickison Summit. Image by Jonathan Berman.
Who was the first person to drive along the Grand Canyon?
– via highway50.com. It’s believed that US 50 owes its existence to Captain William Bicknell. He successfully made the long exhausting trip to Santa Fe, where he made a fortune selling goods.
What was the name of the trail that Bicknell explored?
Thus the Santa Fe Trail was established and the route that Bicknell explored became the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail. Later the railroads would follow Bicknell’s Santa Fe Trail establishing routes that someday would become a part of US Highway 50. Timelapse Drive - US Route 50 Nevada "Loneliest Highway".
Where is Route 50?
Route 50 ( US 50) is a transcontinental highway in the United States, stretching from West Sacramento, California, in the west to Ocean City, Maryland, on the east coast. The Nevada portion crosses the center of the state and was named " The Loneliest Road in America " by Life magazine in July 1986. The name was intended as a pejorative, but Nevada officials seized it as a marketing slogan. The name originates from large desolate areas traversed by the route, with few or no signs of civilization. The highway crosses several large desert valleys separated by numerous mountain ranges towering over the valley floors, in what is known as the Basin and Range province of the Great Basin .
Where is US 50 in Nevada?
US 50 crosses the central portion of Nevada, entering the west side of the state near Lake Tahoe and exiting the east side near Great Basin National Park. The route crosses mostly desolate terrain in its journey across the state; US 50 passes through several large desert valleys and basins. The highway crosses 17 named mountain passes that break up the Nevada desert. To crest some of the passes along US 50 requires navigating steep 8% grades and hairpin turns through pine forests to reach elevations of over 7,000 feet (2,100 m).
What was the route used for the Pony Express?
The route was constructed over a historic corridor, initially used for the Pony Express and Central Overland Route and later for the Lincoln Highway. Before the formation of the U.S. Highway System, most of US 50 in Nevada was designated State Route 2. The routing east of Ely has changed significantly from the original plans. The route change resulted from a rivalry between Nevada and Utah over which transcontinental route was better to serve California -bound traffic, the Lincoln Highway or the Victory Highway .
What is the Carson City Deputy Sheriff's Memorial Freeway?
In addition to portions being designated the Loneliest Road and Lincoln Highway, the portion concurrent with Interstate 580 in Carson City is designated the Carson City Deputy Sheriff Carl Howell Memorial Freeway in honor of a sheriff's officer who was shot to death while attempting to rescue a victim of domestic violence from her house.
What was the gap between Utah and Nevada?
In 1926, when the U.S. Highway system was announced, there was a gap in US 50 between Ely and Thistle, Utah. At the time, the states of Utah and Nevada were feuding about which of the old auto trails would be paved and used for the new U.S. Highway system. Utah officials refused to pave the portion of the Lincoln Highway west of Salt Lake City. They perceived this route as being expensive to build, with no benefit for the state. Nevada officials, and the Lincoln Highway Association, pleaded with Utah authorities to change their position, even offering funds to help offset the additional cost of paving that route. However, the Lincoln highway directed travelers destined for both southern and northern California on a route away from Utah cities, towards central Nevada. Utah instead paved the Wendover Cutoff, part of the Victory Highway (modern Interstate 80 ), that only directed traffic for northern California out of the state. The choice not to pave the Lincoln Highway would direct travelers bound for southern California to use the Arrowhead Trail (modern Interstate 15 ). This route serves numerous communities in Utah, but only Las Vegas and a few other small towns in Nevada. The final blow to the original route of the Lincoln Highway was the formation of the Dugway Proving Ground, a military base used for weapons testing, which closed the area to the public. The Lincoln Highway was re-routed to Salt Lake City along a circuitous route via Wendover and the Bonneville Salt Flats. This route was initially numbered US 50 from Ely to Wendover and US 40 /50 across western Utah, but has been renumbered US 93, US 93 Alternate and I-80.
How many towns are there on US 50?
In the stretch of highway between Fallon and Delta, Utah, a span of 409 miles (658 km), there are three small towns, Austin, Eureka, and Ely. This span is roughly the same distance as Boston, Massachusetts, to Baltimore, Maryland, or Paris, France, to Zürich, Switzerland. Traffic along US 50 varies greatly.
How many passes does the US 50 pass?
From west to east US 50 crosses several mountain ranges using 17 passes and one tunnel.
Where is Route 50?
The modern route of U.S. Route 50 between Ely, Nevada and Green River, Utah is the third iteration.
Where is US 50?
U.S. Route 50 ( US-50) in Utah crosses the center of the state. The highway serves no major population centers in Utah, with the largest city along its path being Delta. Most of the route passes through desolate, remote areas. Through the eastern half of the state the route is concurrent with Interstate 70 (I-70).
What is the US 6/50 extension?
Utah supported an extension using then US-6/50 to connect Denver, Colorado with Salt Lake City. However, federal planners did not see value in this route and instead supported a route that could be used to connect Denver with Los Angeles, California. I-70 was built using the federally selected route.
What is the swell on US 50?
While co-routed with I-70, US-50 crosses the Wasatch Plateau and passes through the San Rafael Swell. The construction of I-70 through the swell is noted as one of the engineering marvels of the Interstate Highway System. One specific feat, the excavation through a portion called Spotted Wolf Canyon, required excavating 3,500,000 cubic yards (2,700,000 m 3) of rock to have a bed for just 8 miles (13 km) of roadway. Construction workers noted that prior to the construction of the freeway a man could stand in this canyon and touch both sides of the canyon wall.
When was US-50 created?
The modern route of US-50 was created in 1976 . This iteration of US-50 has its origins in a dispute over the route of Interstate 70 in Utah. While I-70 was in the planning stage Colorado lobbied for an extension of the original proposal to run across Colorado and into Utah. Utah supported an extension using then US-6/50 to connect Denver, Colorado with Salt Lake City. However, federal planners did not see value in this route and instead supported a route that could be used to connect Denver with Los Angeles, California. I-70 was built using the federally selected route. In 1976, US-50 was changed again to a routing mostly concurrent with I-70. The portion of modern US-50 between Delta and Scipio had been previously numbered State Route 26, and the portion between Scipio and Salina had been numbered State Route 63, with the SR-63 portion being transferred to SR-26 in 1971.
Where does US 50 merge with Interstate 15?
At Holden, the highway merges with Interstate 15 to cross the Pavant Range at Scipio Summit . US-50 then separates from this freeway to meet Interstate 70 in Salina. The two highways run concurrent from this point east to Colorado.
Where is US 50 in Nevada?
Three completely different routings of US-50 have existed between Green River and Ely, Nevada. The route between these cities has become progressively shorter as new roads have been paved through this largely uninhabited region of both states. The earlier routings were a result of a dispute between Utah and Nevada over which auto trails would be paved and converted to U.S. Highways .
Where is Route 50 in Nevada?
Route 50, running east/east across the middle section of Nevada has been labeled “The Loneliest Road in America.”. The name, a holdover of an article in Life Magazine, seems to apply until you scratch the surface.
What is the name of the highway that crosses Nevada?
U.S. highway that crosses through Nevada and is called "The Loneliest Highway."
Where does the Route 66 start and end?
The Route starts/ends in Baker and works its way to Carson City near the California Border.
Why is the Loneliest Road in America called the Loneliest Road in America?
It is called the loneliest road in America because it has very little traffic. A fantastic road running from Carson City Nevada in the west to Baker Nevada in the east. The road is well paved and many stretches have a 70 mph posted speed. There are large stretches of flat open vistas, high passes, and scenic mountains in the distance.
