• Baker to Tonopah, Nevada on U.S. Route 6

      by
      Peter Thody
      Published on 06-11-2010 12:09 AM
      2 Comments Comments
      315 miles - 5 hour 30 minutes

      Head west across Nevada towards Yosemite's eastern entrance and the route doesn't sound too promising: 315 miles across inhospitable desert country with just two old mining towns for refreshment breaks. However, it's actually a wonderful journey through wide open spaces and a couple of towns packed full of history, plus, if you've got the time, a beautiful and little visited national park to start with.




      Here are the highlights to look forward to:

      Baker, Nevada (Starting Point)
      Gateway to Great Basin National Park -- A couple of fun bars -- but pretty much a small western town.

      Find Hotels and Motels Near Baker

      Great Basin National Park (mile 15)
      Its remoteness makes Great Basin National Park a secret treasure of streams, lakes and wildlife. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s an 18-mile round trip hike to the top of 13,063-ft Wheeler Peak. Much shorter, but still challenging due to the altitude, is the trail up to the 4,000 year old bristlecone pines. The Ranger-guided walk through the magical Lehman Caves is easy and within virtually anyone’s capabilities.

      Ely (mile 60)
      Once home to the world’s largest open cast copper mine, Ely’s economy still benefits from some out-of-town mining but is today more reliant of the tourist’s – or more accurately the gambler’s – dollar. It’s a fun place to stay for a day or two (check out the Hotel Nevada and its excellent railroad museum is one of Nevada’s top visitor attractions. More information about Ely in this RTA article....

      Lunar Crater National Natural Landmark (mile 150)
      If you’re feeling adventurous (and your vehicle has decent ground clearance), the 6 mile unpaved road that leads past cinder cones and lava outcrops to the 430-ft deep volcanic Lunar Crater is worth the drive. Do make sure you’ve got plenty of water and a spare tire though!

      Tonopah (mile 230)
      Tonopah was once one of the richest silver-mining towns in the West. It still has a gritty authentic feel to it today and the historic mining park makes for an interesting visit. For a small place, there’s a good selection of hotels and motels, but don’t expect too much in the way of fine cuisine.

      Find Hotels and Motels Near Tonopah


      Two vehicles in the distance – an unusually
      busy scene on U.S. Route 6, Nevada.


      1. Categories:
      2. Nevada,
      3. Routes,
      4. United States
      Comments 2 Comments
      1. Mark Sedenquist's Avatar
        Mark Sedenquist - 06-11-2010, 10:08 AM
        A friend of ours runs the Baker RV park and motel, it's not fancy, but there is a good bar and plenty friendly folks.

        Mark
      1. Southwest Dave's Avatar
        Southwest Dave - 07-02-2010, 01:56 AM
        Warm Springs is worthy of a mention for a short stop. Amongst a few derelict buildings scattered around at the junction with 375 [ET highway] is a hot tub. It is fenced off, but visitors have been known to soak there feet [or more] via a hole in the fence.

        A short walk up the mountain, following the man made stream that is used to divert the water from the hot spring into the pool, and you see the natural source bubbling from the rock into a natural pool. [careful it's hot !!!]