A quick flight from Las Vegas to Reno is only 90 minutes — but what’s the fun in that? Driving between the two Nevada cities is a road trip full of history, natural beauty, and quirky destinations. Most of the journey takes place on U.S. 95 (at least until Interstate 11 becomes a thing) with about seven hours of drive time over 450 miles.
After leaving Vegas, you’ll drive through Indian Springs and alongside the runway of Creech Air Force Base. It’s pretty quiet, but it’s not unusual to see a heavy-duty military drone on a test flight. Pull over for lunch at Nevada’s only Big Boy (an offshoot of the Bob’s Big Boy chain).
Things pick up around Beatty. The old mining town has charm and burros who roam the streets. (Please note: the animals have the right of way — always.) They inspired the name of the Happy Burro, a saloon famous for its chili and a great spot to hang on the patio with a cold beer. Detour off the beaten path to Rhyolite, a ghost town outside Death Valley with post-apocalyptic vibes for dramatic photos, and the Goldwell Open Air Museum, which is more than 40 years old. North of Beatty, you might spot the wreckage of a plane that crashed in the parking lot of an old brothel decades ago.
The International Car Forest near Goldfield. (Josh Brasted/Getty)
The speed limit slows down while passing through Goldfield, often described as a “living ghost town” — old and quiet, but still functioning. You’ll drive past the old courthouse, school, fire station, and other historic buildings. It’s hard to believe Goldfield was the largest city in Nevada before Vegas blossomed. Stop for a drink at the Santa Fe Saloon, which dates back to 1905 and still welcomes customers. The International Car Forest is an off-highway art installation in the desert with a colorful collection of cars, some of which are standing on their ends and in other odd positions.
Tonopah balances a similar level of history and weirdness. Tour the Tonopah Historic Mining Park and spend the night at the Mizpah Hotel, which dates back to 1907 and is the town’s most famous landmark, or the creepy Clown Motel, next door to an Old West cemetery to drive the point home.
From there, you’ll pass through almost-too-quiet Hawthorne, home to an army depot (on standby in case something big happens) where Sen. Pat McCarran bit the dust. Just north, Walker Beach is an oasis in the desert that’s nice to drive by, but offers little activity on its dusty shoreline.
As you inch closer to Reno, pull over at the Fort Churchill State Historic Park for the ruins of army facilities dating back to 1860 — a time when Nevada was primed to become a state and usher in a new era of development. It’s a perfect place to reflect on the history and scope connected to your Wild West road trip.
- The journey also passes through the Amargosa Valley, an underrated corner of Southern Nevada with places to explore. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
