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Highway 50: Austin to Eureka, Great Basin, Nevada
Photo: Ron Reiring · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Nevada The Great Basin

Highway 50: Austin to Eureka

US 50, Lincoln Highway · Austin → Eureka

Leisurely69 mi1 hr 15 min2,700 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,500 ftOne way
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The drive

US 50 across Nevada was named the Loneliest Road in America by Life magazine in July 1986. The state turned the label into a tourism theme and put markers along the route. This drive goes east from Austin to Eureka.

Austin was founded when Pony Express riders found silver; it had about 10,000 residents in 1862 and about 300 today. East of town the road climbs Austin Summit (7,484 feet) with hairpin turns, then crosses Bob Scott Summit (7,267 feet) and Hickison Summit (6,546 feet).

The Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area, about 20 miles east of Austin, has a rest area, a campground and a walking tour of petroglyphs. Eureka is another mining town, with an opera house built in 1880.

Along the way

  1. Austin
  2. Hickison Summit petroglyphs
  3. Eureka
Elevation
2,700 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,500 ft
AustinEureka
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
AustinEureka
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The climb out of Austin has hairpin turns and steep grades.
  • Check Nevada 511 for winter conditions.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Nevada 511 road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long is US 50 from Austin to Eureka?

US 50 from Austin to Eureka is 68.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min.

Why is US 50 called the Loneliest Road in America?

Life magazine gave Nevada's US 50 that name in July 1986. Nevada adopted it for tourism and placed markers along the route.

What is there to see on US 50 between Austin and Eureka?

Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area, about 20 miles east of Austin, has a walking tour of petroglyphs. Both Austin and Eureka are historic mining towns.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 50: Austin to Eureka, from Austin to Eureka