
US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America
Usa, north-america
4,800 km
2,356 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, road trip fans, buckle up for U.S. Route 50, a classic American adventure! This paved beauty stretches a whopping 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from coast to coast. We're talking from Ocean City, Maryland, all the way to West Sacramento, California.
Originally created back in 1926, this route isn't just pavement; it's practically a time capsule, built on the faint pathways of Native Americans from way back when.
Get ready for a serious cross-country trek as you roll through a dozen states (California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland) and even four state capitals, not to mention Washington, D.C. This road is your ticket to experiencing the heart of America!
But the Nevada section... oh, that's something special. It's famously known as "The Loneliest Road in America," and trust me, it lives up to the name. Picture this: miles and miles of stunning, empty desert landscapes. US 50 climbs over 17 mountain passes, topping out at Connors Pass (7,729 feet/2.356m). In Nevada, it is just you, endless sandy and rocky vistas, a sprinkling of timeworn towns, and that big blue sky. Over 400 miles, you’ll pass through four mining towns and the capital, Carson City. Keep an eye out for those vintage gas stations, motor courts, and diners tucked away – little slices of Americana hiding in plain sight.
Where is it?
US Highway 50 is the Loneliest Highway In America is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.3872, -100.9992
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4,800 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,356 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.3872, -100.9992
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