Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, July 2007.
The Loneliest Road in America?
In 1986, Life Magazine described Hwy 50 across Nevada as the "loneliest road in America." Life went on to say there were no attractions or points of interest along the 287-mile stretch from Ely to Fernley and recommended that drivers have "sur- Vival skills" to travel the route. Obviously, this was not written by the local Chamber of Commerce.
Nevadans know better, they know that Hwy 50 is one of the state's most scenic and historic corridors. They know it retraces the route of the Pony Express and the Overland Stage trails and that it passes through some of the best-preserved mining towns in the state.
Nevada has even created "The Official Hwy 50 Survival Guide" to help travelers know some of the great places to see and things to do along Hwy 50. The guide is available through www.TravelNevada.com
Nevada's official tourism website.
As you travel Hwy 50 you can have your Survival Guide validated at many participating locations. Later you can mail your validations back and receive an official Hwy 50 Survivor certificate and a souvenir to commemorate your successful journey across the Lone Road in America.
Like a belt across the mid-section of the United States, US Route 50 originates in Ocean City, MD and originally ran 3,073 miles to West Sacramento, CA.
View the original article scans (PDF)