Fly and Drive: Following the Dark Skies of Nevada

If you’re looking for a truly star-studded vacation, Nevada is home to some of the darkest skies in the country. Trade the glitz of Las Vegas for a quiet road trip along the Great Basin Highway filled with stunning stargazing and other desert wonders.

Make Tracks to Pioche

From Vegas, your first overnight stop is Pioche, a once-booming mining town rich with Wild West history. But before you arrive, you’ll journey even further back in time, uncovering traces of ancient life along the way.

At the Mount Irish Petroglyph Site near the town of Alamo, you can marvel at stunning Native American rock art that dates back over 4,000 years. These ancient carvings offer a captivating glimpse into daily life long ago, inviting you to imagine how people once lived among this dramatic desert landscape. There are interpretive trails and guides available at visitor registration boxes to help you navigate the site.

An important note: The rocks on these unpaved roads can damage your tires, so ask for a rental car outfitted for tough terrain and bring along more than one spare tire.

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Leaving Mount Irish Petroglyph Site, you’ll travel north to Caliente, where you’ll find Side Track Restaurant and its full menu of burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and more.

Continue north to Cathedral Gorge State Park. The cave-like formations and cathedral-like spires of this otherworldly natural wonder were created tens of millions of years ago by volcanic activity on the valley’s soft bentonite clay. Hiking trails provide more scenic views throughout the park.

Upon arrival in Pioche, check into the Overland Hotel & Saloon, where you can also grab a bite to eat. The rooms are cozy and comfortable but be aware that they are all located on the second floor and inaccessible to wheelchairs.  

Once the sun sets and the skies turn dark, take the short drive out to Echo Canyon State Park. A recognized Dark Sky location, you are welcome to kick back and take in the view of twinkling stars and the Milky Way. The park is open 24 hours, so stay as long as you like.

Hit the Road to Baker

To continue your journey, drive to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, south of Ely. As the name implies, this park features six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens used to process silver ore from 1876 to 1879. After checking out the ovens, walk the interpretive loop trail to see a bit more of the park. There are longer trails if you prefer more of a challenge or additional exploration.

From there, drive to Great Basin National Park in Baker. Start your visit with lunch at the cafe inside the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Then, head out on a tour of the Lehman Caves, the longest cave system in Nevada. Book your tour tickets in advance as these tours often sell out.

Upon your return to Baker, check in at the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store. This quaint property includes four traditional hotel rooms and three tiny home-style cabins. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll get a good night’s sleep. But before you do, return to the park for some breathtaking stargazing.

Start by visiting the Astronomy Amphitheater, where you can lie down on a stone bench and gaze up at the blanket of stars. You also can drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and stop at the Mather Overlook for a panoramic view. Be sure to bring a red flashlight to help you navigate when walking. The park grounds are open 24 hours, so there’s no need to rush your visit. Check the park’s schedule for ranger-led stargazing events to learn more while here.

Don’t Skip Ely

Baker doesn’t offer many eating establishments, so you may want to grab some meals in Ely. It’s about an hour-long drive between towns, so plan accordingly. Restaurant choices include Economy Drug, which has an old-fashioned soda fountain, and Margaritas, a Mexican restaurant and steakhouse located inside the Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall. The Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall also is a great place to stay if you want to extend your trip.

While in Ely, take time to visit the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, which is set on the grounds of a former rail yard. You’ll see artifacts from the time the railway was operational, and you can even ride the rails on one of the museum’s historic trains.

For a unique souvenir, drive out to Garnet Hill and see if you can find your own gems to take back home. At Cave Lake State Park, try to land the big one in the lake’s turquoise waters (make sure you have a fishing license), or hike some of the park trails. Once evening arrives, enjoy more stargazing from the lakeshore.

Yes, Nevada offers plenty of opportunities to see the stars far from the neon lights of Las Vegas. It’s a wonderful way to unplug and take in the area’s natural and astral beauty.

Plan your trip with a AAA travel advisor and rent your car with Hertz. AAA members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals.

Featured image: Cathedral Gorge State Park