Road Trip to Ely: Aliens, History & High Desert

Lets prepare you for a true Nevada adventure packed with UFO lore, historic mining sites, serene lakes, and small-town charm. Rent a campervan from DeVanRentals in Las Vegas and hit the road in a self-contained rig perfect for remote stretches, stargazing, and spontaneous overnight stops. This route combines the mysterious Extraterrestrial Highway with must-see spots near Ely like the Ward Charcoal Ovens, Cave Lake, the Nevada Northern Railway train ride, and the McGill Drugstore Museum.

Driving Time (without stops): 4–5 hours via the most efficient path (I-15 N to US-93 N, then connections to NV-375 and onward to Ely). Recommended Trip Duration: 3–5 days round-trip to fully enjoy the stops, hikes, and overnight camping in a campervan from DeVanRentals.com. Add extra time for side adventures or relaxation in Ely.

Best & Worst Time of Year for This Road Trip

• Best time: Late spring (May–June) and fall (September–October). Mild daytime temperatures (60s–80s°F), cooler nights perfect for campervan stargazing, and lower crowds. Wildflowers may pop in spring, and fall brings beautiful high-desert colors. Roads are generally clear, and high-elevation spots like Cave Lake remain accessible.

• Good shoulder seasons: Early summer or late fall for fewer people.

• Worst time: Mid-winter (December–February) due to potential snow, ice, and high winds at elevation around Ely and mountain passes. Alos, peak summer (July–August) brings intense desert heat (100°F+ in lower elevations) and monsoon risks, making long drives less comfortable unless you have strong AC.

Suggested Itinerary: Las Vegas → Extraterrestrial Highway → Ely

Day 1: Las Vegas to the Extraterrestrial Highway (Aliens & Desert Vibes) Start early from Las Vegas in your campervan. Head north on I-15, then US-93 toward Alamo/Ash Springs. Key stops along the way to the ET Highway:

• Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (near Alamo): A peaceful oasis for birdwatching and a quick leg stretch.

• E.T. Fresh Jerky (Hiko area): Stock up on road snacks, pose with alien murals, and use what they claim are the "cleanest restrooms in Area 51."

• Turn onto NV-375 (Extraterrestrial Highway) at Crystal Springs. Snap photos at the iconic Extraterrestrial Highway sign.

• Alien Research Center: Can't miss the giant silver alien statue—grab souvenirs, alien tequila, or quirky gifts.

• Black Mailbox (legendary UFO drop point—now white, but the lore lives on): Leave a note or just soak in the mystery.

• Rachel, NV: The tiny "UFO Capital of the World." Dine at the Little A’Le’Inn for alien burgers and local stories. This is prime boondocking territory. You and your campervan can rest here under dark skies, perfect for UFO spotting.

Continue north/west on NV-375 to US-6, then east toward Ely (or overnight near Rachel/Tonopah if extending the alien theme). The desolate beauty and vast open spaces make this stretch unforgettable.

Day 2–3: Arrive in Ely Area – History, Nature & Scenic Stops Ely sits at the edge of the Great Basin, surrounded by mining history and stunning landscapes. Use your campervan as a base for day trips or camp at state parks.

• Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park (about 18–20 miles south of Ely): Explore six massive, well-preserved beehive-shaped stone ovens from the 1870s silver boom era. Hike short trails, picnic, or camp amid pinyon-juniper forests. The ovens once produced charcoal for smelters—great photo ops and a fascinating glimpse into Nevada's mining past. Access involves some dirt roads; a campervan with good clearance handles it well.

• Cave Lake State Park (about 15 miles southeast of Ely via Success Summit Road): A beautiful high-elevation reservoir (7,300 ft) surrounded by cliffs and mountains. Fish for trout, hike, swim (in season), boat, or simply relax. Excellent camping options, perfect for a campervan. In winter, it transforms for ice fishing and snow activities. Year-round beauty with fewer crowds than bigger parks.

• Ely Train Ride – Nevada Northern Railway: Step back in time with a ride on this historic working railroad. Options include scenic daytime excursions through Robinson Canyon or themed rides (check schedule for the Haunted Ghost Train in October). The museum and rail yard offer tours of vintage locomotives and cars—a highlight for history buffs and families.

• McGill Drugstore Museum (about 12 miles north of Ely in McGill): A free or low-cost time capsule preserving a 1915–1979 small-town drugstore and soda fountain. See original fixtures, merchandise, and fixtures frozen in time—it's like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting with a Nevada mining twist. Operated as part of the White Pine Public Museum; check hours (often Thursdays–Sundays).

Additional Recommended Stops & Detours Along the Way:

• Pioche (historic mining town with ghost town vibes, if routing via US-93).

• Great Basin National Park (short drive from Ely): Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and incredible stargazing—pair this with your Ely visit for a fuller high-desert experience. Your campervan makes overnighting here easy.

• Tonopah (alternative or extension stop): Mining history, the Mizpah Hotel, and more dark skies.

• Keep an eye out for wild horses, burros, or pronghorn in the vast basins.

Why Rent a Campervan from DeVanRentals for This Trip?

DeVanRentals' campervans are built for Nevada road trips like this one. Enjoy:

• Self-contained freedom for remote stretches of the Extraterrestrial Highway and boondocking near Rachel or state parks.

• Comfortable sleeping, kitchen area, and storage for jerky, water, and souvenirs.

• The ability to chase sunsets, stars, or sudden storms without hotel worries.

• Fuel efficiency and maneuverability compared to larger RVs on winding or dirt roads.

Book your DeVanRentals campervan from Las Vegas today and turn this alien-highway-to-historic-Ely journey into your perfect customized adventure. Stock up on snacks, download offline maps (cell service is spotty), fill the tank often, and respect "no trespassing" signs around sensitive areas like Area 51 boundaries.

Safe travels! May the roads be clear and the skies full of weonders (or at least great stars). Whether you're hunting aliens, mining history, or peaceful high-desert escapes, this Las Vegas to Ely campervan road trip delivers it all.