Las Vegas to Ely: Discover Nevada's Natural Beauty

No, you can't visit Area 51, the world-famous but highly secretive research facility where the U.S. government allegedly tests alien aircraft. So the next best thing is a detour to the Alien Research Center.
It's not a museum but a kitschy gift shop (on a stretch of State Route 375 officially designated the Extraterrestrial Highway) where you can pick up souvenirs. Their hours can be inconsistent, so call them in advance to make sure the business is open. Either way, you can still snap a photo of the 35-foot-tall space alien statue out front.

Fill up on gas with a stop in Caliente, Nevada. Although it's the largest town in Lincoln County, it's still pretty small and hasn't changed much over the years. It has a timeless, easygoing hometown feel. At one point, Caliente was best known as the halfway point between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Los Angeles, California, on the Union Pacific Railroad.
Absorb the history by visiting the historic railroad depot, built in a unique mission revival design in 1923. It's a great photo spot, as is the adjacent Box Car Museum, where visitors can get an up-close look at vintage passenger cars.

Cathedral Gorge State Park boasts a beautiful collection of towering rock formations, remnants of a prehistoric lake that evaporated hundreds of years ago. Pull over and spend some time exploring the trails, which are suitable for hikers of all levels.
The Miller Point overlook offers sweeping views and leads down to Cathedral Cave and other awe-inspiring slot canyons. Keep your eyes peeled for a gazebo, stone water tower, and other landmarks left behind by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Expect to pay a small entrance fee, and don't hesitate to stop by the visitor's center for maps and other resources.

Grab a bite for lunch at the Historic Silver Cafe, a favorite among locals in the small town of Pioche, Nevada. The restaurant specializes in classic American comfort food, with burgers, steaks, and sandwiches on the menu.

Take a trip back in time to when Ely was best known as an Old West train depot. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum operates much in the same way it did over a hundred years ago, featuring locomotives and a historic passenger station to showcase how Nevadans traveled back in the day.
Board a vintage train for a 90-minute tour that winds through tunnels, around mountains, and passes the Ruth Copper Mining District. Train “bandits” might even make an appearance for entertainment purposes. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural scenery just outside downtown Ely.
Please note that it's recommended to check the schedule and book your ticket well in advance to ensure a spot on the train.

Mr. Gino's (or “Mr. G's” as the locals call it) is a classic Italian-American restaurant with a touch of old-town Western charm. The menu offers a wide variety, with pastas, burgers, and sandwiches among the top items. Salad and breadsticks are included with house specialties. Steaks come with a choice of red potatoes, mashed potatoes, or French fries. The “Bambinos” section of the menu is for kids 12 and under or seniors 55 and up. It includes smaller portions of spaghetti, pizza, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese.

Check into the Holiday Inn Express and Suites for a good night's rest. Wake up early the next morning, ready for a busy day visiting two major parks on the second day of your road trip.