US50 Nevada & Internet Svc.

I’m taking US50 through Nevada and Utah in July. East to West and vice-versa. Anyone know if I’ll have mapping ability off my iPhone? Wondering if it’s necessary or maybe just a good idea to get a navigation app. with offline mapping.

 

Sounds like a fun trip. I used to live off the 50, but never have taken it more East than Lake Tahoe. Can't help with your question, but take some pics of your trip!

 

Google, Apple and HERE Maps all have offline map download options.

If you're doing a straight shot through the area keeping navigation going the whole time, you'll still have the route loaded even if you lose the visual map so you'll likely be fine if you forget.

I like to hang onto my Garmin GPS for a second opinion/something dedicated just-in-case but I'd say it's not critical.

Only thing I would worry about is if you mount your phone in direct sunlight and not in the flow of A/C, heat may be a concern on the hottest, sunniest days since once you get that "iPhone needs to cool down" message, bye-bye navigation, music, etc. but since you have CarPlay I wouldn't worry about that.

 

The 50 through Nevada is gorgeous. I've done it a number of times and I like it much better than the 80. This photo was taken just west of Eureka, near Lone Mountain (Robert's Creek Rd). Just make sure you have plenty of gas going through Nevada on the 50.

 

Looks like a great adventure on a moto. Any recommendations on places to eat, there can’t be many, or areas to take a break and take shelter from the heat? Setting out from Truckee CA around 530 in the morning so hoping to reach Wheeler Peak at Great Basin NP where it’s 20deg. cooler before things heat up below.

 

Sorry, I'm not much help. I really don't stop anywhere for long when I'm on the road, and I often bring my own meals with me, at least for the most part. I've stayed in Ely before and it's a cool little town. I'd be surprised if there weren't some decent dining options there.

 

I'm pretty new to that area, but I made three trips this spring from Truckee area to Austin. You should have internet the entire way, if you stay on 50. There is gas in Fallon, Middlegate, and Austin. I looked for food in Austin but couldn't find any place open. Middlegate also has burgers, if the local sxs group hasn't occupied it. You may have it to yourself or you may find yourself among a bunch of QAnon types, lol.

Check out the castle in Austin. It's right off the road, and will have shade. Sneak up to it and you'll surprise the owls that live inside.

That's just a long drive, so do carry extra gas in case of some washout or other unexpected detour.

 

Great drive. I did the route from West to East about 14 years ago.
Enjoy.

 

Thanks for the tips, especially where to find shade! Forecast is looking bearable next week at 90F. Beats 115F if we would’ve taken the southern route through Vegas. Oh and I’ll make sure my flat-earther bumper stickers are on the truck lol.

 

I like to change my license plate holder according to the area I'm visiting, so I look like a local! Wearing camouflage helps, too.

 

We purposely got off the interstate to take US50 in 1989 while driving from Tampa to my new job in San Jose. One of my favorite drives ever, even packed into my 1987 Cavalier coupe. LOL The travel gods were kind, too. My water pump went out 3 days after we got to San Jose. It was April and it started sleeting as we drove out of Ely, NV. Cleared up soon after though.

 

Returned from the trip and just wanted to report I had cell. AT&T coverage all the way. Actually enjoyed US50 through Utah more than the NV stretch (more desolate I found). And I would recommend adding Utah’s Scenic Byway U128.