Highway 50 Landscape #2 (Basin and Range). Somewhere in Nevada, 2013
At least that’s what Life magazine, in July of 1986, called the section that passes through Nevada.
Here is a brief summary of what it’s like as you travel US Highway 50 through that expansive state: you climb up over a pass, then down through a broad, open valley, then back up over another pass, then down through yet another broad plain…Lather. Rinse. Repeat. And Repeat. And Repeat…for many, many miles. Now and then you’ll pass through a small town: Ely, Eureka, Austin being the only significant ones in the main 400-plus mile stretch. The Pony Express, during its very short-lived existence (about 18 months), used this route–very impressive.
This is what geographers call basin and range land, with its many mountain ranges separated by large alluvial fans and high desert valleys.
Ever hear of Great Basin National Park? Probably not. It’s in the area and one of the least visited Parks in the system and where you’ll have to go if you wish to climb to Nevada’s high point atop Wheeler, Peak (13, 065′). It’s also a good night photography destination with some of the darkest skies in the lower 48.
A hot (or freezing cold, as it was for me) camping tip for the area: the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area 24 miles east of Austin, Nevada. It’s free, nice sites, beautiful and lonely location, but BYOW (W=water).
What a wonderful road! I wouldn’t mind taking a week (or more!) to go back and forth along this route with my camera and tripod. I’ll definitely be back!
Layers and Uplift. Highway 50, Nevada, 2013
You might also like
Leave a reply