Nevada, known for its vast expanses of desert and rugged landscapes, boasts a road that has earned the title “Loneliest Road in America.” Stretching from Fernley to Great Basin National Park, this iconic stretch of Highway 50 offers travelers a unique glimpse into the solitude and beauty of the American West. We had the opportunity to embark on a journey along this road, with a special overnight visit planned at Miller Bison LLC, promising an encounter with one of the area’s most fascinating inhabitants.

Setting off from Fernley, Nevada, the Loneliest Road immediately lives up to its name. The landscape transforms into an expanse of desert plains, framed by distant mountain ranges and an endless blue sky. The sparse population and the vast distances between settlements create an awe-inspiring and humbling sense of isolation.

Driving along Highway 50, I found myself captivated by the rugged beauty of the desert. The occasional small towns punctuating the journey, such as Austin and Eureka, offer glimpses of Nevada’s rich history and resilient communities.

Traveling along Highway 50 in Nevada, we encountered giant bugs wandering the road. We found out that these creatures are the Mormon Cricket. These enormous insects, known for their tendency to gather in dense swarms, can create a slippery and hazardous situation on the roadways. When crushed by passing vehicles, their oily bodies leave behind a slick residue that reduces traction, potentially leading to slippery conditions for unsuspecting drivers. Additionally, the sheer volume of crickets crossing the highway sometimes can obscure visibility, and the rumor is that they even send snowplows out to clear the piles of insect bodies from the roads. 

One of the highlights of our journey was the visit to Miller Bison LLC, nestled in the heart of Nevada’s wilderness. As we approached the ranch, we were greeted by the sight of majestic bison grazing peacefully off in the distance against the backdrop of rolling hills and expansive skies. Bison, once nearly driven to extinction, now roam freely here, embodying the resilience and spirit of the American West.

The folks at Miller Bison LLC are passionate about bison conservation and sustainable ranching practices. They graciously welcomed us, and we purchased several steaks (one made for a tasty breakfast the next morning).

After the weather cooled, we set out through the alfalfa field to locate the herd. We encountered an old trailer that the owner had transformed into a makeshift chicken coop. Killdeer informed us that we were too close to their nests as we observed the bison running around the field. We circled around to the area where the bulls were grazing, and on our way back to our Airstream, we met Norman, the bottle-fed bison calf. Norman was happy to greet us and enjoyed a good scratch.

The evening was spectacularly quiet, and we slept well. If you are a Harvest Host member and happen to venture through Nevada along the Loneliest Road in America, be sure to stop by Miller Bison.