BarbAnn

Just be aware that traveling Hwy 50 instead of I-80 adds hours to your drive. I drove from El Dorado Hills (I can see HWY 50 from my neighborhood) to Yellowstone NP and returned from Jackson via I-80 last September. We spent the night in Boise on the way (son lives there) and Elko on the return. The Nevada desert past Reno or Tahoe will be boring no matter which hwy or interstate you take.

MmePerdu

I was wondering why 50 would be more scenic than 80, but haven't driven 50 any farther than Fallon. From SF, 80 is certainly more direct and beautiful through the mountains. But once into Nevada, well, Nevada is Nevada going east. Maybe it improves after Fallon but since you'll be into Idaho by the end of the day I'd want to just get there as fast as possible.

cmstraf

Thanks.

I'm back to indecision land...

MichelleY

I think most of us suggested 80 because we assumed you wanted the most efficient, quickest route.

Patty

50 is more scenic past Fallon. We took 80 out and 50 back when we went to Yellowstone/Tetons last May but we had more time for the drive (4 nights each direction). There are very few cars on 50 past Fallon, some quirky towns along the route, a few sights to see and pronghorn along the highway. We found it more enjoyable than 80. I posted briefly about it here http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ugh-nevada.cfm

But if you're trying to do the drive with only 1 (possibly 2) overnight, I would just take the shorter route on 80. You won't really have time for sightseeing along the way anyway.

cmstraf

Thanks. We are now leaving on Friday instead of Saturday. If we take 80 to Twin Falls, we can arrive one night earlier in Grand Tetons, gaining us an extra day (5 nights instead of 4).

If we take 50, we will probably stop both in Ely one night and in Idaho Falls the next, arriving at our originally planned time, Sunday, for four nights.

I read your trip report, thanks. Failed at getting in to see photos, will wait until DH is awake.

Patty

I just updated the photo link. See if that works.