US Route 50 in California

US Highway 50 Road Trip Guide

Trade the interstate rush for a cross-country drive worth remembering.

Follow Route 50 from California to Maryland and string together mountain passes, desert basins, historic downtowns, and Atlantic coast sunsets.

Build Your RouteWhy Route 50

Full Route 50 Map

This interactive map highlights the full US 50 corridor from California to Maryland with live tracker animation.

Full Route 50 Drive Tracker
Iconic cross-country road tripMountain, desert, and coastal sceneryIdeal for 10-14 day itineraries
US 50 California state shield variantUS 50 Nevada state shield variantUS 50 Utah state shield variantUS 50 Colorado state shield variantUS 50 Kansas state shield variantUS 50 Missouri state shield variantUS 50 Illinois state shield variantUS 50 Indiana state shield variantUS 50 Ohio state shield variantUS 50 West Virginia state shield variantUS 50 Virginia state shield variantUS 50 Maryland state shield variant

States crossed

12 + DC

Total distance

about 3,019 mi

Best season

May-Oct

1926

US 50 was created in the original U.S. Numbered Highway System rollout.

West Terminus

The route begins in West Sacramento, California.

East Terminus

The route ends in Ocean City, Maryland.

System Reach

US 50 crosses 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Where are you starting?

Pick your starting side of Highway 50 and jump straight into route options for that direction.

Start In West Sacramento

Begin at US 50's western terminus, then climb into the Sierra for alpine lakes, pines, and historic mountain towns.

Cross Nevada's Wide Basins

Open highways, desert sunsets, and roadside diners make this stretch ideal for long scenic drives and stargazing.

Finish In Ocean City

Close the journey on the Atlantic coast with beach walks, boardwalk food, and a clear sense of distance traveled.

Tourism Associations Along Highway 50

Connect with organizations and tourism partners that actively promote travel experiences along Route 50.

Loneliest Road in America

Nevada communities and tourism partners promoting Route 50 road trips.

Visit Association

Visit Maryland's Coast

Eastern Shore travel support near Route 50's Atlantic endpoint.

Visit Association

Travel Kansas

Official state tourism resources for Kansas Route 50 stops and small towns.

Visit Association
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Plan Your Next Route 50 Step

State Route Segments

State-by-state route planning cards and stops.

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Route 50 History

Timeline chapters and referenced historical resources.

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Destinations & Towns

Filter destinations, restaurants, and hotel ideas.

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Tourism Associations

Official organizations that support highway travel.

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