Travel Log - A Trip Through the Monitor Valley of Central Nevada

Do you hate people? Do you want to get away from it all? Do you want to disappear…never to be seen again? Do you want to be totally alone…surrounded by beautiful mountains, an endless valley and in total silence except for what sounds the wind and the snakes make? If so…I have a destination for you…the Monitor Valley of Central Nevada. 

To me at least, the Monitor Valley defines what “empty Nevada” is all about. How empty…this empty…on the entire drive between Belmont and Austin, a distance of about 60 miles, you will see TWO ranches, and those are off in the distance. That is it folks in terms of human habitation.

And indeed, the road itself pretty much defines what a lonely Nevada road is like too…I spent six hours meandering my way down this road and numerous side-roads. During that entire time, I didn’t see a single vehicle. And really, that should not be a surprise. After all…no one really lives here. And the town of Belmont is not exactly high on the list of tourist attractions in Nevada (although it should be!).

The Monitor Valley is a massive valley lying to the Southwest of Austin, NV and to the Northeast of Belmont, NV. The valley is approximately 60 miles in length and about 10-20 miles in width…depending on where you are.  The valley is flanked on the east by a smaller mountain range and on the west by the very towering Toquima Mountains. The Toquima mountain peaks have a elevation over 11,000 feet and totally dominate the skyline…especially since they rise very steeply up from the valley floor.

The views in this valley are absolutely stunning…at least if you like “sweeping views.” Do NOT expect trees of any kind along the road. Indeed, the only trees you’ll find along the road between Belmont and Austin will be some scraggly trees near Belmont. But once you leave Belmont, you’ll leave the trees behind. So…if you are searching for trees…go elsewhere. But if you want sweeping views, in a very lonely, isolated yet exceptionally beautiful place…the Monitor Valley of Central Nevada is the place to go.

Getting There & The Belmont Road

So, how does one get to the Monitor Valley. Like most out of the way yet scenic places in Nevada, the Monitor Valley in Nevada requires some effort to reach. The easiest way is to head down Highway 50…aka the Loneliest Highway in America…from Reno/Carson city area and head towards Austin, NV. Now, if you reached Austin itself…you’ve gone too far. The road you want cuts south from Highway 50 and is called the Belmont Road. There is a tiny sign letting you know of this road, but that is it. No flashing lights. No neon signs. Nothing else.

As for the Belmont Road, the road itself…at least in May/June…is in excellent condition. You can fly down this road doing 50-60mph if you really want to and don’t mind some rock damage to your vehicle. Me…being me…of course did a slightly more leisurely speed, averaging about 20mph with many, many stops and side adventures. About the only time you’re likely to run into any trouble on this road is during the winter (snow…although not that common) and during the short mud-season this part of Nevada has (March usually).

Additionally, in May during the height of spring run-off, you’ll have to drive through a couple of streams that cross the road. The State of Nevada sees no point in erecting bridges for a bunch of seasonal streams in backwater areas. As such, during May you’ll find a half dozen “mini-stream crossings” that every vehicle except during the true height of spring run-off should easily be able to make their way through. And note…these are tiny and shallow streams (usually). It is not like you are crossing the Mississippi River here.

Services in the Monitor Valley

You’re joking? Services…in the Monitor Valley. NOT.

The ONLY place for services…period…is on the northern terminus of the valley, in the town of Austin. And believe me, the town of Austin is not exactly the mecca of services, either. You can get gas, a few other things, and take out a cheap motel room…but that is about it. As for the town of Belmont…there is essentially NO services there. Thus, if you are starting your trip in Austin and heading towards Belmont…do so on a FULL tank of gas, especially if you will be going beyond Belmont (another very lonely stretch of Nevada).

Related Information on Exploring Nevada.Com

• Monitor Valley PhotoBlogs