Dayton to Spring Creek is 309.4 miles and takes about 5h 28m via Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, with a fuel budget near $59 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Nevada, traversing the Mountain West region from start to finish. Expect a drive mostly on surface roads after leaving the main highway, offering a more grounded perspective of the landscape. With a single recommended day and minimal highway driving, this route is well-suited for those who prefer a more leisurely pace and don't mind a longer stretch on non-freeway routes.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
154.7 miles from Dayton, NV
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 44m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
251.7 mi
4h 3m
California Emigrant Trail
21.1 mi
25m
US 50 ALT
13.2 mi
16m
Lamoille Highway
12.6 mi
18m
Lincoln Highway
2.6 mi
4m
Cottonwood Lane
1.3 mi
2m
I 80 BUS
1.1 mi
2m
Spring Creek Parkway
1 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 251.7 mi, about 4h 3m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 24 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~331 veh/hr typical
· worst 467
Quietest
2 AM
~50 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
6.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 104 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dayton, NV and Spring Creek, NV.
1
Start on Shady Lane
228 ft·10 sec·Shady Lane
2
Continue on Logan Alley
361 ft·21 sec·Logan Alley
3
Turn left onto FAS 803
141 ft·10 sec·Pike Street
4
Turn right onto Second Avenue
0.1 mi·32 sec·Second Avenue
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 50
2.6 mi·4 min·Lincoln Highway
6
Continue on US 50
19 mi·22 min·California Emigrant Trail
7
Enter roundabout onto US 50
112 ft·1 sec·California Emigrant Trail
Toward Fallon, Silver Springs, Austin, Ely
8
Continue on US 50
2.6 mi·2 min·California Emigrant Trail
Toward Fallon, Silver Springs, Austin, Ely
9
Enter roundabout onto US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT
241 ft·3 sec·US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT
10
Continue on US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT
13 mi·16 min·US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT
11
Turn right onto Cottonwood Lane
1.3 mi·2 min·Cottonwood Lane
12
At end of road, turn left onto NV 828
0.7 mi·1 min·Farm District Road
13
Enter roundabout onto I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
170 ft·4 sec·I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
14
Continue on I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
0.6 mi·1 min·I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
15
Continue on I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
503 ft·12 sec·I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
16
Take the exit onto I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
0.4 mi·50 sec·I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
Toward I 80 East, US 95 ALT North: Elko, Salt Lake City, BoiseUse the right lane.
17
Merge onto I 80; US 95 ALT
252 mi·4 hr 3 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 301Toward NV 225: Elko Downtown
19
Turn right onto NV 225
0.9 mi·1 min·Mountain City Highway
20
Continue on West Silver Street
0.9 mi·1 min·West Silver Street
21
Turn right onto NV 227
0.8 mi·2 min·5th Street
22
Continue on NV 227
11 mi·15 min·Lamoille Highway
23
Enter roundabout onto NV 227
97 ft·3 sec·Lamoille Highway
24
Continue on NV 227
2.1 mi·3 min·Lamoille Highway
25
Turn left onto Spring Creek Parkway
1.0 mi·1 min·Spring Creek Parkway
26
Turn right onto Glen Haven Drive
0.3 mi·1 min·Glen Haven Drive
27
Turn right onto Frisco Drive
0.6 mi·2 min·Frisco Drive
28
Arrive at destination
Frisco Drive
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 28m estimated drive time, starting in the morning is advisable to ensure you have ample daylight for the entire trip. While the route is manageable in one day, the longest stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is 251.7 miles, so consider a brief stop to break up this segment. Keep an eye on fuel, especially as you move onto surface roads, as services might be less frequent than on the main interstate. The relatively low highway share means you'll be navigating local roads for a good portion, so pay attention to speed limit changes and intersections.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 154.7 miles from Dayton, NV, or about 2h 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 251.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 68 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 154.7 miles or 2h 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 20m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Spring Creek, NV than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dayton, NV so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Dayton, NV
This is one driving day of about 309.4 miles and 5h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 68 miles from Dayton, NV.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 251.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 154.7 miles from Dayton, NV, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 251.7 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Best meal stop · final third
The HideAway | Restaurant & Bar
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Battle Mountain, Nevada
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third · 1h 34m to go
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
$20 to $30
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+17756355150
The HideAway | Restaurant & Bar
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Later in the drive, short detour
Final third
1.7 mi from route
~4 min detour
$20 to $30
Battle Mountain, Nevada
Hours: 11 am–9 pm
+17756355150
Trinity Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Button Point Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Cosgrave Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Valmy Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
ONE9 Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.6 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
1.7 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
1.9 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 39.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|Second Avenue
Turn right onto Second Avenue
Navigation decision point
6
21.4 mi into trip|~28m in|US 50 / California Emigrant Trail
Enter roundabout onto US 50 / California Emigrant Trail toward Fallon, Silver Springs, Austin, Ely
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Fallon, Silver Springs, Austin, Ely
5
24 mi into trip|~31m in|US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT
Enter roundabout onto US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
38.4 mi into trip|~49m in|NV 828 / Farm District Road
At end of road, turn left onto NV 828 / Farm District Road
Navigation decision point
7
39.8 mi into trip|~52m in|I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT
Take the exit onto I 80 BUS; US 95 ALT toward I 80 East, US 95 ALT North: Elko, Salt Lake City, Boise
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 80 East, US 95 ALT North: Elko, Salt L...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$65.79 one way
$131.58 round trip
$5.40/gal25.4 MPG avg108 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.73
$69.76
$139.52
premium
$6.02
$73.34
$146.68
diesel
$6.86
$83.56
$167.12
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$66
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$91–$116
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 108.3 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $32 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
92.8
1
$32.49
$14.85
Efficient EV
77.4
0
$27.07
$12.38
EV Truck/SUV
123.8
1
$43.32
$19.80
Gas CO2
108 kg
EV CO2
36 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Oct 18, 2026
Origin
Dayton, NV
Evening
in Dayton on Sunday
Local time
7:55 PM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Mostly Clear
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Spring Creek, NV
Evening
in Spring Creek on Sunday
Local time
7:55 PM
PDT
Current temp
37°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
6 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 28m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend most of your time on surface roads, as the highway share is only 5%. The longest continuous stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway covers 251.7 miles before you transition. This means you'll experience a significant amount of rural cruising after leaving the main highway corridor. Expect a gradual shift from freeway speeds to local traffic patterns as you approach your destination.
Only 5% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 251.7 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
3/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Second Avenue.
Driving Effort3/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a straightforward 5h 28m drive. You will face about 19 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Second Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 21.4 miles (US 50 / California Emigrant Trail): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24 miles (US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Elevation Profile
High-altitude sections with notable climbs
5,637 ft3,923 ft
Total Climb
2,181 ft
Total Descent
925 ft
Highest Point
5,637 ft
~309.4 mi in
Elevation Range
1,713 ft
Notable High Points
4,091 ft at ~66.3 miles+59 ft prominence
4,449 ft at ~176.8 miles+29 ft prominence
5,402 ft at ~265.2 miles+370 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dayton, NV and Spring Creek, NV, road signs point toward Fallon, Silver Springs, Austin, Ely, Salt Lake City and Boise.
The longest stretch is about 251.7 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 15 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 15 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through NV can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Second Avenue): Navigation decision point; at 21.4 miles (US 50 / California Emigrant Trail): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 24 miles (US 50 ALT; US 95 ALT): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.5 hours each way, a round trip means 10.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Spring Creek, NV before the return drive.
