Head out early from Star and take a coffee and pastry stop at The Bunker Coffee Co. (Meridian area) before meeting US-93 south; enjoy sweeping valley views as you cross the Snake River plain and pull over at the Little Wood River Overlook for a brisk stretch and photos. Continue through Salmon Falls Road, timing a detour to the historic Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead (if conditions permit) for a short hike and warm soak, then roll into Jarbidge-bound landscapes with a lunch-ready picnic at the scenic Pahsimeroi Valley turnout to watch winter light sculpt the ridgelines.
In the afternoon, follow US-93 south and pause for a scenic leg-stretch at the historic Shoshone Falls Vista area, where the river-carved canyon views offer excellent photo ops without retracing your morning stops. Continue toward the high desert and visit the small, character-rich town of Challis for an early dinner at a local eatery, then drive on to an evening lookout at the Big Lost River Overlook to watch late light flatten the basin as you head toward Nevada.
As dusk falls, pull off for a peaceful sunset walk along the boardwalk at Walnut Creek Wetlands to watch migrating waterfowl and golden light wash the marsh grasses, then continue south to sample hearty comfort food and local brews at The Old Mill Tavern in a small highway town. Finish the night with stargazing from the roadside turnout near Silver Basin Lookout, where the clear high-desert skies and minimal light pollution make for an excellent introduction to Nevada nightscapes before you roll on toward Tonopah tomorrow.
Leave your Star-to-Nevada momentum behind and roll into classic high desert mornings with a sunrise photo stop at the panoramic Hot Creek Gorge Overlook, then warm up with a hearty breakfast and old-west atmosphere at Park Cattle Company Café in a small highway community. Continue south on US-93 to stretch your legs on the short, interpretive loop at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park (watch for winter trail conditions), taking in the beehive-shaped ovens and stark basin vistas before a picnic brunch at the scenic Wilson Creek Rest Area where mule deer and wide-open views set the tone for a full day of Great Basin exploration.
After a morning of beehive ovens and wide basins, drive deeper into the Great Basin and pause for a geology-and-history stop at the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park where you can walk the fossil exhibit and the ghost-town ruins, then stretch your legs on the short interpretive trail to the mine shafts. Continue south toward Ely with a late-afternoon coffee or light meal at The Cellar (a cozy local spot), then climb to the scenic pullout at Ward Mountain Recreation Area for sweeping valley-to-range views as the light softens before evening.
As daylight softens, head toward the historic mining town center and enjoy an early supper and local stories at Ely's Bistro on Aultman before an atmospheric walk past the town's preserved railroad and mining-era buildings. After dinner, drive a short way to the rim of Harrison Pass Overlook for a twilight panorama of the basin and ranges, then finish with stargazing at Ward Charcoal Ovens Night Pullout-a low-light spot where the Great Basin sky opens up and Milky Way viewing is often excellent.
Depart the high-desert Nevada hum and ease into alpine approaches with a sunrise coffee and breakfast sandwich at Cave Lake Coffee House before a brisk walk around the pine-fringed Cave Lake State Park shoreline to look for waterfowl and morning light on the peaks. Continue south on US-93 with a scenic stop at the historic Queen Creek Canyon turnout for short photo loops and a chance to stretch on winter-hardy trails, then descend toward the Owens Valley with a detour to wander the boardwalk and interpretive signs at the Independence Visitor Center to connect local history with the landscape you'll be entering.
Wind down from the morning pines with a drive into the Owens Valley and pull over for a riverside stroll at Hot Creek Fisheries where the spring-fed pools and riffles are excellent for spotting trout and watching steam rise in cool air. Continue to the historic mountain gateway of Mammoth Scenic Byway (US-395) junction, pause for a late lunch or coffee at Ernest Coffee & Bakery in a local hamlet, then take a short detour onto June Lake Loop for sweeping lake-and-peak views and an easy shore-side walk before descending toward Bridgeport as afternoon light softens the Sierra ridgelines.
As daylight wanes, settle into the small-town charm of Bridgeport with an early dinner at The Aurora Restaurant, then take a gentle sunset stroll along the historic East Walker River Walk to watch golden light on the water and look for returning trout activity. Afterward, drive a short way up the road to the evocative high-country viewpoint at Twin Lakes Lookout for alpine reflections and a clear, quiet spot to photograph the evening colors before checking into a nearby inn or warming up with a nightcap at a local tavern.
Ease into your final day with a sunrise stretch and coffee at Mojave Coffee & Thyme, then head to Apple Valley Nature Center for a gentle loop through desert trails and birdwatching that introduces the Mojave ecosystem you've been approaching all day. Afterward, visit the quirky outdoor exhibits at Victor Valley Museum for local history and Route 66 artifacts before checking into town and scouting a lunch spot along Bear Valley Road to plan your afternoon orientation of Apple Valley.
After lunch, settle into the high desert rhythm with a leisurely drive to Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area for shoreline strolls and sweeping Mojave-to-San Bernardino views, then head to the nearby Apple Valley Legacy Trail for an easy bike or walk that introduces local sculptures and community greenspace. Finish the afternoon at Mojave Narrows Regional Park, where you can rent a paddleboat, watch waterfowl along the river channels, and enjoy a late-afternoon picnic as the sun softens the desert landscape-an ideal gentle transition from highway travel to town life.
Unwind after your drive with a sunset visit to Mojave Riverwalk Park, where paved paths and desert landscaping make for an easy stroll and great views of the lowering sun, then grab casual plates and local craft beer at The Cheese Steak Factory & Brewery for a flavorful, low-key meal. After dinner, head to Victor Valley Mall's rooftop parking overlook (a local unofficial sunset spot) for a panoramic twilight view of the valley lights, then finish the night with a short, peaceful walk through the illuminated gardens at Drytown Water Park (seasonal hours permitting) to settle into Apple Valley's evening rhythm.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| The Bunker Coffee Co. (Meridian area) - coffee & pastry | $8 |
| Little Wood River Overlook | Free |
| Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead (parking/usage) | Free |
| Pahsimeroi Valley turnout (picnic lunch supplies) | $12 |
| Shoshone Falls Vista (viewing area) | Free |
| Challis - dinner at local eatery (typical meal) | $20 |
| Big Lost River Overlook | Free |
| Walnut Creek Wetlands (boardwalk & birdwatching) | Free |
| The Old Mill Tavern - dinner & local brews (typical meal + beer) | $28 |
| Silver Basin Lookout (roadside stargazing) | Free |
| Hot Creek Gorge Overlook (sunrise photo stop) | Free |
| Park Cattle Company Café - breakfast | $12 |
| Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park (entry/parking) | Free |
| Wilson Creek Rest Area (picnic/brunch supplies) | $10 |
| Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park (day use / small fee) | $8 |
| The Cellar (coffee / light meal) | $8 |
| Ward Mountain Recreation Area (scenic pullout) | Free |
| Ely's Bistro on Aultman - dinner | $25 |
| Harrison Pass Overlook | Free |
| Ward Charcoal Ovens Night Pullout (stargazing) | Free |
| Cave Lake Coffee House - coffee & breakfast sandwich | $10 |
| Cave Lake State Park (day use / parking) | $5 |
| Queen Creek Canyon turnout (photo stop / short walk) | Free |
| Independence Visitor Center (boardwalk & interpretive signs) | Free |
| Hot Creek Fisheries (riverside stroll) | Free |
| Ernest Coffee & Bakery - late lunch / coffee | $12 |
| June Lake Loop (scenic detour / shore-side walk) | Free |
| The Aurora Restaurant (Bridgeport) - dinner | $25 |
| East Walker River Walk (sunset stroll) | Free |
| Twin Lakes Lookout | Free |
| Mojave Coffee & Thyme - coffee | $8 |
| Apple Valley Nature Center (trail loop / birdwatching) | Free |
| Victor Valley Museum (admission) | $6 |
| Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (day use fee) | $12 |
| Apple Valley Legacy Trail (bike / walk) | Free |
| Mojave Narrows Regional Park (entry + paddleboat rental) | $18 |
| Mojave Riverwalk Park (sunset stroll) | Free |
| The Cheese Steak Factory & Brewery - casual dinner + beer | $22 |
| Victor Valley Mall rooftop parking overlook (sunset viewpoint) | Free |
| Drytown Water Park (evening gardens / seasonal hours) | $5 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $376 |