Ely is in eastern Nevada near the Utah border at the intersection of US Highways 50, 93, and 6. It's a center for mining, ranching and recreation.

The surrounding mountain ranges provide fine hunting and trout fishing. High-country hikers are fond of the nearby Wheeler Peak Scenic Area, which includes Wheeler Peak, Baker and Snake Creeks, Big Wash Canyon and the upper parts of Lehman Creek. The garnet-studded rhyolite outcropping at the peak of Garnet Hill is popular with rockhounds. Swimming and fishing are available at Cave Lake State Recreation Area.

Ely is the western terminus of a scenic route consisting of US 93, US 50/6 and SR 487. The route leads to the Utah border and the Great Basin National Park. The section of US Highway 50 heading west out of Ely is known as "The Loneliest Road in America." Central Nevada is filled with desert valleys between sets of mountain ridges. As Highway 50 crosses each of these gently curved valleys in a perfectly straight course, you can often see 20 or 30 miles of completely empty road ahead of you. You just must make sure that you have a car in good working condition as there are basically no services for more than 50 miles at most times and summer temperatures can easily reach 110, and winter temperatures getting well below zero.