Overview
Lund is a small, unincorporated ranching community in White Pine County, Nevada, sitting at roughly 5,400 feet elevation in the Steptoe Valley. It lies along Nevada State Route 318, a long, lightly traveled highway that connects Ely to the north and eventually Caliente to the south.
The community has deep roots in Nevada's ranching and agricultural history and remains a working rural settlement rather than a tourist destination. Its population numbers only in the dozens, meaning services are extremely limited. Travelers most commonly pass through Lund while driving one of Nevada's scenic backcountry byways or while staging for off-road and outdoor exploration in the surrounding valleys and ranges.
The landscape around Lund is quintessential Great Basin: wide, open valleys flanked by north–south mountain ranges, sparse vegetation dominated by sagebrush and juniper, and enormous skies with minimal light pollution. Those who appreciate solitude, wide-open spaces, and authentic rural Nevada will find the area quietly rewarding.
Before You Go
Supplies and Fuel
Lund has very limited commercial infrastructure. Do not assume you will find gasoline, groceries, or a pharmacy in the community itself. Stock up on fuel, food, water, and any medications before leaving Ely (roughly 60 miles to the north) or another larger town.
Road Conditions
Nevada Route 318 is paved but lightly maintained in places. Side roads leading into surrounding valleys and ranges are often unpaved and may require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Check current road conditions with the Nevada Department of Transportation before traveling, especially in winter or after heavy rain.
Cell Service
Mobile phone coverage in this part of rural Nevada is extremely sparse. Download offline maps and carry a paper map. Consider a satellite communicator if you plan backcountry travel.
Weather Awareness
High-desert weather can change quickly. Even in late spring and early fall, overnight temperatures can drop sharply. Summer afternoons bring heat and the risk of isolated thunderstorms. Winter travel carries risk of ice and snow on roads.
Getting There
Lund is accessed almost exclusively by private vehicle. The nearest commercial airport is in Ely at the Ely Airport (ELY), which offers limited regional service — verify current schedules and carriers directly with the airport or airlines. Most travelers fly into Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC), or Las Vegas (LAS) and drive.
- From Ely: Head south on US-93 and then south on NV-318; roughly 60 miles, mostly paved, under 90 minutes in good conditions.
- From Las Vegas: Approximately 250–280 miles depending on the route; allow four or more hours.
- From Salt Lake City: Approximately 230–260 miles via US-93; allow four or more hours.
There is no scheduled bus or shuttle service to Lund. Plan for self-sufficient travel.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essential for getting around Lund and the surrounding area — there is no local public transportation, no rideshare service, and no taxi. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended if you intend to explore unpaved roads into the surrounding mountain ranges or adjacent valleys. Always carry extra water, a spare tire, basic tools, and a means of emergency communication when venturing off the paved highway.
Things to See & Do
Scenic Driving
Nevada Route 318 is itself one of the draws. The corridor through the Steptoe and White River valleys offers long, uninterrupted views across Basin and Range terrain that few travelers see. It connects to other similarly remote highways, making it part of a larger loop through eastern Nevada.
Dark-Sky Stargazing
Light pollution in this part of Nevada is among the lowest in the contiguous United States. On a clear, moonless night, the Milky Way is plainly visible to the naked eye. No organized stargazing facilities exist here, but simply stopping along the highway on a clear night is a remarkable experience.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation
The broad, wet meadows and irrigation areas associated with ranching in the White River Valley attract raptors, shorebirds during migration, and a variety of Great Basin species. Pronghorn antelope are commonly seen along roadsides.
Backcountry Exploration
The ranges flanking the valley — including the White Pine Range to the east — offer opportunities for hiking and dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. No maintained trails or visitor facilities exist; all backcountry travel requires self-sufficiency and advance planning. Confirm land status with the BLM Ely District before entering.
Practical Information
Visas and Entry
Lund is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website.
Emergency Services
White Pine County Sheriff's Office serves the area. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911, but be aware that response times in such a remote location can be lengthy. Cell service may be insufficient to complete a call — a satellite communicator is a sensible precaution for backcountry travelers.
Medical
The nearest hospital-level care is in Ely. There are no medical facilities in Lund. Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Money
Carry cash. There are no ATMs or bank branches in Lund. Any services you encounter may not accept card payments.
Connectivity
Expect little to no reliable mobile data. Download everything you need — maps, guides, contacts — before leaving a larger town.
Safety
The primary safety considerations in and around Lund are environmental rather than related to crime. The extreme remoteness means that a vehicle breakdown, medical event, or navigation error can quickly become serious.
- Always tell someone your planned route and expected return time before heading into backcountry areas.
- Carry more water than you think you need — a minimum of one gallon per person per day is a standard desert guideline.
- Flash flooding can occur on unpaved roads and in washes during and after thunderstorms, even if skies appear clear in your immediate location.
- Wildlife encounters including rattlesnakes are possible; watch where you step and where you place your hands, especially on rocky terrain.
Overall, Lund and the surrounding area present very low risk from human threats; the landscape itself demands respect and preparation.