Located along the western stretch of I-50, officially designated the Loneliest Highway in America, Austin is a small town of 250 residents. Sitting at 6500 feet and tucked into the foothills of the mighty Toiyabe Range, Austin is a popular destination for mountain bike enthusiasts with excellent trail systems and an annual bike festival during the month of August. Lovers of solitude and undeveloped countryside will find plenty of both in the nearby desert, forest, and mountains of central Nevada.
Austin is located within close driving distance of three major Nevada wilderness areas: the Arc Dome in the Toiyabe Range to the south of Austin, the Table Mountain in the Monitor Mountains and the Alta Toquima in the Toquima Mountains both to the southeast of town. Each wilderness area boasts great hiking, horseback riding, fishing and exploring potential. Horses and llamas are allowed on the majority of the trails in all three wilderness areas, and a number of licensed outfitters can take visitors on a memorable day or overnight trip.
In town are a handful of places to stay, and a few local eateries serve home cooked food. During winter months, however, some of these close, so visitors should call ahead before making extensive plans in the off-season.
Austin is located in central Nevada, about 175 miles east of the Reno area. For more information on the Austin area, please select a topic of interest from the list on the left.
