As far as I know, the only part of US-50 I've traveled in Nevada is the road between Stateline, NV to Carson City. I wouldn't call that part terribly desolate. It's right along the east side of Lake Tahoe and there are some spectacular views. I think I took a loop around Spooner Lake at Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park.
As the state capital, Carson City has a lot of museums. I took my kid to the state railway museum and went on a train ride.
As the state capital, Carson City has a lot of museums. I took my kid to the state railway museum and went on a train ride.