The Tonopah–Austin Road existed as early as 1919, and was designated the southernmost segment of State Route 8A before being renumbered to SR 376 in 1976.

The southern terminus of State Route 376 is located about 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Tonopah on US 6 in western Nye County.

SR 376 continues northeastward through the center of the valley, providing access to Manhattan (via State Route 377) and Round Mountain.

[3] Following the base of the Toiyabe mountains, the route continues northward for several miles to enter Lander County near the community of Kingston.

[2] Roads linking Tonopah to Austin appear on Nevada maps as early as 1919, although it the exact composition of the route and its highway number was not clearly distinguished.