SR 429 began at Hobart Road, near the Carson City – Washoe County line immediately adjacent to present-day Interstate 580 (I-580) and US 395.

From this point, the SR 429 paralleled US 395 northward for about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) and then shifted westward to follow the foothills of the mountains to the west.

The highway continued northward past Bowers Mansion State Park before turning east to terminate at US 395 just south of Washoe City.

When large-profile vehicles were prohibited on US 395 due to high wind, motorists were advised to detour onto SR 429.

By 1970, a new divided highway alignment was opened to traffic between the Carson City limits and the northern terminus of present-day SR 429.