The route begins at the intersection of Eastlake Boulevard and Bowers Mansion Road/Old US 395 near Franktown just north of Carson City.

The highway winds along the mountains on the west side of Washoe Valley as it meanders northward.

The highway passes the historic Bowers Mansion state park before intersecting Interstate 580 (I-580) and US 395 near Winters Ranch.

[2] Steamboat's springs are still active today, producing geothermal power for northwest Nevada since 1991.

All of this route previously served as the main alignment of US 395 at some point, with mainline US 395 being rerouted as bypassing freeway segments were constructed.

With the completion of I-580 between Mount Rose Junction and Washoe City, the US 395 Alt designation was created to serve as a high-profile vehicle detour during high wind conditions on the interstate.