From Summit to Caves and Dark Skies
Great Basin National Park stretches from the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to sagebrush-covered foothills. Ancient bristlecone pines and exceptionally dark night skies add two more natural highlights to this high-altitude landscape.
Lehman Caves are Nevada’s longest cave system. They can only be entered on a ranger-led tour. Tickets for walk-in visits usually sell out within minutes of the visitor center opening. Check tour operations and times before your trip.
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is a paved, 12-mile mountain road that climbs from about 6,700 feet to more than 10,000 feet. Seasonal road closures are possible. Trails leading to alpine lakes branch off from the road, which also leads to a stand of the famous Ancient Bristlecone Pines.
Trails, Wildlife and Water
The Egan Crest Trail System offers 24 miles of trails through sagebrush-covered plains and piñon pine and juniper forests. The Egan Crest Trailhead has a gravel parking lot for about 300 vehicles and a kiosk with a map of the trail system.
At the Ely Elk Viewing Area, elk can occasionally be seen feeding in fall and spring. Golden eagles, ravens, black-tailed jackrabbits and small chipmunks can also be seen there. Elk viewing is therefore seasonal, while the bird and small mammal species mentioned offer additional reasons to look around.
Cave Lake includes a 32-acre reservoir used for trout fishing and boating. Garnet Hill is in White Pine County along Highway 50. It is the only designated rockhounding area in the Ely District and is internationally known as a garnet collecting area. A BLM sign directs visitors to the recreation and rockhounding area. Check current land-use restrictions before collecting.
Railroad and Regional History
White Pine County lies within the Great Basin National Heritage Area, which offers opportunities for recreation and reflection in a classic Western landscape.
The East Ely Depot was built in 1905 on the grounds of the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark. The East Ely Yard is designated a National Historic Landmark; the designation recognizes the railroad’s contribution to preserving steam railroading around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Nevada Northern Railway is a living museum experience that offers insight into the workings of a railroad shop. The Nevada Northern Railway Foundation offers seasonal guided tours of the railroad’s depots, workshops and facilities.
The Ward Charcoal Ovens tell another chapter in the region’s history: they were in operation during the Ward mines’ silver boom years, from 1876 to 1879.
The White Pine Public Museum showcases Native American heritage and the history of the Pony Express. It has more than 300 mineral specimens from the region, including gold, silver and copper ore from the hills around Ely. Also on display is a model of a cave bear, whose bones were discovered in White Pine County in 1982.
Ely Renaissance Village is a walkable collection of restored homes that illustrates the cultures and communities that have shaped White Pine County. Seasonal traditions include High Tea at the English House. Visitor operations and the events program are seasonal; check visiting options and dates before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ely, Lincoln County, Carson City, Clark, Elko County, Lander County, Nye, Lyon County.
For the main travel overview: Nevada.
