Ely Trails

This area has a ton to offer for all types of recreation. Home to Great Basin National Park and Wheeler Peak (13,062') along with some amazing mtn. ranges, tons of public land, great access, and trails right from downtown Ely, you can really spend some time in this area and still not see a fraction of it. Located about 4 hours North of Vegas, 5 hours East of Reno, and 4 hours West of Salt Lake this area is in the middle of everywhere and makes for a great stopping over point for longer journeys. It also makes for a great summer destination when the asphalt is melting your shoes down South or when you can no longer handle the crowds in the Sierras.

If you do come here bring all your gear because this area has a bit of everything. The national park, wilderness areas, and state parks offer some great hiking and horseback riding and you can find some super fun mountain biking close to Ely (although the really good stuff is hard to find). There is a ton of public land with plenty of roads and trails to explore with your jeep, ATV, or dirtbike as well but please stay on existing roads and tread lightly. Trail systems for ATVs and dirt- bikes are in the works with more details to follow as they get developed (see the Projects section for more info). Our partners over at the BLM and the Forest Service in this area are way into developing and improving trails around here so be sure to check back and visit often as new stuff gets developed. There also might be some pretty fun rock climbing and backcountry skiing around here, depending on who you talk to.

Great Basin National Park Lots of hiking and horseback oppor- tunities here at the least visited National Park in the system. Ancient bristlecone trees, alpine lakes, solitude, and spectacular views are the highlights.

Mt Moriah Wilderness The lesser known more rugged cousin of Great Basin National Park is further from the beaten track but just as amazing. A great place for a couple days of solitude on foot or horse. Highlights inlcude the Table, gnarled bristlecone trees, and a sense of exploration. Bring a 4wd to get to the trails.

Ice Plant Trails
Some super fun mtn. bike trails close 
to Ely offer a variety of lengths, 
difficulties, and shuttle possibilities. 
These trails are unsigned and a little 
difficult to find/get to but the extra 
effort is well worth it. GPS unit or local
guidance is suggested.

Cave Lake State Park Surrounded by limestone cliffs and a mountain setting, Cave Lake is a great destination in itself. The State Park has 8.5 miles of single-track trails that are great for hiking and mtn. biking plus they have two campgrounds with hot showers and are close to lots of other recreation.

Squaw Peak Close to Ely, these trails that are best for mountain biking offer some courageous downhills, some good climbs, and some fun options for a quick outing. Mostly quad-track in width they still make for a good time. Did I mention that you can shuttle the hairy down- hills?

The trails in this network are most suitable for mountain biking with some fun single-track, twisty downhills, and a couple of good climbs. There are also some impressive views of the Ruth Copper Pit.