Hiking

Ward Rec. Area - G Loop

Intro: This Forest Service and BLM trail system is mostly comprised of two-track roads but on the G-Loop you can find some single-track and this is probably the best trail out there. All of these trails are signed and see regular maintenance. There's a map at the trailhead showing all of the trails and difficulty levels. You can also pick-up an official map at either of the federal offices. These trails are good for mountain biking, hiking, and in the winter cross-country skiing. There are also some fun cornices that build up for the backcountry skiers.

All of the trails in this area are closed to motorized vehicles so please leave the dirtbikes and ATVs at home if you come out here. Thanks!

Advisories: The elevation is what'll get most people out here, the trailhead is at 7,400' and the trails only go up from there.
G Loop
Difficulty: More Difficult
Distance: 4.87 miles, 680' elevation gain
Notes: Soils might be a little loose, watch that front tire coming into turns. Head up Ski Hill Road to get to the Connector and the Ice Plant trails.

Trail Description

Getting There: Head West out of Ely for six miles on Hwy 6. Turn left at the sign for Ward Rec. Area and follow the road up to the trailhead and park here.

Directions: Since this is a signed and formal trail system things are pretty straightforward, especially compared to some of the other trails in this area. Go past the kiosk with the map and follow the signs for G. It's about a 5 mile loop, almost all single-track with some nice views and some fun downhills with moderate climbing.

A super fun option from here is to use the Connector Trail to tie in with the Ice Plant trails and have a really long downhill all the way into Ely. Then either ride back up the highway, climb the Ice Plant stuff, or drive back, given you shuttled a car. Depending on how much clearance your car has you can drive up Ski Hill Road and park anywhere along here and choose how much climbing you want to do. The road is in pretty good shape most of the way up.

You can find the connector trail if you follow Ski Hill Road, which is also part of the L-Loop, almost to where it tops out. You should be able to see the trail come in as you climb. You'll come to a road junction, take the left fork and look immediately to your left for the single-track trail. See Ice Plant Trails for descriptions of these trails.

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Site last updated 5/30/2006
Visitors since 11/14/2004