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Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Willow Creek Basin, Ward Gulch, Ward Mountain, Comins Lake, South Fork Willow Creek, Cave Valley Rd, Taylor Rd, Ragsdale Canyon, Harnels Peak, Comins Meadow, Mt. Wheeler, Ward Legacy Trail

Last Known Status

Open

This historic park offers one main OHV trail that eventually leads to BLM land. This trail is smooth, with great turns and very few rocks, but is sometimes snow covered until early summer.

There are plenty of gazebos with picnic tables and BBQ grills to choose from, and a nice campground on site that features potable water and restrooms. For a unique camping experience, check out the yurt style cabin (Mongolian style round tent) at nearby Cave Lake State Park. Reservations are required, so contact the park for more information.

The beehive shaped ovens are located at the center of the park and were used to generate charcoal for the nearby silver ore smelter from 1873 until the discovery of coal in 1879.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	NVOHV sticker required
Dates Open	Year-Round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Yes	Nevada registration is not required if the vehicle is already registered in another state and will be located in Nevada for no more than 15 days.
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (96 dB)
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	Yes (60 inches)	narrow terrain
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted
ATVs	Permitted
UTV & SXS	Permitted	(maximum width 60 inches)
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Prohibited
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Prohibited
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction
MX Helmet Required	Yes
Camping	Some Areas	(camp in developed sites only)
Campfires	Some Areas	(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night Riding	Yes	Not Recommended
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	no trailblazing
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic	On-Site Office/Station

TERRAIN

Approx Size	700 acres (1 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	30
Climate Type	Forest
Elevation	6750 to 9750 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Mostly
Hard Pack	Little
Sand	Little
Mud	Some
Dust	Little
Rocks	Little
Trees	Many
Steep Hills	Few
Water Crossings	Few
Small Jumps	None
Large Jumps	None
Berms	Few
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	Some
Roads	Some
Intersections	Few
Rider Traffic	None
Shade	Many	day use has gazebos
Ranges/Gunfire	None
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked)
Novice	Some
Amateur	Some
Expert	Little

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	BLM, State Recreation

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (N)	Conoco (775) 289-9110
Diesel	5-20 Miles (N)	Conoco (775) 289-9110
Water	On Site	Willow Creek Campground (775) 289-1693
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (N)	Ely KOA (775) 289-3413 or (800) 562-6671
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (N)	Ely KOA (775) 289-3413 or (800) 562-6671
Campground	On Site	Willow Creek Campground (775) 289-1693
Conv Store	On Site	Willow Creek Trading Post & Country Store (775) 289-8899

FEES & PASSES

Parking	Yes ($5.00) Ward Charcoal day use fee for Nevada residents - $5/vehicle, non-residents - $10/vehicle
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	Yes Tent: $15.00 RV: $15.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $15.00 Willow Creek Campground fee for Nevada residents - $15/night, non-residents - $20/night.

RATINGS

Pros	locals secrete, trails are smooth, no rocks, interesting charcoal ovens, plenty of picnic tables, BBQ grills and gazebos, nice place to take the family
Cons	camping fees are bit steep, trails are limited
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day late spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Ely, NV

Address

Cave Valley Road, Ely, NV 89301

Trail Map

From: Ely, NV
1) Take Hwy 50 East about 5 miles
2) Turn right (southwest) onto Cave Valley Road, continue about 10 miles
3) Follow signs to day use staging area or Willow Creek Campground (on the right).