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Located 20 minutes from Ely in the Egan Mountain Range in eastern Nevada you will find the scenic 700-acre Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park.
Ward Charcoal Ovens
Ward Charcoal Ovens Overview
The park features six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that were used from 1876 through 1879 to help process rich silver ore that was discovered in the area.
Once mining ended, the ovens were used to shelter travelers and even had a reputation as a hideout for stagecoach bandits.
Visitors to the Ward Charcoal Ovens can also enjoy nearby outdoor activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing while surrounded by a diversity of wildlife within the park, including mule deer, grouse, and elk.
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There are several hiking trails ranging from 0.01 miles (okay, not really that long to be considered a hiking trail) to 2.2 miles.
Day Use Trail – 0.01 miles
Campground Ovens Trail – 0.6 miles
Interpretive Loop – 0.6 miles
Overlook Loop – 0.9 miles
Ridgeline Loop – 1.6 miles
Riparian Loop – 2.0 miles
Ward Legacy Trail – 2.2 miles
Hours
The Ward Charcoal Ovens are always open
Fees
The entrance fee is $5.00 unless you have a Nevada State Parks Pass.
Camping fees $15.00 per night.
Contact Information
P.O. Box 151761
Ely, NV 89315
(775) 289-1693
Ward Charcoal Ovens Directions
The Ward Charcoal Ovens is located on the White Pine County Road 16 off of the Great Basin Highway.
Ward Charcoal Ovens Amenities
Camping:
Willow Creek Campground is a 14-site campground with two large pull-through spaces for RV’s and one handicapped designated site.
There are two vault type restrooms centrally located.
Potable drinking water is available May through September from one hydrant located near the campground entrance.
A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.
Group Camping:
There is a group camping facility in the campground.
Please contact the park for reservations.
Picnicking/Day Use:
There are two-day use areas that provide a great spot for a day hike and picnic.
These areas have covered tables, restrooms, grills, and wonderful views.
Fishing:
There is fishing in Willow Creek. Rainbow trout are stocked as needed and the browns and brook trout are naturally reproducing.
Hiking:
There is a trail system that covers each end of the park and is suitable for many types of activities, including hiking and mountain biking.
During winter months these trails are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The trail map is above with the trails.
OHV Trails:
There is an off-highway vehicle trail that connects into thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management lands.
Ward Charcoal Ovens Resources
- http://parks.nv.gov/parks/ward-charcoal-ovens
- http://parks.nv.gov/learn/park-histories/ward-charcoal-ovens-history
Ward Charcoal Ovens
I am an outdoor enthusiast who would rather be on a backcountry backpacking trip than a stroll on the beach (although I do love the beach!).
Living in Las Vegas has afforded me the opportunity to easily explore the Southwest region of the United States.
A nature lover, I am often found at the end of the pack taking photos and videos of the wildlife found on the trails. Colorful flowers, desert animals, and unusual geological rock formations are often the majority of my photos.
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