Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
4.7(449)google
4.9(24)yelp
HistoryOutdoor
Overview
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park preserves a spectacular, historically monumental cluster of six beehive-shaped stone masonry ovens tucked away in the rugged Egan Range near Ely. Constructed originally in 1876 by pioneering Italian-Swiss stone masons, these massive 30-foot-tall geometric structures were built to process rich silver ore discovered in neighboring mining boom towns. Walking inside the cool, perfectly arched stone chambers provides travelers with an incredible echo and a fascinating portal into historic metallurgy.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended during the late afternoon or sunset hours from June to October. The setting sun casts a brilliant golden-red glow over the six historic, beehive-shaped stone charcoal ovens, creating a striking contrast against the high-desert landscape; it is also a phenomenal spot for night-sky photography.
Getting ThereLocated roughly 20 miles south of Ely. Drive south from downtown Ely on US-93 S/US-50 E for about 11 miles, then turn right onto Cave Valley Road following the state park signs. This last 7-mile stretch is an unpaved dirt road; a vehicle with decent ground clearance is recommended.
Travel Tips
- Access requires navigating unpaved dirt roads that degrade into severe mud and ruts following alpine snow or storms; high-clearance or AWD setups are strongly advised.
- The historic hive-shaped stone ovens possess powerful acoustic echo properties; setting off firecrackers, yelling, or operating amplified speakers inside is strictly illegal.
- Sitting at an altitude of 7,000 feet, alpine temperatures drop beneath 50°F (10°C) within 30 minutes of sunset even in mid-summer; carrying wind-resistant thermal layers is mandatory.
Reviews
Positive
- The six massive stone beehive charcoal ovens standing in the wilderness are stunning! They are perfectly preserved, and walking inside yields a faint smoky scent.
- Lives up to its name as a heritage site; completely free from over-commercialization, keeping raw Nevada back-country flavor with signs explaining its silver-smelting history.
- The trails are wonderfully maintained with plenty of easy hiking routes winding through dense juniper woodlands and mountain vistas, blending culture and nature.
- The site management is clean and tidy. Though remote, it provides clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and large free parking with few crowds and a peaceful vibe.
Heads up
- The location is extremely out-of-the-way. Driving from the nearest town, Ely, requires miles of unpaved dirt and gravel roads that are very dusty, bumpy, and rough.
- The attraction scope is very singular. Besides the six connected ovens and two trails, there is nothing else to see, making a dedicated long trip feel low-yield.
- There are absolutely no permanent staff on site or any shops to buy water, food, or souvenirs. You must self-supply all provisions; forgetting them is a hassle.
- All historical text and signs are strictly in English. Because it involves old industrial and smelting jargon, non-native foreign tourists find it hard to fully understand.