Local Area Attractions Near Ely KOA Journey

Welcome to Ely, Nevada, a Four Season Mountain Town where history, art, and outdoor adventure run deep. In the nearby Great Basin National Park, travelers have the chance to descend into the depths of the Lehman Cave system to explore a series of limestone and marble caverns full of huge stalagmites and other wild rock formations. The National Park is also home to the snow-capped Wheeler Peak which, at 13,000 feet, is the second-tallest mountain in Nevada. Here you can hike dozens of trails or take a scenic drive up to 10,000 feet for sweeping views of the Great Basin.Back in Ely, take a slow stroll through downtown on the 11-block art walk. Scattered down the main drag are over 20 murals and sculptures depicting the town’s history and cultural diversity — highlights along the way include Ely Renaissance Village and the ’50s-style soda fountain that serves up old-fashioned chocolate malts and cherry-lime rickeys.Sitting at Nevada’s eastern edge of  the “Loneliest Road in America,” Ely is a remote mountain town. Ely was founded in the 1870s as a stagecoach stop and trading post.  The Nevada Northern Railway arrived in 1906. Rugged mountains rise up in all directions with amazing year-round recreation opportunities in places like Great Basin National Park, Cave Lake State Park, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park and Ward Mountain Recreation Area.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

The Nevada Northern Railway Complex is the best-preserved, least altered, and most complete main yard complex remaining from the steam railroad era. This well preserved short-line railway draws visitors from all over the world to ride on its queens of steam and historic diesel engines.Murals, art galleries and a sculpture garden decorate the historic downtown.Immerse yourself in historic railroad experiences:

1100 Avenue A

Ely, NV 89301

775-289-2085

Website

Ward Charcoal Ovens

Ward Charcoal Ovens

These ovens are located about 18 miles south of Ely on the Cave Valley road, which branches from US 6-50-93 some seven miles from the traffic light in East Ely. These huge ovens are still in excellent condition. The six beehive-shaped ovens are approximately 30 feet high, and were said to contain 35 cords of wood when full.

Garnet Hill

Garnet Hill

Nationally known rockhounding area is famous for its dark red garnets found in volcanic rock. Come and find your own Garnets!

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park

This National Park is a tribute to the unique Great Basin region in the western United States. An extensive series of mountain ranges and wide valleys spread over Nevada, Utah, and portions of California, Oregon, and Idaho. Dramatic mountain peaks, lush meadows, clear mountain streams and alpine lakes, fascinating limestone caves, and sweeping scenic vistas. Great Basin boasts a wide range of plant and animal habitats. Open all year from 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Website

The Ghost Train of Old Ely

The Ghost Train of Old Ely

Guided walking tours of the railroad facility offered daily from May through October. Exhibitions include general office, depot and dispatcher's office. Tour the roundhouse, machine and blacksmith shops, Historic rolling stock of steam, diesel and electric locomotive and turn-of-the-century passenger and freight cars. Train travels around downtown Ely, then passes through Tunnel #1, one of the few "curved" tunnels in the world, and up scenic Robinson Canyon. Or you can enjoy the scenic "Hiline" route through the Steptoe Valley powered by a vintage Alco RS-3 Diesel engine.

UHV / ATV / OHV trail systems

UHV / ATV / OHV trail systems

Ride your off highway vehicle right from the KOA of Ely! Get the most out of your OHV experience while in White Pine County, go where the locals go, by joining the High Desert Trail Blazers on one of their group rides. Or looking to branch out on your own? Rent an OHV from Eastern Nevada Adventures. If you do go out on your own, the Nevada OHV Commission webpage is a great resource for maps and information on trails available for your enjoyment and safety.  Please remember to respect our mountains, wildlife, and open spaces, ride responsibly, and get home safely.

Website

Active Copper/Gold/Silver Mining Operations

Active Copper/Gold/Silver Mining Operations

Ruth Copper Mine is Nevada's largest operating copper mine, and the second-largest open pit mine in America. The scenic overlook is worth the 2-mile drive from Ely!

White Pine County Museum

White Pine County Museum

Visiting hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a. m. to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy viewing Indian Displays, Doll Collections, and a number of other displays. Also enjoy visiting the Cherry Creek Depot and Original Log Cabin.

Success Loop scenic alpine drive

Success Loop scenic alpine drive

Success Loop Scenic Drive is a very enjoyable scenic drive nestled in the deliciously remote high elevation mountains of White Pine County, eastern Nevada, in United States.This wonderful 53.4km (33.2 mile) drive runs through the Schell Creek Range. The road begins at the junction of Highway 93, seven miles to the south of Ely and ends 5 miles north of the town of McGill on Highway 93. The road, also known as Nevada State Route 486, White Pine County Rd 29 and NF-423, provides excellent views throughout its entire length. It is a delight to drive, with every kind of twist and turn. 
Its highest elevation is at 2.854m (9,363ft) above the sea level. The journey offers an exhilarating driving experience, with superb views. Traffic on the Success Loop Scenic Drive is light. It is mostly paved. After about 15 miles, the road turns to gravel and begins a moderately steep ascent up to a pass called Success Summit. it is a well graded dirt road. The paved portion of the road is open all year. However, during the winter, the upper-elevations of the road that crosses Success Summit is closed.

Website

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park

This National Park is a tribute to the unique Great Basin region in the western United States. An extensive series of mountain ranges and wide valleys spread over Nevada, Utah, and portions of California, Oregon, and Idaho. Dramatic mountain peaks, lush meadows, clear mountain streams and alpine lakes, fascinating limestone caves, and sweeping scenic vistas. Great Basin boasts a wide range of plant and animal habitats. Open all year from 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

White Pine County Museum

White Pine County Museum

From ‘Lilly,' the 12,000-year-old cave bear, to the city of murals, the Northern Nevada Railway, and Cherry Creek Depot - White Pine has a unique history, and we hope you stop by during your travels and discover a bit of the past.

2000 Aultman Street

Ely, NV 89301

775-289-4710

Website

Lehman Caves

Lehman Caves

Most highly decorated limestone solution caverns in the western United States. Contain stalactites, stalagmites and other unique formations. Guided 90 minute tours are conducted daily from the Visitor Center. The temperatures remain about 50 degrees all year, so warm clothing is recommended.

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park

This National Park is a tribute to the unique Great Basin region in the western United States. An extensive series of mountain ranges and wide valleys spread over Nevada, Utah and portions of California, Oregon and Idaho. Dramatic mountain peaks, lush meadows, clear mountain streams and alpine lakes, fascinating limestone caves, and sweeping scenic vistas. Great Basin boasts wide range of plant and animal habitats. Open all year from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Ghost Town from Nevada's mining boomtown days

Ghost Town from Nevada's mining boomtown days

Area Ghost Towns include Cherry Creek, Hamilton, Osceola, Ward Mining District, and Schellbourne.

Cave Lake State Park

Cave Lake State Park

Cave Lake State Park offers outstanding recreational opportunities for you, your family and friends. This year-round park with its 32-acre reservoir provides excellent trout fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping and picnicking. Winter activities include ice skating, ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Lehman Caves

Lehman Caves

Most highly decorated limestone solution caverns in the western United States. Contain stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. Guided 90-minute tours are conducted daily from the Visitor Center. The temperatures remain about 50 degrees all year, so warm clothing is recommended.

Website

The Ghost Train of Old Ely

The Ghost Train of Old Ely

Guided walking tours of the railroad facility are offered daily from May through October. Exhibitions include general office, depot, and dispatcher's office. Tour the roundhouse, machine, and blacksmith shops, Historic rolling stock of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, and turn-of-the-century passenger and freight cars. The train travels around downtown Ely, then passes through Tunnel #1, one of the few "curved" tunnels in the world, and up the scenic Robinson Canyon. Or you can enjoy the scenic "Hiline" route through the Steptoe Valley powered by a vintage Alco RS-3 Diesel engine.

Website

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

Acclaimed as the best preserved and most original example of an American railroad facility. Passenger train rides operate on the original main line, many behind one of our original working steam engines. Walking guided tours offered during operating season. Exhibits include general offices, depot, engine house, machine blacksmith shops, historic rolling stock of steam, diesel and electric locomotive and turn of the century passenger and freight cars. Tours take approximately 45 minutes. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Tour times are 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Website

Ghost Town from Nevada's mining boomtown days

Ghost Town from Nevada's mining boomtown days

Area Ghost Towns include Cherry Creek, Hamilton, Osceola, Ward Mining District, and Schellbourne.

Ward Charcoal Ovens

Ward Charcoal Ovens

Perched in the Egan Mountain Range in eastern Nevada, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a scenic, forested retreat. 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. The ovens remain today and are open for touring. Visitors can also enjoy OHV trails, picnicking, hiking, and fishing while surrounded by a diversity of wildlife within the park, including mule deer, grouse, and elk.

From the KOA, head east towards Great Basin National Park for 2.7 miles, then turn on to Cave Valley Road for the remaining 9 miles. Suitable for cars, trucks, OHV's, or even dirt bikes!

Website

Cave Lake State Park

Cave Lake State Park

Cave Lake State Park offers outstanding recreational opportunities for you, your family, and your friends. With its 32-acre reservoir, this year-round park provides excellent trout fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping, and picnicking. Winter activities include ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Garnet Hill

Garnet Hill

Nationally known rockhounding area is famous for its dark red garnets found in volcanic rock. Come and find your own Garnets!