Introduction:
What? :
Ely, Nevada, is more than just a stop along "The Loneliest Road in America" (US Highway 50); it's a remote, high-altitude town where the legacy of the Old West copper boom intertwines with outdoor adventure.
It serves as a primary hub and gateway to some of the state's most magnificent natural areas, most notably Great Basin National Park (about an hour's drive south of the city).
Its location makes it a perfect central base for exploring eastern Nevada's vast, unspoiled landscapes.
Ely offers a genuine visit experience, a rugged piece of American history.
Where? :
Ely is located in White Pine County, Eastern Nevada, nestled high in the mountains of the Great Basin.
It sits at an elevation of over 6,400 feet (1,951 meters), giving it a dramatically different climate than the Nevada desert to the south.
When? :
Ely is a true four-season town, with significant temperature swings throughout the year. The best time to visit depends entirely on your preferred activities but the consensus best time to visit for general tourism and outdoor activities is late Spring through early Fall (June to September).
Summer: Warm days, but cool nights. Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring Great Basin National Park's high-elevation trails. All attractions are fully open.
Fall: Cooler temperatures, clear days perfect for a scenic drive or train ride. Fall colors in the mountains are spectacular.
Winter: Cold and Snowy. Expect freezing temperatures and consistent snowfall (average of 52 inches annually). Great for snowmobiling, ice fishing at Cave Lake, and cross-country skiing.
Spring: Variable weather. Best for early-season museum visits and looking for wildflowers. High mountain roads and trails may still be closed by snow until late May.
Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
Ely is a remote location. When driving US-50 ensure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of water/snacks. Distances between towns are vast.
Due note 2:
You can find all touristic facilities in this relatively large town, including hotels/Inn, restaurants, stores, outdoor stores and rentals.
Due note 3:
The surrounding area is dotted with old mining sites. Stop by the White Pine Public Museum or the visitor center for maps to explore remnants of towns like Ward and Taylor.
My thoughts:
I visited the small town of Ely, NV on my way south from highway 80 to Great Basin National Park. I went to see the old railroad station and to my surprise I saw in the train station parking lot a reunion of an old car club.
Later I drove the Loneliest Road in America passing through the town center.
The Visit:
Ely’s attractions lean heavily into its rich history, unique culture, and stunning outdoor surroundings.
1. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum
This is the heart of Ely’s historic town. The NNRY is considered the best-preserved, most complete steam railroad facility in the United States.
You can take a scenic ride aboard a historic steam or diesel locomotive.
Tour the original rail yard, machine shops, and the East Ely Depot Museum.
2. Loneliest Road in America (Highway 50):
At the center of the city, highway 50 passes from east to west. Along the road you can find many hotels and restaurants. Probably the most famous of them all is Historic Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall.
The hotel opened during the Prohibition era and secretly offered both "Bathtub gin" and gambling to its guests. When gambling was re-legalized in 1931, the casino was quickly renovated and expanded. When it opened on July 7, 1929, the six-story structure was the tallest building in the state until 1931. Over the decades, the hotel has been a famous stopover for many celebrities and politicians, and today its rooms and suites are often decorated to reflect the glamour of this bygone era.
3. Ely's Arts and Culture
Ely has a surprisingly vibrant art scene driven by the Ely Renaissance Society.
Stroll through downtown to view dozens of large, colorful murals that depict Ely's history.
Renaissance Village: A collection of restored historic miners' cabins and ranch buildings, each dedicated to the different ethnic groups (Basque, Italian, Chinese, etc.) that founded the town during the copper boom.
4. Great Basin National Park
Located about an hour south of Ely, this national park is a must-see. It's home to the oldest known non-clonal organisms on Earth, the Bristlecone Pines, and Nevada’s second-highest peak, Wheeler Peak (13,065 feet, 3,982 meters).
At the park you can explore the magnificent Lehman Caves.
5. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Located 18 miles south of Ely, this park preserves six massive, beehive-shaped charcoal ovens dating back to the late 1870s. These unique structures were used to process silver ore and, after the mines closed, served as shelters for travelers and even outlaws. They make for fantastic photographs and a short, fascinating history lesson.
6. Rockhounding at Garnet Hill
Just a short drive west of downtown, Garnet Hill Recreation Area is a nationally known rockhounding spot. Visitors are allowed to dig for and keep the dark red garnets found in the volcanic rhyolite rock. It's a fun, unique activity for families and rock enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts:
Ely, Nevada, is a great basecamp for history and high-desert adventure. Located on "The Loneliest Road in America," it offers an uncrowded and genuine taste of the historical American West ready for immediate exploration.
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