Rural Wranglers: Ely
Winter 2024-2025
This historic town has everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
BY CORY MUNSON
One of Nevada’s oldest communities, Ely was founded in 1870 as a humble service hub for nearby mining towns. But thanks to a bit of luck and some good timing, Ely soon found itself standing on a figurative gold mine, which just happened to be copper.
People had known about the massive copper deposit outside town for years, but the metal had few uses in the 19th century. However, when the nation began electrifying in the early 1900s, copper became the material of the future—and a lucrative one at that. Ely blossomed into eastern Nevada’s largest and busiest town—a title it still holds.
Visit Ely today and you’ll find plenty of its history on display. You’ll also be surrounded by some of the prettiest and most diverse country in the Silver State. Pick any direction out of town and you won’t be far from lakes, creeks, piney mountains, and well-preserved ghost towns.
This historic community is set amid spellbinding scenery, but the town also works hard to preserve its heritage through plentiful cultural centers. You’re also not going to find a community with as many events, festivals, and celebrations. As we heard last time we passed through, “Ely residents love having an excuse to dress up.”
Ready to make Ely your next destination? We’ve got a few suggestions to get you started.
People had known about the massive copper deposit outside town for years, but the metal had few uses in the 19th century. However, when the nation began electrifying in the early 1900s, copper became the material of the future—and a lucrative one at that. Ely blossomed into eastern Nevada’s largest and busiest town—a title it still holds.
Visit Ely today and you’ll find plenty of its history on display. You’ll also be surrounded by some of the prettiest and most diverse country in the Silver State. Pick any direction out of town and you won’t be far from lakes, creeks, piney mountains, and well-preserved ghost towns.
This historic community is set amid spellbinding scenery, but the town also works hard to preserve its heritage through plentiful cultural centers. You’re also not going to find a community with as many events, festivals, and celebrations. As we heard last time we passed through, “Ely residents love having an excuse to dress up.”
Ready to make Ely your next destination? We’ve got a few suggestions to get you started.
Nevada Northern Railway
The Nevada Northern Railway (NNRY) was built in 1906 to service the area’s copper industry. When the mines closed, its historic diesel and steam engines were kept perfectly preserved. Today, NNRY operates as a leisure train with service to the White Pine Public Museum and hour-long excursions up Steptoe Valley. The railway also offers a diverse selection of themed rides that’ll see you racing the train by bike, sipping champagne at sunset, or visiting with Santa. If you’re looking for a hands-on experience, sign up to “Be the Engineer” and operate a historic diesel train.
East Ely Railroad Depot Museum
While you’re at the railway, be sure to stop in at the East Ely Railroad Depot—a state-operated museum located on the second floor above the ticket office. This building-sized time capsule transports visitors to 1983: the year Ely’s copper production suddenly halted. At the time, everyone believed layoffs were just temporary, and the depot was locked up until employees could return to work. They never did, and more than 40 years later, parts of the depot feel practically untouched, with employee schedules and calendars on the wall and a fully stocked supply room. The museum also tells the story of Ely’s mining past, and some rooms have been masterfully restored to appear as they would have at various time periods.
Ely Renaissance Village
Get a glimpse of life in early Ely with a self-guided stroll through this miniature village featuring 10 historic homes—each representing an ethnic group important to the region. These fully furnished residences are packed with incredible detail and period-specific décor.
McGill Drug Store
This historic drug store remains virtually unchanged from how customers would have seen it when it was in operation (1908-1979). Although the soda fountain is no longer slinging malts, it’s still easy to spend hours perusing antique beauty products, toys, or the century-old prescription logbook.
White Pine Public Museum
Get a crash course in the history of eastern Nevada at this artifact-packed museum. From the replica cave bear skeleton to a collection of oddball heritage finds—ask about the preserved foot—this museum punches well above its weight. Outside, check out various historic structures, including a jail cell and the historic Cherry Creek Railroad Depot.
Hit The Trails
The country surrounding Ely is rugged and diverse with no shortage of green canyons, alpine creeks, or piney foothills to explore. If you want to get somewhere, odds are you’ll find a developed trail for every skill level. We recommend you visit ohv.nv.gov to discover your next ride, but here are a few ideas.
OHV
Success Loop
Also accessible by car, this popular scenic route between Ely and McGill winds through ranchland, aspen groves, and mountain passes.
Hamilton Ghost Town
Get acquainted with the extensive trail system of the Shellback Ridge by visiting one of the best-preserved mining districts in the county.
MOUNTAIN BIKE
Cave Lake State Park
This popular park is home to a diverse network of loops and trails with climbs ranging from easy to challenging and thrilling descents.
Ward Mountain Recreation Area
Two well-signed trailheads offer single track and double track leading to great views earned by a steady climb.
Day Trip Ideas
Garnet Hill
9 miles
If searching for gems sounds like a good way to spend the day, look no further than Garnet Hill just outside of Ely. This popular rockhounding spot is famous for its red, multifaceted stones that litter the ground. Along with plentiful plundering possibilities, Garnet Hill is a developed day-use area complete with accessible bathrooms and four picnic sites with grills.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
20 miles
Literally step inside history at these 140-year-old relics, which were masterfully constructed to create charcoal for the region’s first mining towns. Trails within the park provide hiking and biking along Willow Creek, where the mining explosion began.
Great Basin National Park
55 miles
Established in 1986, Nevada’s only national park is one of the most isolated and least-visited parks in the country. Home to glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and ancient bristlecone forests, this high desert oasis offers unrivaled hiking and camping experiences in the summer and fall. After stopping at the visitor center or scheduling a tour of the stunning Lehman Caves, grab a low-altitude or high-altitude (10,000’) campsite—or just check into a comfortable room in Baker—before setting out on some of the state’s best hikes.