Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park — Attraction in Ely

How neat is it that we still have access to prowl around things from long ago. To learn a history that really isn't talked about, and to really indulge in some amazing scenery and landscape. Well this is the place to delight all of those fancies at the same time.

I chose this adventure as getting out and roadtripping is my thing. On this particular day we got the chance to play in the snow and go 4x as I wanted to take the long dirt trail from the road opposed to cutting time and utilizing the freeway.

These 6 ovens that remain were used in 1876-1879. They were an efficient way to extract Silver Ore. The ovens themselves are 30 feet tall and 27 feet wide. The ovens were crafted from quartz latite welded tuff by Italian masons. Their specialty was crafting ovens and they were often referred to as Carbonari.

When the ovens were no longer in use due to lack of timber and severely depleted supply of deposits - The Martin & White Company from San Francisco shut down the operations. The ovens then began their next chapter of use serving as shelter. Prospectors to people on the Lam were notoriously found seeking shelter at the ovens as the temperatures were quite cold and rugged.

In 1956 The C.B. Land and Cattle Company of Ely worked with Nevada State Park Commission by providing a special use permit to preserve the ovens. In 1971 the ovens were listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1994 park facilities began to be added to the grounds.

Would def recommend - the pricing is reasonable. Plus they have a self service stamper for your park passport should you choose. In addition there is a campers restroom here. Be mindful of the ovens as they have suffered a bit over the years and preserving history is most important. This park offers camping, hiking, trailings, mountain biking, and...

Interesting piece of history. We came to this very remote location from Ely to see the ovens but moreso to view the night sky. There are a couple of signs about the ovens. The ovens were much larger than I anticipated, and one of my photos shows looking up to the top. The night sky was AMAZING. We came on a cloudless night just 1 night away from the new moon in early June. We arrived around 8:30pm and had to wait an hour or so until it was dark enough to see any stars. The view was amazing, and the longer we stayed, the more amazing the number of stars was. Thr only distraction was a very bright light in the distance behind us. It must have been from a mining operation but for a dark sky area, was a little disappointing. I think it delayed when we could see stars. We could also see quite a few satellites moving through space. We left about 10:30 because it was cold. If we go again, we will bring folding chairs, headlamps and a blanket. There is a bench that we were able to use, but I just assume have...

Spiritual experiences can happen anywhere...

Step into one of these charcoal ovens and it feels like you're in a cathedral. Take your time and enjoy having a relaxing and beautiful moment and think about whatever makes you happy.

This place is truly special and the ovens themselves are very cool but this park also offers so much more. Hiking trails, picnic tables, creeks, wildlife, mountains and beautiful scenery in all directions.

We took a few hours to explore this park and very glad we did. The trails are really beautiful and if you're a nature lover you'll enjoy this place in the middle of nowhere. Located about 10-15 from the town of Ely NV it's a great little escape from the real world.

This is a state park & they ask that you pay $7 per person to visit or $5 if you're a NV resident. I love this type of stuff as it's very unique so I don't mind helping to preserve...