Nevada has a knack for hiding beautiful places in unexpected places. Tucked into the mountains outside Ely, Cave Lake State Park is one of those gems. Here you’ll find a sparkling lake surrounded by rugged mountains and forested hills. It’s a picturesque spot that feels a world away from the nearby highway.
Cave Lake is actually a reservoir constructed in 1939 to support Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects in the valley. The land was transferred to Nevada State Parks in 1973, and recreational facilities were developed over the following decade. Today, Cave Lake is a popular destination for year-round recreation. During the warmer months, visitors come to fish, swim, picnic, and enjoy cooler temps. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing. The park also features two campgrounds and several picnic areas, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
While horse camping is not permitted within the park, equestrians can still enjoy Cave Lake State Park’s network of multi-use trails. Winding through the surrounding mountains, these trails offer riders a chance to explore this hidden spot from the saddle.
Cave Springs Loop Trail
The Cave Springs Loop is a 5-mile trail that leads through classic pinyon and juniper hills to the north of the park. The trail provides scenic views of the lake, interesting rock formations, and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and canyons. Once it drops from the hills into the park itself, the “trail” is a wide dirt road that leads past meadows, a large cave, and to the lake itself.
Once at the lake, the road is paved all the way to the park entrance. There are restrooms and garbage cans in the main part of the park. Be alert for ATVs and other autos on the roads, especially in the busy season. The Cave Springs Loop Trail is not technical, except for one small creek at the very beginning, but it is easily crossed by horse. The trail through the hills is well maintained and easy to follow.
Cave Overlook Loop
The Cave Overlook Loop trailhead is on the east side of the lake. This 3.8-mile loop climbs into the mountains south of the lake to give bird’s-eye views of the Schell Creek Range, Cave Lake below, the Egan Range to the west, an immense limestone formation called Square Top, and the town of Ely.
The trail is a workout ride and moderately technical. It begins and ends with a bridge that is rated for horses, but not ideal for them. It is narrow, with side rails that could catch a stirrup. Put your stirrups up and use extreme caution when crossing. It is not possible to bypass the bridge at this trailhead. The trail itself is well-maintained with great footing, but it does have some steep drop-offs, slick rock, switchbacks, and low-hanging branches. There is a small section through an aspen grove that is also fairly overgrown. The loop is just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain and loss.
From the Overlook Loop, you can intersect with the Twisted Pines Trail, High Roller Trail, and Steptoe Creek Trail, all of which can be combined to make one large loop around the park.
The Twisted Pines Trail, High Roller Trail, and Steptoe Creek Trail are also open to horses; however, we have not yet documented them. We plan to ride them and add them to this listing in 2027.
Cave Lake has little to no cell service. The trails are rideable in the spring, summer, and fall, but should not be ridden when the trails are wet. Elk and mule deer can be spotted in the area, as well as mountain lions, coyotes, and other high desert critters. Horseshoes or boots are recommended for higher elevation sections of the trails.
Getting Here
Where to Park: Cave Lake’s parking areas are small. The best place to park with a trailer is the large parking area just past the entrance to the park on Success Loop Road. From here, you can access the Cave Springs Trail. There are more small parking areas on Success Loop Road where you can access the Twisted Pines Trail.
Trail Maps
