Meander among the densely forested hills of the Egan Range and enjoy seemingly endless views of the vast Great Basin. Located just 10 miles west of Ely, the Ward Mountain Recreation Area provides easy access for equestrians into a large network of beautiful mountain trails. The Recreation Area is split into a north and south section, with Highway 6 as the divider. This listing is for the south side of the Recreation Area, which is managed by the Forest Service.
Equestrians can access this trail system through the Ward Mountain Campground. Unfortunately, the campground itself does not allow for equestrian overnighting, however it is open for day use. There are several trail options – enough to make loops, lollipops, or out and backs. This is fun and relatively easy high desert riding through some scenic eastern Nevada landscapes.
The well marked trails wind and weave through thick pinyon and juniper forest with mountain mahogany in the higher elevations. From the campground the trails are nonmotorized but there are some motorized trails as you get further into the mountain range. It’s a nice mix of single track and double track trails as well as the occasional dirt road.
This is classic high desert terrain. Sagebrush, Great Basin wildrye, and bunch grasses are abundant and healthy. Wildflowers pop in the summer. As you gain elevation, you are rewarded with 100 mile views of the Schell Creek Range to the east and the White Pine Range to the west with the canopy of the pinyon-juniper forest stretching out before you.
There are no obstacles but the trails are mildly technical if only for a few switchbacks and a few places with steep drop offs. Some of those sections have signage that says “Most Difficult” but that rating is not for equestrians. The trails are consistently rocky so boots or shoes are recommended. There are a few scattered springs in the mountain range but don’t count on finding much water on the trails by summer.
The Recreation Area is popular with mountain bikes and hikers, mainly on weekends, but even then you’ll probably have these trails all to yourself. Keep an eye out for a few warming huts along the trails. They were built for cross country skiers in the winter but they make for a good rest stop while riding. Keep a keen eye to spot mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, and the odd bighorn sheep or two.
Due to the amount of snow this area gets, these trails are best to ride in the late spring, summer, and fall.
Getting Here
Where to Park: The main trailhead parking lot is not large enough for rigs, but there is a very large equestrian parking area before you get to the campground sites. The entrance is unmarked but on the left, immediately before the campsites. (On the map above, it is that large area behind the “Ward Mountain Campground” pin.) The parking lot is gravel and has several hitching posts for horses. An equestrian trail begins at the back of the lot.
There are no equestrian instructions, but the Forest Service would probably appreciate if you clean up any manure.
