White Pine County: Mountains, Caves, and Railroad History

In Great Basin National Park, the landscape ranges from 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak to sagebrush-covered foothills. Ancient bristlecone pines grow there, and the park offers exceptionally dark night skies. White Pine County combines these natural attractions with caves, wildlife viewing, and a layered railroad history.

Mountain roads, alpine lakes, and forest trails

The paved Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is 12 miles long and climbs from about 6,700 feet to over 10,000 feet. Seasonal road closures are possible. Trails lead from the road to alpine lakes; it also leads to a stand of the famous Ancient Bristlecone Pines.

The Egan Crest Trail System offers another network of trails: its 24 miles of trails pass through sagebrush-covered plains and piñon pine and juniper forests. At the Egan Crest Trailhead, there is a gravel parking lot with space for about 300 vehicles and a kiosk with a map of the trail system. For a different kind of wildlife viewing, visit the Ely Elk Viewing Area. Elk can occasionally be seen grazing there in spring and fall. Golden eagles, ravens, black-tailed jackrabbits, and least chipmunks can also be spotted there.

Caves, a lake, and mineral collecting

Lehman Caves form Nevada’s longest cave system. They can only be entered as part of a ranger-led tour. Tickets for walk-in visits usually sell out within minutes of the visitor center opening. Before your trip, check tour operations and times rather than relying on getting a ticket on the day.

Cave Lake is a 32-acre reservoir for trout fishing and boating. Garnet Hill is the only designated mineral collecting area in the Ely District. It is located in White Pine County on Highway 50; a BLM sign directs visitors to the recreation and mineral collecting area. If you plan to collect there, check the current land-use requirements first.

Railroad and history

The East Ely Depot was built in 1905 on the grounds of the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark. East Ely Yard is designated a National Historic Landmark. This designation recognizes the railroad’s contribution to preserving the steam railroad era around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Nevada Northern Railway offers a living museum experience, with a look at the operations of a railroad shop. The Nevada Northern Railway Foundation offers guided tours of railroad stations, workshops, and facilities; tours are available seasonally.

The Ward Charcoal Ovens tell the story of another era: they operated from 1876 to 1879 during the silver boom years of the Ward mines. The White Pine Public Museum, meanwhile, focuses on regional collections. It presents American Indian heritage and the history of the Pony Express. Its holdings include more than 300 regional mineral specimens, including gold, silver, and copper ore from the hills around Ely. The museum also displays a model of a cave bear; its bones were discovered in White Pine County in 1982.

At Ely Renaissance Village, a walkable collection of restored houses illustrates the cultures and communities that shaped White Pine County. Seasonal traditions at the Village include High Tea at the English House; the events program may change depending on the season. White Pine County is also within the Great Basin National Heritage Area, where visitors can enjoy recreation and reflection in a classic Western landscape.

Seasonal considerations when planning your trip

The season affects different experiences in different ways: seasonal closures are possible on Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, while railroad tours and visitor operations at Ely Renaissance Village are seasonal. The Village’s events program also changes with the season. Elk can occasionally be spotted in spring and fall. Take these seasonal windows into account when planning, and check seasonal offerings before your trip.

Explore more destinations: Ely, Carson City, Storey County, Lyon County, Elko County, Lincoln County, Douglas County, Lander County

For the main travel overview: Nevada.