Nestled just 10 miles south of Ely, Nevada, Ward Mountain stands as the highest peak in the Egan Range, reaching an elevation of 10,941 feet. This majestic mountain offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a variety of engaging activities, making it an ideal destination for youth summer camps.
Ward Mountain is a quintessential example of the Great Basin's high-desert terrain. The landscape features sagebrush, Great Basin wildrye, and bunch grasses, creating a vibrant, textured environment. In summer, wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and lupine add splashes of color, while higher elevations are home to pinyon-juniper woodlands that open up to sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ranges. This transition in vegetation not only provides an opportunity to explore different plant communities, but also to observe local wildlife that inhabit these zones.
The Ward Mountain Recreation Area is well equipped for group camping, with shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and a campground that's both scenic and practical. While potable water is available during the warmer months, campers should plan ahead in the event it is turned off. For young adventurers, there’s no shortage of exciting ways to explore. Over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the area, with options for all experience levels. One of the standout features for educational engagement is the "Weeds of the Great Basin" trail, which features interpretive signs that introduce visitors to both native and invasive plant species. In the winter months, the trails also serve as excellent routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, although most youth camps will experience the area during the warm, dry season.
The area is steeped in history. Nearby, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park preserves six well-preserved beehive-shaped ovens that were used in the late 1800s to create charcoal for silver smelting operations. These structures, built between 1876 and 1879, stand as unique and fascinating relics of Nevada’s mining boom. Not far from the ovens lie the remnants of the original town of Ward, which was once the largest community in White Pine County. Founded in 1872 during the silver rush, the town flourished until around 1880. Today, visitors can explore the foundations of smelters, mill sites, and a historic cemetery, giving young campers a chance to literally walk through history.
Ward Mountain offers many ways to engage youth with the natural world in fun and meaningful ways. Programs like Nevada State Parks’ Junior Ranger activities help campers learn about ecology, conservation, and public land stewardship. The diversity of the environment also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, bird watching, and nature journaling. Trails like the interpretive "Weeds of the Great Basin" route encourage curiosity and learning about the region’s ecology while on the move.
When planning a youth camp to Ward Mountain, preparation is key. The high-desert climate can shift rapidly from warm days to cool nights, so campers should pack accordingly. While exploring, it’s important to be cautious of potential hazards like old mine shafts in the area. Group leaders should ensure all participants are aware of safety protocols and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect this beautiful landscape for future generations.
Ward Mountain is more than just a scenic backdrop; it’s a place where young people can challenge themselves physically, expand their understanding of nature and history, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a perfect destination for Nevada Outdoor School’s summer camp adventures.
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