Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Ely Ranger District

Patricia Irwin, District Ranger
825 Avenue East
Ely, NV 89301
(775) 289-3031

The Ely Ranger District makes up 1.1 million acres of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and extends over three Nevada counties: Nye, White Pine and Lincoln. Ely, Nevada, located in the heart of the District, is the nearest town and houses the District office.

The District lies approximately 240 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, via I-15, state highway 93, 318 and 6; and 190 miles south of Elko, Nevada, via I-80 and state highway 93.

Terrain

Mountainous, with elevations ranging from 6,500 feet to over 12,000 feet; some of the highest points in Nevada are located on the Ely District.

Climate

Summer temperatures range from 30F lows to 90F highs with some monsoonal rains during July and August. Fall temperatures range from 20F lows to 80F highs and receive rainfall and snow showers. Winter brings moderate snowfall and extreme temperatures that can drop to below -20F or rise to above 60F. Spring temperatures are similar to fall, with some rain and snow.

Points of Interest

Success Loop, several old mining towns, Cave Lake State Park, Great Basin National Park, The Table at Mt. Moriah Wilderness, and 447,858 acres of Wilderness scattered over the District.

Flora and Fauna

Flora includes Wyoming sagebrush, bristlecone pine, limber pine, cottonwood, aspen, mountain mahogany, white fir, pinion pine, juniper, a large variety of grasses, forbs, wildflowers, and shrubs.

Fauna includes elk, mule deer, desert bighorn, pronghorn, wild horses, sage grouse, rattle snakes, turkey, and many smaller mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish.

Recreation Opportunities

The Ely District offers numerous recreation opportunities including: camping, trout/bass fishing, big game and bird hunting, wildlife viewing, ghost train rides, touring old mining towns, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, bird watching and picnicking.

History

The Ely area was settled primarily by miners and ranchers in the 1800s. In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the Nevada National Forest (now the Ely District). The history of the Ely District can be explored in its historic mining towns and by visiting the Ely District Office.

USDA Forest Service - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 17 September 2007 at 18:28:07 EDT