Last week I spent a couple nights camping and two days riding at the Dave Deacon Campground in the Kirch Wildlife Management Area (KWMA). What a phenomenal area! The riding was terrific, the hot/warm springs were soothing, and the campground was simple, but decent.
I drove down early morning, set camp, and went for a moderate ride. The Moon River Ranch sits adjacent to the KWMA. Loved the sign. Looks like a pretty prosperous operation.
I rode across the White River Valley into the foothills of the towering Grant Range with Troy Peak, it's high point, at over 11,000'.
The vast White River Valley.
That evening I spun the mile or so over to the hot/warm springs. The water is about 85F, so not exactly hot, but felt great.
The views aren't bad!
The next morning dawned cloudy and remained so all day. I headed out early for a long ride, quickly arriving at the Adams-McGill Reservoir. So many birds!
I followed the White River south along several beautiful ponds, reservoirs, and meadows before turning west over a shallow pass into Coal Valley.
This area, in Basin and Range National Monument, has a wonderfully remote feel with dramatic limestone outcrops jutting above endless plains.
Almost all of riding was packed, smooth dirt - ideal for gravel riding. This is Garden Valley.
Soon after I returned to camp it started raining and an hour later I enjoyed a dramatic thunderstorm with a long, strong deluge.
Next morning I rode over to the hot/warm springs for one more soak. So serene. A real nice way to end the trip.
Just over an hour from Ely, but a whole 'nother world. Wow!