Ely, Nevada Hiking

While out in Ely I mixed up the riding with a couple of great hiking adventures. First I wanted to explore the watershed where I skied back in February, Berry Creek. I drove just past the campground and hiked up the 4x4 road.

I knew there were some big Aspen groves here and was hoping to find some good color. Low the trees were still mostly green.

Soon, splashes of fine color appeared.

These open glades provided one of the best ski runs of the season for me.

The road ends at the wilderness boundary where a faint, but pleasant trail begins.

Weather started to roll in late morning.

Down canyon and distant views.

South Schell Peak above the big basin at the head of the drainage.

The colors were pretty much prime here.

Fantastic!

After a super ride up Clive Creek (previous post), I decided to hike above Success Pass to the high point of the Duck Creek Range - a subrange of the Schell Creek Range.

The high point with swell Aspen groves on its upper flanks.

An old mining road took me high onto the south ridge of the peak where I continued cross country.

Great hiking in a stunning setting.

The views from the summit were sublime.

More color on the descent.

Camel Peak's upper northwest flank was cloaked in greens, yellows, oranges, and reds.

Last grove before heading to the truck.

Wonderful country.

Ely, Nevada Mountain Biking

 Last week I drove to Ely, Nevada to explore the intriguing terrain in the nearby mountains. I had skied here in February and was eager to come back.

 It's about a four hour drive from Bishop to Ely. Arriving mid afternoon, I elected to go for a spin to loosen up my stiff body. I parked at the Ward Mountain Campground and rode the G-Loop in counter clockwise fashion.

The loop starts with a moderate climb up a reclaimed jeep road, then transitions to a delightful single-track trail with sweeping views and a nice roller coaster descent.

I was skiing here in February!

The loop took about an hour to ride at a modest effort. The trail marker called it "Most Difficult" (black diamond), but honestly it seemed a lot more like easy intermediate - a very fun intermediate!

Next day I headed up to Cave Lake State Park which has a terrific set of  trails. For this ride I took the Cave Springs Loop trail high and over to Cave Springs, then up a dirt road to the pass below Cooper Summit (off the map bottom right).

The upper section of the Cave Springs trail starts with a stout climb then rolls along pleasantly before descending steeply to the road. Pretty views along the way.

Lousy lighting but good scenery looking down into Cooper Canyon from the pass.

The cruise down from the pass was especially pretty.

I took a day off the bike to go hiking, but was back in the saddle again the next day. I was looking to explore more remote terrain, so I headed up Cleve Creek on the east side of the range.

No groomed single-track here, but plenty of enjoyable dirt roads.

I rode up the main stem of the canyon to the trailhead at the wilderness boundary. Nice spot to have lunch and relax.

Next I took a spur up into beautiful Kolcheck Basin.

The mining road rose steeply out of the basin providing a fine overview of the canyon.

The grade steepened markedly so I turned around about 1/2 mile before the mine enjoying a great descent back to the truck.

After another day of hiking (see next blog entry) it was time to head home. I awoke early, so I got in one final ride at Cave Lake. I rode the Steptoe Creek trail to Twisted Pines to Cave Lake Overlook (see map above). 

The trails on this loop are grand fun. Solid intermediate with a smooth rolling surface except for an occasional rocky tech sections.

The early morning scenery wasn't too shabby either.

One last taste of fall color.

 Terrific trip!