Top 5 Reasons to Visit Ely in February
One of the biggest advantages to being the most mountainous county in the most mountainous state in the lower 48 is that when it snows, it sticks around. We’re here to help with just some of what you can do and enjoy winter this February.
1. Fat Biking:
Our local Great Basin Trails Alliance has done an amazing job grooming over 20 miles of trail for fat biking. If you’re new to the sport, check out the Birkebeiner loop out at Ward Recreation Area.
2. Cross-Country Skiing & Snow Shoeing:
Follow signage past the Recreation Area to the Ward Mtn. Campground and you’ll find G-Loop, perfect for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing for all levels. Great Basin National Park is also open during winter, where the snow is sure to be pristine. Don’t have the gear? We’ve got you covered! Sportsworld has rentals for all of your cross-country needs.
3. Snowmobiling:
Nothing beats our Eastern Nevada landscapes. The mountains out here are vast and who wouldn’t love a little horsepower to help you explore. For spectacular views and fun riding, you can’t miss with Success Loop out of Cave Lake State Park.
4. Ice Fishing:
If there’s one thing we can guarantee when it comes to White Pine in winter, it’s that our lakes are frozen, thick, and the fish are hungry. While Cave Lake is currently drained for dam repair, the two spots we recommend that are always iced over and are prime ice fishing locations are Comins Lake or Illipah Reservoir.
5. Back-Country-Skiing and Snowboarding:
It can be difficult to name just one back-country-skiing and snowboarding location. The deepest of snow can be found in the Schell Creek Range on the east side of the Duck Creek Basin. As breathtaking as these mountains are, they are remote. Anyone taking off for a day in the back-country needs to be aware of avalanche danger and will be taking their safety into their own hands.