Ely, Nevada: Abandoned Towering Ovens of Ward
Built to make charcoal for iron smelters. The smelters are gone, even the town is gone. The ovens remain.
- Address:
- Cave Valley Rd, Ely, NV
- Directions:
- From US 93, seven miles south of Ely, turn west on the marked dirt road. Nine miles later, take a right, drive 1/4 mile.
- Admission:
- Honor system $5 (or $10 out-of-state)
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Old furnaces used for making charcoal (There is also a lime kiln up the trail). Please shuffle your feet and sing inside the ovens. The acoustics are great and so much fun!
[Chris D, 06/20/2025]
The ovens are in a Nevada state park with day fees. Interesting spot with a wild past. If you're already on this road, it's definitely worth the 8-ish miles of gravel road.
[Kat, 05/08/2022]
Explore the abandoned ovens and surrounding area.
[Janet, 10/26/2013]There are 6 giant stone ovens built to make charcoal for the smelters of Ward, Nevada, which is now gone. 25 ft high and surreal.
[Slappy, 06/13/2003]Nearby Offbeat Places
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October 2016: Photo added.