Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Park Historic park preserving 19th-century beehive charcoal ovens
In eastern Nevada, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park preserves six beehive ovens from 1870s silver smelting; visitors picnic, camp and walk short interpretive trails to the ovens and surrounding desert scenery.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park preserves a group of six beehive-shaped stone charcoal ovens and associated historic mining-camp remains in eastern Nevada. The ovens are a well-preserved example of 19th-century charcoal-production technology.
The ovens were constructed in the late 19th century to supply charcoal for regional mining and smelting operations associated with a nearby mining camp. The site later fell into disuse as local mining activity declined and was subsequently preserved as a historic site.
The park is located near the remains of the historic mining camp of Ward in central Nevada; access is by unsealed roads and short walking trails from the parking and picnic area.
- Historic ovens: The six historic ovens were built for charcoal production in the 19th century and are the central preserved feature of the park; they are clustered within a short walk from the parking area and have interpretive signage.
What to See #
- Charcoal ovens (six beehive ovens): Six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens built of local stone; each oven is a free-standing, dome-shaped structure with an interior chamber and small arched openings used historically for loading and venting during charcoal production.
How to Get to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park #
The park is located about 40 km south of Ely, Nevada, off U.S. Route 6/50; the last stretch is on graded gravel. Passenger vehicles can reach the site, and there is a small parking area and short walking trail to the ovens.
Tips for Visiting Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park #
- Visit at late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light on the masonry ovens.
- Observe the fragile structure - the ovens are masonry and not designed for climbing or entry.
- Combine a visit with other historic sites in eastern Nevada for a fuller sense of 19th-century charcoal-iron industry.
Best Time to Visit Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park #
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting the historic ovens.
Weather & Climate near Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park #
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 36 mm of rain.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. The driest month with just 20 mm.
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