“We live out here for the mountains,” stated Kyle Horvath, Director of Tourism for Ely/White Pine County.

Confident and blunt, Kyle’s statement concisely summarizes the ethos of those passionate residents who call Ely, Nevada, home. Outdoor recreation, both motorized and non-motorized, has drawn tourism and eventual residents to the 3,908-person town on the far east border of Nevada.

Leaving Las Vegas and snaking nearly 4 hours up the Great Basin Highway, you’ll be met with an area miming the structure of the Salt Lake Valley. Ely is surrounded by small clusters of mountain ranges on either side of its primary population density. And these mountains are packed with possibility…and, currently, some pretty gnarly trails.

“Much of our existing trails started as dirt bike trails in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” explained Great Basin Trail Alliance (GBTA) President Kelly Ernest. “There are some sections of existing trails that provide us with challenges with erosion, drainage, and grade.” Though there have been some known challenges with these existing trails, it hasn’t slowed down the draw of riders to the annual Fears, Tears, and Beers Enduro Race. The first-of-its-kind and longest-running enduro race in America isn’t for the weak of heart or legs and has drawn pro riders to the area since 1995.

Amidst the success of Fears, Tears, and Beers, the growing mountain bike population wants to welcome new riders into the fold, attract tourism to the area, and foster more sustainable trail experiences. Ticking all those boxes are the newly planned trails at Ward Mountain, just southwest of Ely. Currently, this area boasts 20 miles of existing trails; however, the main vein to the top of the system is an intermediate climb of 1500 feet.

“Our top priority was getting an easier climb to a primary hub that will turn into an intermediate climb halfway through,” explained Geoff Chain, IMBA Trail Solutions Project Manager and Planner. The team is currently finalizing the newest additions to the 9,000-acre Ward Mountain area and punching in with up to 20 miles of new trail, which includes an imperative upgrade of two existing trailheads that connect folks from town and a popular campground.

The Trail Solutions team is working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Visit White Pine County, and the Great Basin Trail Alliance to ensure that all needs will be met with these new trails. Erin Rajala, who oversees Recreation, Wilderness, and Trails Programs for the Central Zone of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, has been working with GBTA on this large-scale project for several years. Sourcing from many of the alignments already made by the local club, IMBA’s primary role is one of distillation and creativity. “IMBA and I have been collaborating on getting the final mapping project of the trails in place, related to their field assessments of what we already have in place and what the best strategy is moving forward to create a cohesive, fun, and connective trail network,” said Erin.

Geoff Chain and Matt Brabender, IMBA Trail Solutions Planner, spent seven field days in mid-October 2024 field flagging what will become these highly anticipated new miles. “Expect nice rest spots and big reveals on the climb up to the top,” said Matt. “The area is currently pretty under the radar,” noted Geoff. “During the three weeks I’ve been in the field there, I think I’ve seen ten people on bikes.” For many who visit the area, that feeling of solitude is a major draw. “I camped next to some folks from Idaho that come down there just for the trails and that ‘under the radar’ feeling,” Geoff added. Balancing dueling desires for more friendly trails for more riders with additional quick and gnarly experiences, creates a balancing act that hinges on creativity. Over the next three years, expect the creation of trail types that span the gamut. Notably, the team worked from GBTA’s concept and designed a unique, high-alpine trail experience. “This trail will have 360-degree views of very cool areas,” said Geoff, “and there’s some good rock potential up there that will lend this trail to be considered dark blue [intermediate advanced] with black [advanced] options.”

Ely’s four-season mountain town reputation will create space for new usership and add new adventures for seasoned recreationists in the next few years, thanks to these additions at Ward Mountain. “We are being proactive so that as the community grows, we have the infrastructure in place so it never feels crowded and you are never cut off from your favorite type of recreation,” said Kyle. “We need people, but we are growing in a sustainable way that maintains our quality of life.”

The IMBA Trail Solutions construction team anticipates construction at Ward Mountain to begin in mid-2025.