Our first stop after leaving Idaho was Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park in Ely, Nevada. The park has six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that were used from 1876 through 1879 to help with the mining of silver ore. When mining ended, the ovens were used to shelter travelers and even had a reputation as a hideout for bandits.

There was snow on the ground and the park’s water was turned off. We only spent a night here but spent the following day exploring the trials and these beautiful ovens.