A trail system so big you HAVE to visit multiple times! Location White Pine County Length 132 miles (Network) Difficulty Easy, Moderate Town Ely Surface Dirt Pets Permitted on Leash Fees No Wilderness Areas Becky Peak Wilderness, High Schells Wilderness Description The South Schell Creek OHV Trails deliver a huge variety of riding in the scenic Schell Creek Range near Ely and Cave Lake State Park. From easy rolling hills to moderate climbs, this network features rocky natural surface trails winding through sagebrush steppe and juniper woodlands at approximately 7,000 ft elevation. A standout route is the Cave Mountain Summit trail, which climbs to nearly 10,700 ft and provides breathtaking 360° panoramic views overlooking Spring Valley to the east, Commons Meadow to the west, and Great Basin National Park to the southeast. Heading north via the Success Summit loop gives access to the North Schell Range, wilderness boundaries, and the Ranger Trail — a purpose-built OHV route that travels along the edge of the High Schells Wilderness. North of Success Summit, riders can enjoy solitude, excellent hunting areas, and crossings into Spring Valley over Kalamazoo Summit. Livestock grazing (sheep and cattle) is common in the meadows, so keep an eye out for animals and guard dogs. Other Information Motorized use is not allowed inside the High Schells or Becky Peak Wilderness areas. The Ranger Trail and surrounding routes offer great OHV access right up to the wilderness boundary. In winter, most trails are inaccessible by UTV, but snowmobiling opportunities exist outside wilderness boundaries along approved routes, including Cave Lake Road and Cooper Canyon Road. Snowmobiling inside Cave Lake State Park is limited to designated dirt roads. Camping & Amenities Several Forest Service campgrounds are available seasonally. Cave Lake State Park’s Lake View Campground remains open year-round with flush toilets and showers (call ahead to confirm availability). Berry Creek and Timber Creek Campgrounds close in winter. A major winter highlight is the annual Fire and Ice Winter Festival held at Cave Lake State Park and downtown Ely. This fun 3-day event features ice sculptures, XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice bowling, and plenty of community spirit. Whether you come for summer OHV riding or winter snow play, the South Schell Creek area is so large and scenic that one visit is never enough! Helpful Tip 4-wheel drive is recommended due to rocky and changing road conditions. Always respect wilderness boundaries and watch for livestock.