Wanted: Winning snapshot of a Nevada State Park

The Nevada Division of State Parks is excited to encourage Nevada residents to participate in the second annual America’s State Parks 2018 photo contest, sponsored by our partnering agency, the National Association of State Park Directors.

With a focus on highlighting real-life moments and celebrating the marvelous essence of State Parks, the contest encourages amateur photographers to submit photos taken at a State Park within the five categories of camping, wildlife, activities, friends and family, and scenic and seasons.

Nevada’s 25 photogenic State Parks, spanning every geographic region of the State, offer ample photo opportunities featuring a bounty of picturesque surroundings. From now until July 31, 2018, participants can submit their entries on the official parks photo contest website here.

What’s more, of the more than 8,000 entries submitted nationwide during last year’s inaugural contest, the No. 1 winning photo taken by photographer Thong Vu featured Nevada’s own Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. Perched in the Egan Mountain Range in Ely Nevada, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a scenic, forested retreat nestled in a serene natural landscape.

Hallmarks of the Park include six beehive shaped charcoal ovens that were used from 1876 through 1879 to help process the rich silver ore that was discovered in the area. Once mining ended, the ovens were used to shelter travelers and even had a reputation as a hideout for stagecoach bandits. The ovens remain today, and are open for touring.

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, birding, horseback riding, and fishing while surrounded by diverse wildlife, including mule deer, grouse, and elk. For off-road enthusiasts, the Park features an off-highway vehicle trail that connects to thousands of acres of federal lands. As a designated “Historic Site,” visitors can also enjoy stellar opportunities to explore and connect with Nevada’s unique heritage.

The Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park day use entrance fee is $5 per vehicle, and ample campsites are available for only $15 per night. Additionally, area visitors can stop by Cave Lake State Park, located just minutes away from the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, to round out their outdoor adventure in beautiful Ely, Nev.

“Nevada’s Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is one of the Nation’s most unique state parks. The one-of-a-kind culture landmarks at Ward are part of a majestic outdoor retreat that includes breathtaking sights and incredible adventures waiting to be discovered,” said Brad Crowell, Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “The Park is rich with stories, historic treasures, native wildlife, recreational opportunities, and unmatched vistas that offer a fun and memorable experience for individuals and families alike.”
To learn more about Nevada State Parks, including the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, visit parks.nv.gov.

The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ mission is to protect, manage, and enhance Nevada’s natural and cultural resources. Established in 1957, the Department includes ten divisions and programs (Environmental Protection, Forestry, State Parks, State Lands, Water Resources, Historic Preservation, Conservation Districts, Natural Heritage, Sagebrush Ecosystem, and Off-Highway Vehicles) and 11 boards and commissions.

— Writer Samantha Thompson is a Public Information Officer for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. She can be reached at sthompson@dcnr.nv.gov