I'm planning on running the Silver State Trail section from Ash Springs to Ely on this weekend. This is the same trail I was planning to run the day before the Ely Rally last year for those that remember that far back
I didn't due to no one wanting to join, and the weather was iffy to say the least.
Anyway, depending on if the new OHV area at Pahroc or Hell's Half Acre or whatever it's going to be called is open by then, the trail will either start from Ash Springs or Pahroc Summit, and wind north just east of SR 318. The "official" trail goes through the Big Rocks Wilderness, (really neat, Brad Cozart can attest) by a few mines and springs and out above Pioche. I plan to alter it a bit by continuing north up through Cave Valley and a few old ranches, by Pritchard's Station, (an old stagecoach stop with a building/ruins) past Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park and out south of Ely. Anyone who ran the Ward Mtn. run last summer, the dirt road you go in is where we would come out.
The good thing is there are numerous turn outs that can be taken, both to the east and west if needed. The SST is comprised of numerous back, ranch, and county roads. Except for any wash outs, it should be an easy (max) 1.5 rated trail most of the way as they are usually well maintained. More scenic than challenging really. Cave Valley Road for instance is mostly a 2 lane state/county maintained gravel road. IIRC, from Pahroc to the asphalt at Ely was around 165 miles of dirt. It's high desert, a mix of trees and sage brush, and likely lots of wild flowers at that time of year. It would likely be a long, all day event with staying over around Ely the plan for me at least, likely in a motel. Then coming back by asphalt to Vegas, which takes around 3-4 hours depending on traffic and your speed, Ely is IIRC 242 miles officially.
Ash Springs is about 97 miles (roughly 1 1/2 hours) from Vegas officially, and would be the last gas till Ely, and a stop on the way back as well as Alamo. A meeting point can be set pretty much anywhere, the likeliest being the turn off for US 93 (exit 64 on I-15). The issue is starting time, as it could be a 10 - 12 hour day on the road easy. I'd say the absolute latest to leave exit 64 would be 7AM, I'd like it to be earlier myself. As it gets closer, I'll set a time and place in stone, especially since mother nature likes to alter that area violently and quickly, it might even be put off for a later date.
I also carry maps of the SST system that I can show to anyone interested at the next club or fun runs.
BTW this should be the first weekend of Spring Break for most everyone with school kids. So you could likely spend another day hanging out in Ely or taking your time back if you wanted. I might even come back Monday morning early so I can get in some fishing in at Commins Lake Sunday. I want to land me a pike
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I was beginning to think it was internal. Other than some preventative maintenance I want to get done before then, I'm a go. In fact, I'm wanting to go so bad I'm likely to rent a 4X if needed when the time comes.