Exploring Pole Canyon

It was time to leave Ely, Nevada and return to our home in Utah.  We had some extra time and thought we would spend a few hours exploring the west side of the Snake Range before hitting the road.  Kent has always been intrigued with a rugged road that leads up to the top of Mt. Washington (11,658), but was unsure were it began (no signs).  So we took what looked like the correct road (across from the Pickering mailbox . . . in case you were wondering!) and headed up Pole Canyon.  After about five miles of a good gravel road we discovered the abandoned Mt. Wheeler Mine . . . we later learned the mine last operated in the 1940's.  Yep, we were on the right road, but didn't have time to complete the remaining six miles of a steep and narrow 4WD road to the top.  That'll have to be an adventure for another day . . . oh, don't worry, it will happen!

We spotted this beautiful bull elk near Connors Canyon south of Ely, Nevada

Mount Washington towers high above the Mount Wheeler Mine

Mine car tracks from days gone by 

There was a lot of  crystal clear water flowing from the mine adit

Pole Canyon adit is about 1 1/2 miles long!

Beryllium minerals were discovered here in the 1940's . . .
in case you were wondering (I know you are) . . .
 the road continues up to the saddle on the skyline . . .
bring your nerves and a good 4WD if you're going to continue on!

A hay farm thrives below in Baking Powder Flat

View of the Schell Creek Range . . . from the inside out!

Wheeler Peak Mine ore bin clinging to memories of its past

A different view of the Snake Range . . . the majestic mountains of Great Basin National Park