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White Pine County
  • Area: 8,897 sq. miles
  • Population: 9,542 (2006 census)
  • Founded: March 2, 1869
  • Major Highways: US 6, US 50, US 93
  • Seat: Ely (4,041)
  • Largest Community: Ely (4,041)
  • Highest Point: Wheeler Peak (13,063') (Home to Nevada's only glacier)
  • Claims to fame:
                            ~ Home to the Great Basin Nat'l Park, Nevada's only national park
                            ~ Home to Nevada's only year-round glacier
                            ~ Home to over 7 designated wilderness areas
                            ~ US 93, "Scenic Route", S of Majors Junction...
                               Only route in Nevada to traverse 3 different desert landscapes!
                     ~ Ride the old 'Ghost Train of Ely'
                                           

First off, let's clear things up: There are no White Pines in White Pine County! The term, 'White Pine' came to be when the "heavy growth of trees thought to be white pine", were actually limber pine found nestled high in the county's three great mountain ranges. That's right, White Pine County is a scenic wonderland, home to three of Nevada's highest mountain ranges, the Schell Creeks, Egan and Snake Ranges. In one of these even holds the home to Nevada's only year-round glacier, Wheeler Peak, which holds testament to the geologic history of the Great Basin. This is a county where indeed the number of trees, elk and mountain lion outnumber its residents and where the sky is still blue and the sunrise is as breathtaking as ever. It's a place where time has stopped and people are free.


It's no wonder that fortune seekers found White Pine a great place too, as most of White Pine's markers relate to the finding of now obscure, mining camps. Such camps as Hamilton, Cherry Creek and Taylor can still be found by today's modern explorer, whereas some, such as Ruby and Butte Valley, are barely discernable from the sagebrush by a hollowed out hole or two. Other markers hint at establishment within this 'wilderness', like Jedediah Smith and the Nevada Northern Railway. This is a county where history can hide without many worries from a modern world. For today's man, White Pine is easily accessible via three main highways, US 6, 50 and 93, that traverse in all directions of the county and all but two of the markers found in White Pine are located right off these highways. Ely has all the necessary services for the traveler, including a few nice lodges, casinos and many areas where camping is the norm.


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