Nevada · Hiking

Ward Loop I

1.4 mi
round trip
44 ft
climb
7,386 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Ward Loop I is an easy, 1.4-mile out-and-back hike in Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, within the Ely Ranger District. The trail rises about 44 feet from its low point of 7,303 feet to a high of 7,386 feet, a gentle climb that makes it a quick outing on a day spent exploring the Ward Mountain area. The route is natural-surfaced and open to both horses and bikes. It sits right beside Ward Mtn. Campground (Murray Summit), about 0.1 mile away, and Ward Loop K, a nearby loop trail. Ward Mountain Campground is roughly 0.3 mile off, and the Ward Loop J trail is about 0.2 mile away, so it's easy to pair this hike with another part of the Ward Loop system. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the Ruth weather station, about 4.5 miles away, put July highs around 84°F with lows near 47°F, while winter brings highs in the upper 30s and regular snow days. The trail is open year-round. Other nearby options include Ward Loop F, a mountain biking route about 0.3 mile away, and the Birkibeiner Loop, about 0.7 mile from the trail.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Ward Loop I

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 9°

      6 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      40° / 12°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    3. Mar

      47° / 19°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      54° / 24°

      7 wet · 3 snow

    5. May

      64° / 32°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      76° / 40°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 47°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 46°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 36°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 25°

      4 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      47° / 16°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    12. Dec

      37° / 7°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ruth, NV, 4.5 mi away at 6,858 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.