Nestled away from Nevada's bustling cities, Cave Lake State Park stands as a remarkable, often-overlooked sanctuary, beckoning visitors to its diverse landscapes throughout the year. This high-desert haven, located a short drive from Ely, promises an array of activities for every season. In warmer months, its tranquil alpine lake offers a refreshing escape with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding. As winter descends, the park transforms into a picturesque wonderland, inviting ice skaters, anglers, and even ice sculptors to partake in its unique seasonal charm, including an annual festival of fire and ice.

Cave Lake State Park, a sprawling 4,500-acre expanse, serves as an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Beyond its central reservoir, the park boasts a network of four distinct hiking trails, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging ascents, each offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Mountain biking aficionados can explore over 20 miles of dedicated trails, while winter sports lovers can indulge in snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The park also provides well-equipped camping facilities, catering to both primitive and RV campers, ensuring a serene and comfortable stay amidst nature's embrace. The reservoir itself, originally constructed in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to support workers in Steptoe Valley, recently reopened in June 2025 after a period of dam reinforcement, once again inviting visitors to its crystal-clear waters flanked by the majestic Schell Creek Range.

The reservoir at Cave Lake is a prominent feature, covering 32 acres and teeming with rainbow and German trout, making it a prime spot for fishing all year. Winter fishing, while requiring a bit more effort to cut through potentially thick ice, often yields a high catch rate, rewarding determined anglers. The park's annual Fire and Ice Festival capitalizes on the frozen lake, offering not only ice skating and sledding but also a unique ice-sculpting competition, where artists transform snow into captivating figures. During summer, the lake's elevated desert location ensures cooler temperatures, making it an ideal retreat for aquatic activities and a welcome respite from the heat.

For those who prefer terrestrial adventures, the park's hiking trails provide varying levels of challenge and spectacular views. The Cave Overlook Loop Trail, a 4.5-mile journey, is particularly noted for its strenuous inclines and declines, guiding hikers through lush forests and offering elevated perspectives of the lake and mountains below. Campers can choose from two distinct campgrounds: one operating seasonally from May to mid-October, and another open year-round, though subject to weather conditions. Both offer modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere, making reservations through the official Cave Lake website advisable for planning purposes, as it also provides crucial updates on park conditions and potential closures.

Cave Lake State Park's accessibility, open every day of the year, makes it a flexible addition to any Nevada itinerary. Whether travelers are embarking on the rugged Death Drive or exploring the historic Cowboy Corridor, the park offers a convenient and enriching stop. Adjacent to the park, the Success Loop Scenic Drive, a lesser-known 38-mile backcountry byway connected to the \"Loneliest Road in America,\" unveils stunning mountain and valley vistas. This remote area, recognized as one of the darkest and quietest spots in the continental U.S., is perfect for stargazing and observing ancient arborglyphs left by Basque shepherds. Furthermore, a short drive from the park leads to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, where visitors can marvel at over century-old beehive-shaped charcoal ovens that once processed silver and later served as hideouts. This eastern Nevada region seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich history, with Cave Lake serving as an excellent base for exploration.