Ice Plant Loop

The Ice Plant Trail is a popular trail heading up into the Egan Range just outside of the town of Ely. The trail begins by heading up single track with a lot of loose rock, following a gradual uphill course between juniper on the north facing ridge. Numerous other trails branch off from the Ice Plant Trail, allowing riders and hikers to vary up their route and create loop paths. 

Gaining steepness the further up the trail climbs, the main Ice Plant path generally follows a direct course up an intermediate level course with several very prolonged steep portions. Upon reaching the top, several other popular trails intersect with the trail. Riders can shuttle cars and connect to trailheads on the Powderberry Trail or the Ward Campground trails. However those looking to create a loop path can follow the signs connecting to the ATV Trail. Along the top of the route, the path straddles a the mountainside at an elevation of about 8300', opening to views across Ely far down below. 

The downhill races down a series of berms and switchbacks, heading through rolling terrain that at times threads narrowly between pine trees. The flow and jumps make all of the straightline uphill worth it.

The rule here seems to be to follow the signed trail to the top, which heads up a straighforward path, while the other routes back down make for an exciting somewhat technical downhill race.

Some trails in the network are signed, however some are not, so riders should have some navigation aid if they're unfamiliar with the routes.

There are no amenities of any kind along the ride. The trailhead is signed with parking space for only a couple cars.