Extra driving and a very snowy looking Wheeler Peak convince us to pass Great Basin National Park. Before reaching Ely, Nevada, we turn toward Cave Lake State Park, where enticing limestone formations jut up out of the earth. I need a phone signal to work, so we camp outside the park on an open hillside with sage in the air and alpine views.

Ely Valley Sunlight

Ann hikes into the park to explore, and later I run in to meet her at Cave Lake. We see many amazing looking limestone formations, the most prominent called Squaretop. A ranger tells Ann there is developed climbing on Squaretop and also further up the valley. We decide to explore more tomorrow.