Natural Resources and Climate of Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

The park is in a classic Great Basin, high desert environment. Major vegetation consists of big sagebrush at lower elevations and pinyon/juniper forests at higher elevations. The park contains many different creeks with springs as sources. The park has an elevation range of 7,000-8,000 feet. There is diverse wildlife within the park, including elk, deer, rabbit, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote and fox share the area with various bird species.

Summer temperatures range from 90˚F in the day to 50˚F at night. Winter months range from 40˚F in the day to -10˚F at night. During peak winter months there is approximately a foot of snow as a base layer, so the park can support cross-country skiing and other snow activities.