Lamoille Canyon & The Ruby Mountains
It doesn’t get much more breathtaking than the sweeping views found in Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains of Nevada.
Known as the “Swiss Alps of Nevada,” the Ruby Mountains are a glacier-carved paradise full of endless outdoor adventure. Hike, backpack, and fish to your heart’s content all summer long surrounded by alpine lakes and streams, tree-lined canyons, and towering peaks. Come winter, the Rubies boast some of the driest, fluffiest snow out there, beckoning snowshoers, snowmobilers, and powder-hungry backcountry and heli-skiers alike.
A true recreational jewel just outside Elko, the Ruby Mountains are yours to explore in every season.
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
All roads lead somewhere amazing out here, but the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is an ideal gateway into the Ruby Mountains wilderness. Generally open and accessible May through October (depending on weather), this 12-mile, paved road weaves its way to vistas straight out of a photographer’s dream. Get access to campgrounds, fishing and picnicking spots, and trailheads along the way.
Summer in the Ruby Mountains
Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails. The Rubies offer everything from couple-hour excursions to multi-day thru-hikes. You’ll find more than a dozen trailheads—including popular options like Thomas Canyon and Road’s End—that’ll take you past high-elevation lakes, blooming meadows, and even waterfalls. Many trailheads are also entry/access points to the 43-mile Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. Day hiking along the Ruby Crest Trail is always an option, as is thru-hiking the route in its entirety (which requires intermediate to advanced skills).
With native and stocked fish in every alpine lake and stream, fishing in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains can’t be beat. Hike along the Ruby Crest Trail to be rewarded with beautiful views and great fishing in the glacier-carved Lamoille Lake. While the 3.2-mile hike is not far in distance, its steep elevation makes it more advanced. Those looking to continue their journey can carry on to Liberty Lake. If you’re not up for the trek over Liberty Pass, cast a line into the beaver ponds located near the end of the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. The waters are loaded with tiger, rainbow, and wild brook trout, among others.
Horseback riding is another popular activity during the summer months, along with picnicking and wildlife viewing. Look for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, and a variety of birds.
Winter Activities in the Rubies
While the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is inaccessible in the winter, snowy conditions invite their own adventures. Lift lines are nonexistent when you take on the powder-packed backcountry with Ruby Mountains Heli-Ski Experience. An expertly piloted helicopter transports you into 200,000 acres of skiable terrain with peaks over 11,000 feet (including the Ruby Dome at 11,387 feet).
The Ruby Mountains are one of Nevada’s wettest mountain ranges, making it a great place for winter adventures. Get your adrenaline pumping on a backcountry snowmobile tour with SledNV to experience the wintry beauty of the Rubies while skilled guides lead you to all-to-yourself sights. Rides can be customized for all skill levels with both one- and two-day packages available.
Ruby Mountains Camping & Lodging
Campgrounds abound in and around the Ruby Mountains. Within Lamoille Canyon, visitors can stake their spot at dozens of sites within Thomas Creek Campground. Tent, trailer, and RV camping is welcome here, and campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are available during peak season (late May through early September) as well. You can make campsite reservations for Thomas Creek and other campgrounds managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest through Recreation.gov.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Looking for a primitive camping recommendation? Backpack up and over Liberty Pass to dozens of glimmering alpine lakes tucked beneath jagged peaks and ridgelines.
Ruby 360 Lodge & Ruby Yurts
Surround yourself with breathtaking views at 7,000 feet at Ruby 360 Lodge, open seasonally for summer and fall. During your stay, enjoy a hot tub, fire pits, and complimentary coffee and biscotti in the morning. Up the luxury experience with a weekend dinner or trip package.
Two anything-but-ordinary yurts are also bookable through Ruby 360 Lodge. Drive right up to the Conrad Creek Yurt, surrounded by aspens and named for the bubbling creek outside your door. Situated at 9,700 feet, the Ruby High Yurt will require a strenuous, 3-mile hike in and out—but you can pay an extra fee for a guided trek or a UTV ride up to the yurt upon arrival. Both yurts are fully furnished with propane stoves, solar power and lights, and other amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Permits Needed To Visit The Ruby Mountains?
No permits are required for day or thru-hiking on the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail, and leashed dogs are welcome in and around the area. Before casting a line into any bodies of water, a fishing license must be purchased through the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Campgrounds managed by Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have varying fees and can be reserved through Recreation.gov.
Is There Cell Service In Lamoille Canyon?
You’ll find spotty or nonexistent cell service in the Rubies, so be sure to let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to return. For more travel tips, brush up on Nevada’s Dirt Road Code.
When Does Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway Close?
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is closed during the winter months. It is generally open from May through October (weather dependent).
Are There Bears In The Ruby Mountains?
For decades, the Ruby Mountains were thought to be bear-free. In recent years, the Nevada Department of Wildlife has reported a few bear sightings in Elko County. While it is unlikely that you will encounter a bear, it’s always good to be mindful of local wildlife and your surroundings.
Are There Hot Springs Near The Ruby Mountains?
Ruby Valley Hot Springs—also known as Smith Ranch Hot Springs—are located south of the Ruby Mountains. Take a dip in one of the multiple pools as you soak in the expansive views.
Know Before You Go
When accessing backcountry wilderness areas, visitors are required to take advantage of preexisting fire rings, bury human waste, pack out all garbage, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen, and check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out.
Getting to the Ruby Mountains
From Elko, follow State Route 227 southeast toward the town of Lamoille. Just before entering town, turn right onto Lamoille Canyon Road (also known as NF-660). Follow the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway for 12 miles into the Ruby Mountains where you’ll find a small parking area at the end. Here, visitors will find interpretive signs, a self-guided audio tour, trailheads, and picnic grounds.
Hours:
The Ruby Mountains are accessible year-round, though the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Drive is not plowed or maintained during winter months. Access is most reliably available from Memorial Day into October. To check road conditions before your trip into Nevada’s backcountry, contact the U.S. Forest Service’s Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District Offices in Elko (775-738-5171) or Wells (775-752-3357).
Admission:
Beyond a fishing license or campground fee, admission into the Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon is free.
This Location:
City
ElkoRegion
Northern Nevada
