The Ruby Mountains rise like a jagged crown above northeastern Nevada's high desert, with Lamoille Canyon cutting a dramatic glacial path through alpine terrain that rivals much more famous ranges. Here, towering peaks frame pristine meadows, crystalline streams, and stands of whitebark pine, offering solitude and raw mountain beauty to those willing to venture off the beaten path. The Ruby Crest Trail traverses this wilderness spine with rewarding views that shift from sagebrush foothills to windswept summits, making it a serious backpacker's dream.
Key Attractions
View all attractions →Glacial Lake
A pristine alpine lake nestled in the high country along the Ruby Crest Trail, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks and a rewarding destination for day hikers and backpackers seeking the remote heart of the range.
Lamoille Canyon
User:G. Thomas / wikimedia (Public domain)
Ruby Crest Trail
G. Thomas at English Wikipedia / wikimedia (Public domain)
Thomas Canyon
Famartin / wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Itineraries Here
Planning a Trip to Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon): FAQs
When is the best time to visit Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon)?
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The best time to visit Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon) is summer.
How many days do you need in Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon)?
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Plan on about 3 days to cover Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon)'s highlights at a comfortable pace.
How do you get to Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon)?
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Fly into Elko Regional Airport (EKO), about 45 minutes drive south of Lamoille Canyon, or use Reno-Tahoe International (RNO), a 3.5-hour drive. The canyon is accessed via Nevada State Route 227 from Elko; it's a scenic 25-mile drive on partly unpaved roads. Las Vegas is 5+ hours away.
What are the top things to do in Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon)?
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Top attractions in Ruby Mountains (Lamoille Canyon) include Glacial Lake, Lamoille Canyon, Ruby Crest Trail and Thomas Canyon.