Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains are some of Nevada’s beauties.
Nicknamed the Swiss Alps of Nevada, the Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon, together with two dozen Alpine lakes, largely remain untouched because not many people are aware they exist. They don’t fit the Nevada stereotypes because they are watered more than most of the mountain ranges in the Great Basin and are full of lush green fields and wildflowers.
To make it even better, the area has a ton to offer outdoor enthusiasts. These include:
- 10 peaks that are above 10,000 feet, including the highest peak called the Ruby dome at 11,387 feet.
- An escape from the Nevada heat. The Ruby Mountains collect moisture and their heightened elevation offers temperatures that will cool you off.
- It is also home to one of the largest deer populations in the country at over 12,000.
- It has the very famous Terminal Cancer Couloir which is 14 feet wide.
The Ruby Mountains are characterized by impressive and long glacial valleys that snake down the range sides. They leave moraines that will take your breath away, and can be seen from the road to the Lamoille Canyon.
How Ruby Mountains Got Its Name
The Ruby Mountain Range was named after the gems that were found in the area during the days of the Gold Rush. The name stuck even though there were never any rubies found. Gold was also not found here. In fact, the treasures that exist here are the two dozen Alpine lakes and the forests that are full of wildlife. In the current day, most of the Ruby Mountains are considered as wilderness and are home to the bird that was introduced here in 1961 from Pakistan called the Himalayan Snowcock.
How to Get to Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains
The route is located in Elko County. If you are taking a road trip or a scenic drive, then you can fly into the small Elko airport, located along Highway 80 in Northeastern Nevada. There are two flights there each day with Delta Airlines, and you can use one to connect in Salt Lake City.
Where Will I Stay?
There are many accommodation options in the town of Elko. It’s also a good base camp for exploration. Elko is only a 30-minute drive from the start of Lamoille Canyon and 50 minutes from the trailheads that lead to the Ruby Mountains.
It is also a 50-minute drive to Wells, which is a town in which you’ll find the best beer in Nevada, made by Ruby Mountain Brewing Company. There’s also a hot natural spring called the 12-Mile Hot Spring, which I’m sure you’ll very much enjoy.
There is The Red Lion Hotel & Casino that is a 3-start hotel with relatively affordable rooms. Other options that you have include the Ramada Elko Hotel and the Hilton Garden Inn Elko. Relatively, you may decide to camp at Thomas Canyon, which is a very beautiful campground located inside Lamoille Canyon, and close to the Ruby Mountain hiking trails.
Where Will I Eat?
There are several places in which you can eat when you visit Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains. For example, there is the Pine Lodge, which is a restaurant with a unique experience.
There is also the Star Hotel, which is rather very popular among locals. It’s a great option for you if you’re looking for a high-end steakhouse in Elko.
Other options include Aspen’s Bar & Grill, which has a variety of dishes, but the best is the lobster bisque; Good Blends, which is a wonderful choice for a quick breakfast, especially if you’re looking for a healthy option; and Fresh fare Bistro, which is another good restaurant for a healthy option.
Recommended Activities
#Hiking
The entire Ruby Mountains has trails that begin near the parking lot to the very end of Lamoille Canyon. Hiking seasons depend on the snow pack.
#Scenic Drive
The Lamoille Canyon is carved with glacier and is a great getaway to the Ruby Mountains. The scenic drive will take your breath away because it’s not like any other place in Nevada. You should stop a long the way and take photos for your memories. There is so much to see a long the 12-mile scenic byway.
#Soak in the 12-Mile Hot Spring
There’s a natural hot pool called the 12-Mile Hot Spring. It’s located approximately 12 miles north of Wells. Soak your body in this gift of nature.
#Fishing
You should bring your pole or rent one if you are a person that loves fishing. There is plenty of fishing waters in Elko. Its popularly known as “fishing heaven.”
#Camping
There are solo and group tents that you can rent during your trip. Camp at Thomas Canyon Campground or at Angel Creek Campground. Another one is South Ruby Campground.
#Winter Sports
You can take part in the traditional downhill skiing, tubing, or snowboarding at the Elko Snowball.
#Hunting
The northeastern part of Nevada has supreme hunting grounds. There are big game animals living in the Elko area, including mountain lions, antelopes, mule deer, elk, and many others. Game birds include the exotic Himalayan Snowcock, blue grouse, quail, Hungarian partridge, chukar partridge, sage grouse, and many others.
