Location | Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, NV Lamoille Canyon trailhead |
Distance | 20.5 miles |
Total Elevation Gain | 5900 ft |
Topographic Map |
This is a great, almost out-and-back hike in the amazing Ruby Mountains of Nevada. This mountain range is kind of incredible, offering big views and beautiful granite peaks in an accessible location. The drive to the canyon is only about 40 minutes out of Elko, NV and paved the entire way.
The Lamoille Canyon trailhead is quite popular with dayhikers, but surprisingly not too overwhelmed by backpackers. I went in late June and we ran in to only two other groups that were camping at North Furlong lake and two other groups that were camping elsewhere.
The trail is really well graded, offering awesome passes to huff over in a pretty convenient package. This is a great trip for gung-ho beginners and moderately experienced hikers.
- In 2018, late June was the perfect time to go; the weather was great and there was only a small amount of snow over the passes. Call up the ranger station to check on snow conditions.
- There are a couple of options to mix up the trail to avoid a pure out-and-back. On the way out, I took both west-side trails and on the way back both east-side trail but I don’t think it would make a difference either way.