Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Ruby Mountains Wilderness

The Ruby Mountains Wilderness sits astride a high ridgeline of mountains and totals more than 90,000 acres. The wilderness runs from Secret Pass south for 90 miles in the Ruby Mountains range. Known to locals as the Rubies, the range includes ten peaks above 10,000 feet (Ruby Dome, 11,387 feet is the highest) and more than two dozen alpine lakes.

During the Ice Age alpine glaciers vigorously eroded the northern end of the Rubies. Lamoille Canyon, in the heart of the Rubies, is known as “Nevada’s Yosemite.” The canyon has hanging valleys, towering peaks and year-round snowfields. The region south of the canyon contains lake basins and meadows for seven miles, then turns into a narrow grassy ridge south of Furlong Lake for another 20 miles to the Overland Lake Basin.

The area is home to one of the largest mule deer herds in Nevada. It also supports populations of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and Himalayan Snowcock. Streams and lakes support brook, rainbow, and threatened Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.

Directions

Around 300 miles of trail can be accessed from several trailheads. The main trailheads are Roads End in Lamoille Canyon, Harrison Pass, Soldier Canyon, and Overland Lake. Access is mainly on improved dirt roads, except for Lamoille Canyon, which is a 12-mile paved route ending at Roads End.

Maps and trail information are available at the Ruby Mountain Ranger Station and Mountain City Ranger Station.

Nearest Nevada Towns: Lamoille and Elko Nevada

Special Information

Maximum Group: 75 persons

Permits: None Required

USDA Forest Service - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 11 September 2007 at 13:35:37 EDT