I was in Nevada for a work meeting and was asked if I wanted to go for a hike in the Ruby Mountains. First thing I thought was "hey, the Ruby Mountains, sounds like they must be pretty spectacular." I was bang on.Lamoille Canyon resides in the Ruby Mountains, which as I stated above, are exactly as they sound - beautiful. About a 30 to 40 minute drive southeast of Elko, this place is a hidden gem, and the short day trail (which is one of many trails there) that resides there is awesome. The drive to get to the start of the hike will allow for great scenery and get you prepared for what is to come.Once there, there are two separate trails - one for hikers, and can be made into just a day trip hike, and one for horse back riding. The hiking trail is very well maintained as it winds up the side of the mountains. As you ascent you make your way up into some very spectacular alpine scenery, with small ponds/lakes, white and ponderosa pine and amazing rock faces.There are two view points with beautiful blue alpine lakes. One is ~3/4s of the way up, at an elevation of ~2,900 metres (~9,700 ft). This is the first "stop" you come to, to take it easy, breathe in the fresh mountain air, possibly have a lunch, and even drop a fishing line if you feel so inclined. The hike then continues up to the ultimate Liberty Pass summit at ~3,300 metres (~11,000 ft). Being a geologist, the rock outcrop is fantastic, but even for the person who doesn't have the geological background, the scenery is breathtaking. The destination at the top is greeted with a second beautiful blue alpine lake known as Liberty Lake. The trail ends here for the people who are only there on the day hike. However, from talks with locals who were on the trail, it continues for many more kilometres down and around Liberty Lake, and that is when you get into the more remote and less traveled areas. But this pass is where our day hike ended.Overall, this hike was amazing. I've done a good amount of hiking in many areas of the world and this is easily one of the most scenic ones I've been on. Difficulty grade is not that high, especially due to the fact that most of the time you'll be stopping to take pictures of the beautiful scenery! This hike is highly recommended for any day-hikers as the total time it took for ascent and descent was only ~3 hours. A decent pair of hikers or sturdy walking shoes would be beneficial, as well as a good amount of water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.As I stated, I only completed the hike, but this area has everything that an outdoor enthusiast could want - fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, etc... but the hike in and of itself will not disappoint you!
This beautiful canyon is full of beautiful wildflowers along a peaceful stream. Easy hiking to with small children. Many places to hike and walk, exploring the riparian environment. Lots of plant diversity and incredible mountain views.
Snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing in winter; waterfalls and wildflowers in spring and summer; fall colors. Fishing, hiking, picnicking. Great way to get up to cooloer weather in teh summer.
Lamoille Canyon has been my choice for outdoor recreation for over 50 years. Beautiful scenery, solitude, lakes to hike to, nice picnic and camping areas, great backpacking short or long trips and fun for winter sports too.
I've been to Lamoille Canyon at least once per year for the last 25 years it seems and it is still beautiful. The camp grounds cost a little to stay and you are close to your neighbors. There are numerous hiking trails including a very short Nature Hike for children which is a great way to fill an hour of the day. Tip: If you are staying in the Thomas Canyon camp site take a look to the south at the rock formation at the top of the canyon that looks like a camel. Awesome place to visit if you are near Elko, Nevada.
This canyon is really a breath of fresh air. The glacial cut canyons are spectacular. I ride my motorcycle up the canyon a few time a year. A very relaxing drive. The fly fishing is good.
We were in Elko Nevada and took a drive to ee Lamouille Canyon - it has the nick name of Nevada's Yosemite Park. The views of the mountains are amazing. There is a glacier to view, stream running through the canyon, amazing views every where you look. The other nice thing about the canyon is that there are very few people - its like seeing the amazing mountain areas of Yosemite without all the people., This is a gem of an area to see if in the area. Its free to go to as well. Drive through the canyon is an easy drive and there are hiking, fishing, and camping activities available here.
Rarely would anyone believe this exists when driving past on I80. Beautiful glacially carved canyon with hanging valleys and streams/waterfalls, alpine lakes etc. Great hiking, backpacking (Ruby Crest Trail), and snowsports in the winter. A must see.
You would never know about this place until you'd been there, but you learn that this canyon is the reason that so many people live in Elko and Spring Creek. It is absolutely stunning, amazing mountain vistas, waterfalls, camping, skiing, mountain goats, 4 wheeling, etc. This is a great place to get lost, have an adventure, see wildlife, and connect with the beauty of the mountains. The best thing about Nevada. We found this hidden gem while walking across America, on The Great American Walkabout.
Lot's of hiking and spectacular views! a photographers dream. Visit in the spring with the winter run off lot's of waterfalls. Bring a jacket and good hiking boots.