Lamoille Canyon

The Lamoille Canyon Scenic By Way is a 12 mile drive, into Lamoille Canyon Scenic Area within the Ruby Mountains. These mountains have often been called "The Alps" of Nevada. You will find spectacular views of the rugged/rocky mountain peaks and glaciated canyons and lakes.

SCENIC BY WAY: This is a paved two land road all the way to the top! There are three pull over areas for viewing the Canyon. There are interpretive signs that explain some of the natural features along this road. Several trail heads along the way are marked, leading you to small lakes and hidden valleys.

WILDLIFE: includes Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion and Coyote. Sage, Blue Grouse, Chukar, Partridge, Golden Eagle, and Hawk live here. Fish of many species survive in the cold water lakes.

CLIMATE: Summer comes VERY late to Lamoille Canyon. The road may be impassible even as late as July! Summer months are very nice, but the temperatures still are quite chilly at nite, camp fires and sleeping bags are needed! Winter months bring a great deal of snow and avalanches can occur, Lamoille Canyon Road is NOT maintained in the winter months.

CAMPING:

Thomas Canyon Campgrounds: Located 8 miles up the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. 42 Fee Site with picnic table, BBQ grill, concrete or asphalt site pad, fire ring/reservations recommended/potable water/5 vault toilets, modified for physical impairments/information boards/over flow parking lot/trail head for Thomas Canyon Trail.

Lyons Club Campground: Located 6 miles up the canyon is this historic campground. It can be reserved for group use by calling the Elko Lions Club. Complete with cabins and picnic areas, this location is a prime spot for large gatherings.

PICNICKING:

Power House: Located at the mouth of the canyon, 1.5 miles east of State Route 227 on the Scenic Byway. Elevation 6500ft/picnicking, non-reservation area/1 group and 4 single unit picnic sites with BBQ grills, fire ring, and tables/one vaulted toilet/no water/information board/parking can hold up to 25 vehicles approximately. Located in Riparian Cottonwoods/great stream nearby.

Terraces: Located 10.5 miles up the Scenic Byway. Elevation 8400ft/use Jul-Sep/picnicking, non-reservation area/9 units, each with a pedestal BBQ grill, concrete site pad, fire ring and table/drinking water/one vaulted toilet/not modified for physical impairments/scenic drive.

Roads End: Elevation 8800ft/one single unit picnic site/one toilet/potable water/trailhead for Island Lake and Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail.

TRAILHEADS: There are 27 public accessible trails totalling 122 miles in the Ruby Mountains! Several of these are located on the Scenic Byway and are marked. Elevations range from 6000 ft to 11000 ft.

At the end of the scenic road, a trail head provides access to the 40 mile long & popular Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail which traverses the backbone of the Ruby Moutains, leading you to several lakes and beyond, ending finally at Harrison Pass. The first 7 miles are the most popular and heavily used section. The trail first passes Dollar Lakes approximately 2 miles from the trailhead, then reaches Lamoille Lake before heading over 10,400ft Liberty Pass 3 miles from Road's End. At Liberty Pass begins the Ruby Mountains Wilderness and a 4 mile stretch of trail accessing Liberty, Castle, and Favre Lakes. The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail then proceeds 20 more miles to Green Mountain. See the RUBY CREST NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL article submitted by Steve Anderson and published by the Forest Service in 1995, this article is in our Pics & Stories.

Hiking, horseback, backpacking, mountain biking, and camping are all possible here. Don't forget extra film in your camera and bring a container for water if you plan to go any distance up the trail.

FISHING: Fishing in the high elevation lakes in the summer is popular. Trout fishing is good to 9,000ft and above. More information will be posted when available.

HUNTING: This is a very popular hunt in Area 10. Check the hunting section for animal types and regulations.

SUMMER RECREATION: Favorite sports in the canyon are hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, nature observation.

WINTER RECREATION: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling.

REGULATIONS AND RULES: Maximum stay at a camp site is 14 days, dumpsters/trash cans are provided for solid waste. No RV/Camper dump sites. Carry water from hydrants to your site for washing dishes and cleaning fish. Pets must be on a leash. Generator use til 6am to 10pm only.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

22 camp sites can be reserved through National Recreation Reservation Services 1-800-280-CAMP.

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