Ruby MountainsAbout Ruby Mountains
The Ruby Mountains are a high, glaciated mountain range in northeastern Nevada, United States, notable for steep, rugged peaks, glacial cirques and clear alpine lakes. The range contains deep canyons and high-elevation ridgelines and is a major regional destination for backpacking, climbing, fishing and scenic drives.
Key landscape features include Lamoille Canyon, a deep glacial valley with road access and trailheads, numerous high alpine lakes that support trout fisheries, and the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail which traverses the range along high ridges. The range’s highest point, Ruby Dome, rises to 11,387 feet (3,472 metres).
The mountains are valued for backcountry recreation and wildlife habitat; much of the range lies within federally managed wilderness and national forest lands with trail infrastructure for multiday trips. The range is located in northeastern Nevada near the city of Elko.
- Highest point: Ruby Dome reaches an elevation of 11,387 feet (3,472 metres), making it the highest peak in the range and a focal point for summit trips.
- Main trail: The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail runs roughly 38 miles along the backbone of the range and is a major multi-day hiking route.
What to See#
- Lamoille Canyon: Lamoille Canyon, a principal glacially carved canyon featuring scenic roads, trailheads and access to alpine lakes and cirques.
- Ruby Dome: Ruby Dome, the range’s high point with an elevation of 11,387 feet (3,472 metres), forming a prominent alpine summit and landmark for climbers and hikers.
- Ruby Crest Trail: The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail, a long high-country route that follows the ridge for deep alpine hiking and backpacking.
Best Time to Visit Ruby Mountains
Summer into early fall is best for access to alpine trails and lakes; check for late-season snow.
Weather & Climate near Ruby Mountains
Ruby Mountains's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (567 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -10° - 1° | -10° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -10° - 1° | -10° | 49 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -9° - 2° | -9° | 54 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -7° - 5° | -6° | 59 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -3° - 10° | 0° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 15° | 6° | 47 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 22° | 14° | 31 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 23° | 15° | 35 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 18° | 11° | 33 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 13° | 3° | 40 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -6° - 5° | -5° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -10° - 2° | -10° | 58 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Ruby Mountains
Primary access is via Lamoille Canyon Road off US-227 (via Elko and Lamoille); there are several trailheads and campsites. Some backcountry routes require permits-check the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest office for current regulations.
Tips for Visiting Ruby Mountains
- Access trailheads from Lamoille or northern approaches early in the season when snowpack is lower.
- Wildlife observations-mule deer and mountain goats-are often best at dawn and dusk; carry optics.
- Weather can be extreme; plan for sudden drops in temperature even in summer.