humboldt national forest

Beautiful Glacier in winter and beautiful scenic drive!! Looking forward to seeing it the National forest in Fall!

Grand vistas in every direction, you feel like your in Europe. A great place to visit in summer or winter.

I grew up living just outside the Humbolt National Forest. So this review is somewhat biased. After experiencing many national forests and alpine regions in the country, the Humbolt is the standard that I compare them against. It is what I think a National Forest should be like. From the Rubies to the Jarbidge Wilderness, it is world class, high elevation and in some spots, untouched. The airshed is pristine and the people are old west. The rubies are very popular because of their proximity to Elko. The Rubies trailhead starts at over 8,000 feet - Perfect!! High Mountain lakes and hiking, Heliskiing opportunities and an environment that is so quiet, you can hear everything, sometimes a little spooky - hearing things that are always there, but are usually covered by modernization. It is truly a secret and should be on your places to visit list.

We've been wanting to come to Ruby Mountains for ten plus years, finally made it! Fall color was amazing, another week we would have missed it. Dry camped at Thomas Canyon Campground. Great little hike right from campground with great fall color. First come first serve at this late in the season...going any other time make reservations in advance is what we were told.We did the scenic driving tour from Spring Creek to Jiggs back side of Ruby's on dirt road to 229 and than on to Halleck (110 miles) in hind site wish we hadn't done! We did not make it to Ruby Lake...all we could see in that direction was blowing dust and dirt. Chamber and Visitors center no help with hikes, camping, etc.! Stop at US forest service 2035 Last Chance Road Elko NV 7:3-4:3 PST Mon-Fri. 775-738-5171 They have an ok handout/s but a wonderful map of the area. Ask to see what they have and pick what best suits your needs.

The drive into Lamoille Canyon is breathtaking. There is still snow on the peaks in July and the waterfalls and creek are running. Great hiking. There are pit toilets at the turn-around, but no drinking water, so bring your own. Lovely picnic area. The road is in good shape.

Whether you want to do some serious hiking in the Ruby Mountains or are limited by time or mobility issues, a trip up the 13 mile Lamoille Canyon Road National Scenic Byway will long be remembered. Called "the Alps of Nevada", the mountains have it all-snow capped peaks, mountain streams, waterfalls (especially in Spring), canyons and breathtaking vistas. Along the way there are picnic areas, trailheads, and numerous interpretive signs. The Byway is reached by taking SR 227 southeast out of Elko and turning onto the byway about one mile west of the cutoff for the town of Lamoille. There is a fee for parking and envelopes are provided. The Spring brings an array of colorful wildflowers and autumn has the beauty of the fall foliage.If you have time, a quick trip into Lamoille is interesting. There is the Little Church of the Crossroads (Presbyterian) on the far end of town where the pavement ends. O'Carrols serves meals daily and the Pine Lodge is open for dinner certain days. The town also has a gallery.You can easily take the Byway to the end, make a quick stop in Lamoille and be back in Elko in half a day. However once you see the beautiful scenery you will not want to leave. Information on hiking trails is available in Elko.

This place has it all for outdoors. We did several 5 mile hikes to lakes and waterfalls. Beautiful scenery everywhere you look. Awesome sites, smells and sounds. Nature at it's best. Tons to do for all ages. Second trip there and will not be out last.

These are some amazing mountains with hardly any traffic at all, on either the roads or trails, when I visited just after Memorial Day weekend. Felt like I had the place all to myself to enjoy.Consider visiting the Forest Service ranger station in Elko, on Last Chance Drive, near the Toyota dealer, for current info and maps. For $10 you can get a superb, water resistant topographic map of the entire Forest Service district that covers the Rubies and Humboldt-Toiyabe forest (including Angel Lake, near the town of Wells). Ranger Jeremiah was exceptionally helpful, gave me great advice on current road and snow conditions, and spot-on recommendations on the best sights to see during my limited time in the area.If you're into bird watching, the Ruby National Wildlife Refuge on the southeast end (via Harrison Pass road) is a must-see. Good idea to bring bug juice and wear pants and long sleeves - I was swarmed by mosquitoes, at least until the wind picked up in the afternoon, which isn't too surprising since it's a marsh. But you can avoid the bugs completely by observing the birds conveniently from your car along the dike roads. Binoculars are a must for getting the best views. At the time I visited, sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans were the most notable of a long list of gorgeous birds I saw there.

I always associate Nevada with nothing but sage brush, but the humbolt forest surprised me with its beauty, there was nothing to dislike, if u look for it there is beauty to be see.

Wonderful scenery. Aspens turning gold. Took short hike at end of canyon - there are lakes, tho we didn't go that far. Easy parking & bathrooms at parking area at end of Canyon. Visited O'Carroll's in Lamoille for cup of soup afterwards. Church at the Crossroads very picturesque at end of town.

I took my 3 children to Lamoille Canyon as a 'less traveled' part of our western trip. We did the hike up to Lomolille Lake and wish we had take other trails farther up. The scenery was great. The hike was fairly easy (probably moderate for most people) and taking our time we got to the late in just under 1.5 hrs. Spent time there watching the crazies partially skinny dipping in the cold water. Definitely on the return list.

We took a drive through this area and it was absolutely breathtaking. Hope to get back to spend more time in the future.

Hiked to Lamoille Lake past brilliant wildflowers on well maintained, clearly marked trails. Absolutely no litter; every dog was on a leash .... great place, could have stayed all day.

Don't forget the Native American portion of the name! Been in the Elko area for 2 weeks now. Have spent the better part of 8 days driving off-road and to remote areas of the "Rubys" and the "Jarbidge Wilderness". Have enjoyed it tremendously!!! From the lady who gave me so much information at the National Forest Service office, to the ranger at Ruby Lake NWR who was so helpful, and everyone in between that has gone out of their way to give info & advice. Except for cold wet feet, even getting stuck in snow on Coon Creek Summit was an enjoyable experience. I am a "country-farm boy" from Indiana, and to say that I've had a good time 'splorin' the mountains, canyons, and back-roads of Elko county for two weeks, that would be a gross mis-understatement. I've had a blast, and I have over 1,000 pictures to prove it! Thank goodness for digital cameras.

From Elko this is a short drive toward Lamoille. Take the turnoff to Lamoille Canyon and enjoy the drive. The natural beauty of the area is refreshing to the soul and there are many areas to hike, picnic, camp, learn about glaciers, animals, plants and rock formations in the area.