A Roadside Guide of Hikes While Traveling in Northern Nevada

Transcription

1 A Roadside Guide of Hikes While Traveling in Northern Nevada

2 A Roadside Geography I decided to dedicate my roadside geography to A Roadside Guide of Hikes While Traveling in Northern Nevada. Even though I enjoyed this work, and think it not only interesting, but useful, I feel it is lacking in geographical content. Something I hope to make up here, within my discussion of my roadside geography. This roadside geography illustrates how I like to look at a place, through adventure. When I see Colorado, I see fourteen thousand foot peaks, I see skiing for miles and miles, and I see rivers that need to be explored. So when I look at Nevada, I want to try and show its physical geographies through the various activities present. I just happened upon hiking because it s something we did ourselves during this semester. As geographers, we look at why what is where, essentially. Why that mountain is in that location. Somebody once asked a mountain climber why he climbed mountains. His reply was simple, because they are there. Why else? Simple enough question, simple enough answer. The geography of why people do things is intensely looked at. Many researchers around the world are looking at why certain people are where. I want to look at why people go places to, but not as a cultural distinction, as a self fulfilling event transaction between an individual and their environment. How people interact as a part of their environment a kind of environmental determinism of sorts, but a different state of mind, an appreciative state of mind. The geography of Nevada is vast, and can be analyzed in many different ways. This place, this culture, this Nevada, is special to me for more than its people and customs, its special to me for its mountains and valleys, for its basin and range, for its endless uniqueness not found anywhere else (besides parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, California and Oregon). The great basin has been studied to all ends, some looking at the mountains and there creation, Others looking at the rivers and where they go. And still others look for species and where they are. All try and define the great basin. The great basin is more than a place, it is a state of mind. It is driving endless miles, through towns that probably wont exist in a few years, to a destination nobodies herd of; and for me, walking up a mountain over ten thousand feet. That is the geography of the great basin, a roadside geography. Now that I have made little or no sense trying to explain my roadside geography, without further a due, I bid thee, read on

3 Introduction Northern Nevada is a vast desert with strings of mountains and valleys which are laced through its core. The top of this state offers much to everyone; birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, hippies in the desert, and adventurers (me). I am going to take you through the state as if on a road trip, making stops along the way to highlight the various climbs, hikes, or easy walks. There are many of these throughout Nevada; however I m going to stay in the North and primarily along the two main corridors; Highway Fifty, and Interstate Eighty. Whatever the difficulty you wish to achieve, there will be something for you in Nevada. If you want to get ready to summit the highest mountain on every continent, or take a leisurely stroll and see some elk. If you want to meditate on a glacier in the middle of a great cirque, or have a picnic next to a pristine lake, there will be options for you in this half of this great state. Some may ask the question, why hike? It is a valid question, and my answer is this: hiking gives you two things, physical fitness, something which has been lost in modern society, and a serene inner piece that you can only discover in yourself while doing something for yourself. I find hiking is the best and easiest way to do this. Hiking Here are some general hiking tips, not just specific to Nevada, but to adventurers as a whole. There are two types of advice when dealing with hiking; the necessities and the perceptions. There are a few necessary items you should always plan on brining with you when doing anything slightly adventurous. Water

4 Sunglasses Comfy shoes Warm socks Camera A warm layer Flash light Map Compass These items are like a seatbelt; perhaps not necessary all the time, but why not, it will make the hike more enjoyable and it may save your life sometime. There are many more items for you to bring on any adventure, but this is a good start. Some other things you may want are; fire starting equipment, shelter, food, bug spray, sunscreen and a parka. The one thing you should always travel with no matter what your doing, is a buddy, a partner, a pal, a friend, a knowledgeable assistant, someone you know, someone you just met, someone who shares your goals, or even your mother. The other side of hiking, the part that is not necessary for your survival, is how you perceive a walk in the wild. When taking on Mother Nature, you must bring with you a mindset of adventure. Preexistent in your mind must be interment happiness with the desolation. Not to be happy because of desolation, but for the vastness of it all. How much there is that is beyond our control. I encourage you to be entranced by how harrowingly big everything is, to appreciate the world without the encroaching humanity that has affected so many of this worlds beautiful landscapes. When you go for a walk, anywhere, I give to you this advice; walk with your head up, nose tuned to exploration and adventure. Do not criticize or be fearful. Drink it in, smell the trees and see the sky. Taste the very nature of it all. This is an opportunity most people don t want to experience, but if you do, let it be known you can, and you should, for it is one of the most glorious feelings there is. Filippo De Filippi, a doctor and writer for a mountain expedition in Pakistan, once wrote; There can be no other place in the world where man

5 feels so alone, so isolated, so completely ignored by nature, so incapable into entering into communication with her. This statement summarizes what feeling you should have when attempting the wondrous wilderness. Route & Trails Here is a map of Nevada. On the map above the locations are as such: Lake Tahoe area: to the far west, all trails and routes will be within the area entitled Lake Tahoe. The Reno & Truckee meadows portion is within the Reno/Sparks area near Lake Tahoe on the map. Great Basin National Park is located in the extreme eastern portion of the state by Ely. The Ruby mountains and Lamoille canyon are located just southeast of Elko in the northern part of the state. Now that you have a general idea about where things are, I recommend you get a detailed atlas of Nevada, 1. because maps rule, and 2. because it will help you get to where you re going.

6 Lake Tahoe Area Lake Tahoe is epic. No question. Included is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, some of the greatest skiing and snow sport locations in the country, and the most beautiful hiking and mountain biking you ve ever been on. These are but a few of the vast number of trails you can explore. I encourage you to find more, and appreciate them for all they re worth. Having hiked all of these trails, I can tell you that you re in for a treat. The views are gorgeous, and the wilderness vast. North & East Shore Trails State Lookout Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 7,017' Mileage (one-way): ½ miles From Highway 28 on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, turn north on Reservoir Drive, just east of the old Tahoe Biltmore Casino. Turn right on Lakeshore Avenue and left on Forest Service Road 1601 (by the iron pipe gate). Park in the parking lot just below the lookout. During the summer the lookout is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers. Superb views of the lake can be seen through the free telescopes located here. A short self-guided nature trail, located by the lookout, explains the history of the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Prey Meadows / Skunk Harbor Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 6,200'/6,800' Mileage (one-way): 1½ miles Take Highway 28 from Highway 50 north approximately 2 miles. Look for an iron pope gate on the west side of the highway. Park in one of the turnouts along the highway and do not block the gate. Snow free in early spring; this is a great walk through a mixed conifer forest with filtered views of Lake Tahoe along the way. Look for the remains of an old railroad grade along the way, built in the 1870's as part of the network to supply timber to Virginia City. When you reach a fork in the road, you have two options. The left fork leads to Prey Meadows which is blanketed with many varieties of wildflowers in the spring. The right fork leads you to Skunk Harbor, a small picturesque cove which offers great swimming and sunbathing in the summer. Marlette Lake Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 7,000'/8,000' Mileage (one-way): 5 miles Park at the Spooner Lake Trailhead, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, just north/west of the Highway 50/28 junction. A parking fee is charged. Dogs are allowed on leash.

7 A moderate five mile uphill hike leads you through picturesque North Canyon, lined with aspens, to Marlette Lake Dam. No fishing is allowed a Marlette Lake because it is a fish hatchery. Mt. Rose Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation: 8,700'/10,778' Mileage (one-way): 6 miles Take Highway 431 (Mt. Rose Hwy.) north of Incline Village. Park at the trailhead located one mile south of the summit. Mt. Rose (10,778'), one of the highest peaks near Lake Tahoe, offers excellent views of the lake, the city of Reno and the surrounding area. Follow a dirt road for three miles through a Lodgepole cloaked forest interspersed with mule ears and sagebrush. In the spring, a lush meadow at the halfway point is filled with lupine, paintbrush and larkspur. The last two miles follow slippery switchbacks to the ridge line. Write your name in the log book located at the summit to show the world you made it! South Shore Trails Moraine Trail Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 6,360'/6,410' Mileage (one-way): 1 mile Stroll along a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of picturesque Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. There is no fee for day use. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area. In the winter, when the campground is closed, you must park just beyond Fallen Leaf Campground off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road and walk to the trailhead. Angora Lakes Trail Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 7,200'/7,470' Mileage (one-way): ½ mile to Angora Lakes An easy ½ mile hike leads to two lakes framed by cliffs. Swimming and fishing are popular activities. Summers are crowded, so arrive early. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot. Tallac Historic Site Difficulty: Easy Elevation: Flat Mileage (one-way):.3 mile on Lake of the Sky Trail

8 Step back into the past and explore the personalities, events and summer homes of turnof-the-century Tahoe landowners. The trail begins from the Kiva Picnic Area and is accessible to persons with disabilities. The site can also be reached from the Lake of the Sky Trail that begins at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center. Echo Lakes Trail Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 7,420'/8,430' Mileage (one-way): 2½ miles to NW corner of Upper Echo, 4 miles to Tamarack, and 5 miles to Lucille and Margery, 5 miles to Lake of the Woods, 6 miles to Aloha See a variety of alpine lakes on this moderate trail. Take Highway 50 to Echo Summit and turn onto Johnson Pass Road. Stay left and the road will lead you to the parking area by Lower Echo Lake. For a short walk, hike to the far end of Upper Echo Lake. A longer hike leads you to one of the many lakes farther down the trail. A boat taxi operated in the summer by Echo Lakes Resort cuts three miles off your trip. A nominal fee is charged for this service. A wilderness permit is required. Glen Alpine Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation: 6,560'/9,735' Mileage (one-way): 2 miles to Grass Lake, 4 miles to Susie, 5 miles to Heather, 6 miles to Aloha, 4½ miles to Half Moon, 5½ miles to Alta Morris, 6 miles to Tallac (strenuous) Many different hikes can be taken from this trailhead. For a short walk, try the 2 mile hike to Grass Lake. Another hike to Lake Aloha leads you past a small waterfall, a beautiful meadow and three alpine lakes. A third option is a moderate hike to Half Moon, Alta Morris or Gilmore lakes. If Mt. Tallac is your goal, the Glen Alpine Trail offers a more moderate approach. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road. Continue until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. A wilderness permit is required. Clark Trail Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation: 6,420'/7,470' Mileage (one-way): 1.6 miles to Upper Angora For the more adventurous, this strenuous hike can provide some solitude. Traversing through loose shale up a steep grade, the trail ends at Angora Lakes. Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Parking is located at the Glen Alpine Trailhead described in the previous hike. From the parking area, walk back down the road to the junction of Fallen leaf Lake Road. Look for the small church to your right. A little post located behind the church marks the hard-to-find trailhead. Mt. Tallac Trail Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation: 6,480'/9,735' Mileage (one-way): 1.7 miles to Floating Isle, 2½ miles to Cathedral, 5 miles to Tallac

9 Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral lakes is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac. The trailhead is located approximately 3½ miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road. Continue to the trailhead parking. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required. West Shore Trails Cascade Creek Falls Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 6,800'/6,910' Mileage (one-way): 1 mile Spectacular views of the 200 foot high falls and Cascade Lake can be seen from this short trail. For best viewing try springtime, when runoff from snow melt is high. Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 8 miles to the Bayview Campground across from inspiration Point. Parking is Located at the far end of the campground. Sugar Pine Point State Park Difficulty: Easy Elevation: Flat Mileage (one-way):.7 mile Contact state park rangers to obtain maps of the many trails located here. The park charges a parking fee for day use. While you're there don't miss a tour of the historic Ehrman Mansion, one of the most beautiful historic summer homes on Lake Tahoe. Open for guided tours (July through Labor Day) from 10am to 4pm. Tours cost $2.00 per adult and $1.00 for children 12 and under. Page Meadows Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 8,560'/7,240' Mileage (one-way): 13.4 miles In the spring, a myriad of beautiful wildflowers can be seen in this large meadow. From Highway 89, two miles south of Tahoe City, turn on Pineland Drive. Turn right on Forest Service Road 15N60 or 16N48 to get to the area. There are no designated trails. Vikingsholm Trail Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 6,230'/6,630' Mileage (one-way): 1 mile View an authentic replica of a Viking castle. Daily tours are given from mid-june through Labor Day. A nominal fee is charged. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the

10 fabulous view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island from the shoreline of this state park. Hike the short trail to Lower Eagle Falls which begins directly across from the castle. Pets are not allowed. Take Highway 89 north from South Lake Tahoe approximately 9 miles to the parking lot on the right. The parking lot fills up quickly in the summer season, so arrive early. Rubicon Trail Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,230'/6,580' Mileage (one-way): 3.1 miles to Emerald Point, 5 miles Dipping up and down along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, this trail offers some of the most scenic views of the lake. Bring a swimsuit, towel and picnic lunch to enjoy a sunny day at one of the may quiet coves along the way. Take Highway 89 north 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe to D. L. Bliss State Park. There is a fee for day use parking. Pets are not allowed. Meeks Bay Trail Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,240'/8,880' Mileage (one-way): 4½ miles to Genevieve, 5 miles to Crag, 5.7 miles to Hidden, 5.9 miles to Shadow, 6.3 miles to Stony Ridge, 8 miles to Rubicon This moderate hike takes you along the northernmost part of the unofficial Tahoe- Yosemite Trail. After following a road for approximately 1.3 miles, the trail passes a small spring, parallels Meeks Creek and continues upward into a forested valley. A chain of alpine lakes can be seen before the trail ascends 1,000 feet up a series of switchbacks leading to Phipps Pass. Take Highway 89 to the Meeks Bay Resort. Parking is located across the highway from the resort at a small dirt parking lot. Wilderness permit required. Bayview Trail Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation: 6,910'/8,440' Mileage (one-way): 1 mile Granite, 4 miles to Azure (x-co), 5 miles to Dicks Offering magnificent views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, this steep trail leads you up the side of Maggie's Peak into Desolation Wilderness. Stop at Granite Lake for a short rest along the way. In 2.7 miles this trail intersects with the Eagle Falls Trail. Corral and watering facilities for horses are available at the trail head. See "Cascade Creek Fall Trail" for directions. Wilderness permit required. Eagle Falls Difficulty: Moderate - Strenuous Elevation: 6,600'/8,500' Mileage (one-way): 1 mile to Eagle Lake, 4½ miles to Dicks, Upper & Middle Velmas, 5 miles to Fontanillis Leading into the heart of Desolation Wilderness, this steep trail offers majestic views of the Sierra high country. Just a 20 minute walk, Eagle Lake is a popular short hike. A longer hike will lead you to the three Velmas, Dicks and Fontanillis lakes. Take Highway

11 89 north approximately 8 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Eagle Falls Picnic Area on the left. This is a very popular and congested area. Wilderness permit required. Meiss Country Trails Big Meadow Trail to Scotts Lake Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 7,200'/8,000' Mileage (one-way): 2½ miles Follow directions to Round and Dardanelles Lake until you reach the Scotts Lake trail junction approx. ¼ mile after the tail begins. Here the trail climbs upward at a gradual pace through limber pine, Jeffrey pine, and fir, high above Big Meadow. A great hike in the fall, the trail travels through a beautiful aspen grove which opens into a valley covered with juniper and sagebrush. A short distance further, the trail turns into an old jeep road, leading to Scotts Lake. Big Meadow Trail to Round Lake Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 7,200'/8,070' Mileage (one-way): 2.7 miles Take Hwy. 50 to Hwy. 89 to the Big Meadows parking lot on the left. Follow the trail at the lower end of the parking lot approx. 200 yards, where it intersects with the highway. Cross the highway cautiously and look for the trailhead signboard. The first ½ mile of this trail climbs steeply from the highway through Jeffrey pine and white fir to Big Meadow. After crossing the creek and a large meadow, the trail enters the cover of a Lodgepole cloaked forest. In another 1½ miles, the trail descends nearly 250' along an aspen-covered bank to a junction. Take the left fork which leads by a wall of interesting volcanic rock. After another short climb up a small hill, the trail leads to Round Lake, Meiss Country's largest lake. The brownish-green lake is a great place for a refreshing swim or for trying your hand a catching some cutthroat trout. Big Meadow Trail to Dardanelles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 7,200'/7,760' Mileage (one-way): 3½ miles Aspen and alder trees along the trail make this an exceptionally scenic hike during the fall. Follow directions from the previous hike trailhead. When the trail forks approx. 1½ mile past Big Meadow, take the right fork. In less than a ¼ mile, take the unmarked trail to your left which crosses the creek. The trail winds though rolling hills and past willows before crossing two more streams. Look for the giant seven foot in diameter juniper along the way. A short climb up a small hill leads you to Dardanelles Lake, surrounded by picturesque granite cliffs on one side and flat granite shelves on the other. Hwy. 88 to Meiss Lake Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 8,560'/8,320'

12 Mileage (one-way): 4 miles Take Highway 50 south from South Lake Tahoe to Highway 89 and turn left. Continue to the intersection of Highway 89 and 88 and turn right. continue past the Carson Pass Sno- Park one mile, turn left on the dirt road and park in the dirt parking area. The trailhead is located on the other side of the highway just across from the parking area. Follow the trail up a hillside covered with mule ear and sagebrush to a saddle, providing views of the surrounding peaks. At this point the trail follows an old jeep route, crosses the Upper Truckee River and leads into a large meadow. Follow the path to the right, 6 miles down the gentle slopes to Meiss Lake. A shallow but scenic lake, Meiss is one of the warmest lakes in the Tahoe area, making it a great place for chest deep swimming. Fishing is not allowed in Meiss Lake. Hwy. 88 to Showers Lake Difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 8,560'/8,790' Mileage (one-way): 5.1 miles Follow directions to the trailhead from the previous hike. Showers Lake is the highest in the Upper Truckee River Basin. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail through expansive meadows with views of Round Top (10,381'), Elephant's back (9,585') and Red Lake Peak (10,063'). The trail begins by winding upward through a series of switchbacks for over a mile. After reaching a summit, the trail drops down a steep grade into the flatlands of Meiss Meadows, riddled by many streams in the springtime. At this point, the trail parallels an old jeep trail for about a mile. When you reach a junction, take the left fork which will eventually lead you up a moderate hill, covered with wildflowers in the spring. Reaching the crest, the trail descends to Showers Lake, one of the cooler lakes in the Tahoe area. [Trail descriptions and statistics courtesy of Reno & Truckee Meadows Being from this neighbor hood, I hold a little bias towards these trails. They have the sub-alpine beauty of lake Tahoe, with closer to hominess that makes them my most traversed. Much of my lifelong speculation has been done in Davis creek park, and in dog valley. One thing you will find on most if not all of this particular set of trails is mountain bikes. Often they are courteous and will move out of you re way, but keep a wary eye and ear if you would like to experience Reno s true beauty. Brown's Creek/St James Open Space ACCESS - West 7 mi on Mt Rose Hwy to left turn at Joy Lake Rd. 1.6 mi on Joy Lake Rd to trailhead parking area on left. Trailhead across road from parking area north entrance. DESCRIPTION - Completed section 1.8 mi. Joy Lake Rd section from trailhead

13 southwest 0.9 mi to ridge overlooking Brown's Creek canyon. Brown's Creek South Face conector 0.9 mi from ridge to wood gate at Brown's Creek. Scheduled for Cross Canyon connector from ridge to Brown's Creek section. Moderate grade, multi use, nonmotorized Dog Valley ACCESS - Dog Valley Rd north from old US 40 in Verdi DESCRIPTION - Trails lead east to Peavine and west to Boca on Henness Rd part of historic Donner Trail, gravel roads, dirt trails, and cross country to Peavine. This trail can be very difficult and is quite steep going to the west. Dry Pond trail ACCESS - Whites Cr Canyon and Thomas Cr Canyon (see below) DESCRIPTION - Connects above trails, 1.5 mi some very steep switch-backs Galena Regional Park ACCESS - North and South entrances 8 mi up Mt Rose Hwy DESCRIPTION - Brochure available in Park, Ranger, Inside Park Self Guided Nature trail, Black s Canyon trail, Bitterbrush trail. Access to Jones Cr/Whites Cr 9.2 mi. trail loop, moderate to steep Hidden Valley Park ACCESS - Parkway off Pembroke south of Park to dirt road DESCRIPTION Non-planned trails mostly on private land in Virginia Range, dirt, steep sections Hunter Cr Trail ACCESS - Proposed trailhead near end of Woodchuck Road DESCRIPTION - Moderately steep single track 1.8 miles to falls Hunter Lake Rd ACCESS - West of Village Green Dr in Caughlin Ranch DESCRIPTION - Dirt road leads 5.4 miles to Hunter Lake, steep sections, multi use Jones Cr/Whites Cr loop ACCESS - Galena Regional Park (see above), or Whites Cr Canyon Trail head 5 mi up SR431, Rt on Timberline to signed road to trailhead DESCRIPTION mi loop, dirt, moderate to steep, 1 mi RT side trail to Church s Pond Pah Rah Range ACCESS - Off Vista Blvd and Pyramid Wy DESCRIPTION - Network of trails to the hills in the east, dirt, moderate to steep grades Peavine Mt or Keystone Canyon ACCESS - Copperfield Dr, end of Kings Row, Leadership Pkwy

14 DESCRIPTION - Many connected dirt roads and trails, moderate to steep Thomas Cr Canyon ACCESS - Off Mt Rose Hwy north on Timberline past Whites Cr just beyond Thomas Cr road, paved parking for horse trailers and autos on left. Or drive up dirt Thomas Cr Canyon road to end, dirt parking area (stream crossing, suggest high clearance all wheel drive vehicle) DESCRIPTION - Along Thomas Cr, moderate grade to Wilderness boundary, then open forest beyond ridge, steep strenuous Whites Cr Canyon ACCESS - Off Mt Rose Hwy north on Timberline to signed road to trailhead on left, gravel parking area DESCRIPTION - Along Whites Cr, connects to Jones Cr/Whites Cr trail loop to south and Dry Pond connecter trail to Thomas Cr trail to north moderate, proposed trail extension to ridge. [Trail names and descriptions courtesy of the Truckee Meadows Trail Association located at Great Basin National Park I ve been here twice in my life with the most recent time being this last fall. It s a great cultural community and native community. All of the adventures I ve been on in this region have been entrancing, holding me captive in the mountains glory. My favorite hike in this area was the rock glacier within the cirque on the front side of Mount Wheeler. Happy travels. Mountain View Nature Trail 0.3 miles (0.4 km) 80 feet (25 m) 6,825 feet (2,080 m) This is a leisurely walk in the pinyon-juniper forest. The trail guide (available for loan at the visitor center desk) describes the geology and ecology of the area. The trail starts at the Rhodes Cabin next to the visitor center. Osceola Ditch Trail 0.3 miles (0.4 km) 100 feet (30 m) 8,400 feet (2,620 m) Begin at the signed pull-out on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Walk down slope through ponderosa pine, white fir and Douglas fir trees to the remnant of an 18 mile long channel built by gold miners in the 1880's. Lexington Arch Trail 3.4 miles (5.5 km) 820 feet 255 m 7,440 feet 2,320 m This trail leads to a six-story limestone arch. The trail has some steep sections. The trailhead is outside of the park, about 30 miles (48 km) from the visitor center. The road is unpaved. Check at the visitor center for road conditions.

15 Alpine Lakes Loop Trail 2.7 miles (4.4 km) 600 feet (180 m) 9,800 feet (2,990 m) The trail passes two beautiful alpine lakes, Stella and Teresa Lakes. There are good views of Wheeler Peak. Begin at the Bristlecone Parking Area, near the Wheeler Peak Campground. Bristlecone Trail 2.8 miles (4.6km) 600 feet (180 m) 9,800 feet (2,990 m) Interpretive signs in the bristlecone pine grove explain the lives and significance of these ancient trees. Ranger-guided hikes on this trail are offered daily in season. Bristlecone and Glacier Trail 4.6 miles (7.4 km) 1,100 feet (340 m) 9,800 feet (2,990 m) The Glacier Trail is the continuation of the Bristlecone Trail. It continues beyond the bristlecone pine grove to the only glacier in Nevada, nestled beneath Wheeler Peak. Lehman Creek Trail 3.4 miles (5.5 km) (one-way) 2,050 feet (620 m) 7,750 feet/9,800 feet (2,360 m/2,990 m) This trail can be accessed from trailheads in both the Wheeler Peak and Upper Lehman Creek Campgrounds. It passes through diverse habitats, paralleling a creek for parts of the trail. Wheeler Peak Summit Trail 8.6 miles (14 km) 2,900 feet (890 m) 10,160 feet (3,100 m) This hike should be started very early in the day, because of the risk of afternoon storms. Along most of the route, the trail follows the ridge up to the Wheeler Peak summit. It is easiest to begin the hike from the Summit Trail parking area. Baker Lake Trail 12.0 miles (19.4 km) 2,620 feet (800 m) 8,000 feet (2,440 m) The trail begins at the end of the Baker Creek Road. It offers nice views of the surrounding peaks and ends at Baker Lake, an alpine lake with beautiful cliffs behind it. South Fork Baker Creek/ Johnson Lake 11.2 miles (18.2 km) 2,740 feet (840 m) 8,000 feet (2,440 m) This trail splits off from the Baker Lake Trail and follows the South Fork of Baker Creek. It then joins with the Johnson Lake Trail, passing historic Johnson Lake Mine structures just before reaching the lake. Johnson Lake Trail (from Snake Creek 7.4 miles (11.8) 2,420 feet (740m) 8,320 feet (2,540 m) Johnson Lake can also be reached by starting at the end of Snake Creek Road. This shorter, steeper route offers nice views of the Snake Creek drainage before reaching the historic Johnson Lake Mine area and the lake itself.

16 Baker Lake/ Johnson Lake Loop 13.1 miles (21.1 km) 3,290 feet (1010 m) 8,000 feet (2,440 m) The Baker Lake and Johnson Lake Trails can be combined as a loop hike. The connecting section is a steep route over the ridge between Baker and Johnson Lakes. The ridge top offers spectacular views in all directions, including the south faces of Wheeler Peak and Baker Peak. [Trail names and descriptions from Lamoille Canyon While these are just a few of the trails and hikes offered in the Ruby Mountains I decided to cut this list short, mainly due to the already overwhelming information present. If you ever find yourself with a shortage of glorious hikes in these mountains, give me a call and I ll sort you out. The Nature Trail The Nature Trail is an easy hike around a mile to a mile and a half long. The trail head is located half way up Lamoille canyon on the right side of the road. There is an area along the side of the road to park and benches are located along the trail. This trail is for just about everyone. You start out at the road where you parked and walk down to the creek and then loop back up to your car. This trail will take you through groves of aspens and along a rocky creek bed which is great for pictures. [Map needed - none, but if you like maps it's on 7.5 minute Lamoille map. This trail is not shown] Lamoille Lake This is a very nice hike. The Humbolt National Forest Service says this hike is 2 miles long. The trail to Lamoille Lake is part of The Ruby Crest Trail and the trail head is at the Roads End. Go to the very back of the loop in the road and you will find the trail head. It takes me 50 min. to hike this by myself or 1:10 min. with my family taking our time. This hike is not as steep as the trail to Island Lake. The hike will take you passed Dollar Lake. This is a trail that is heavily used and in good condition. I have seen a lot of deer on this part of the trail. I like the large trees and the view of the mountains that you have along the whole trail. [Map needed 7.5 minute Ruby Dome] Island Lake The trail head for Island Lake is located where the road splits to make the loop for the turn around at the end of Lamoille Canyon. When you get to the fork in the road look to your right and you will see the sign for the trail head. I don't know the mileage of the trail but I hike it in 50 min. alone and 1 hr. 20 min. with the family. (Two children under 12) This is a really nice hike. The trail is steep but there are a lot of switch backs to level things out. I have seen Mountain Goats up behind the lake. Overall this hike is definitely worth the trip. The trail is always in good shape. Wild flowers are all over the side of the hill in the spring. I think this hike is harder than Lamoille Lake because it is steeper. Keep in mind it takes around the same time to hike to both Lamoille & island Lake. [Maps needed 7.5 minute Ruby Dome & Ruby Valley School]

17 Liberty Pass & Lake Liberty Pass is a mile passed Lamoille Lake which makes the total distance 3 miles. The pass is at the boundary to The Ruby Mountain Wilderness Area. I can get to Liberty Pass in 1:30-1:40 min. You will gain a lot of elevation once you pass Lamoille Lake but there are a lot of switch backs which levels things out. When you get to the pass keeps walking for a couple of minutes and keeps following the trail into the wilderness. The scenery gets better and better with every step. If you walk for just a small amount of time say a few minutes, you can arrive at an overlook to Liberty Lake. If you look passed Liberty Lake from the overlook you can see Castle Lake in the background. Note: Favre Lake is between Liberty and Castle Lakes but you can't see it because its elevation is a good bit lower than both Liberty or Castle Lake. [Map needed 7.5 minute Ruby Dome] Favre Lake When you get to Liberty Lake just keeps following the trail and it will take you right to Favre Lake. It takes around 2:25 hr. from the parking lot to the lake. From Liberty Pass to Favre is all down hill. There are actually two ways to get to Favre. One of the ways I have already mentioned, just follow the Ruby Crest Trail passed Liberty Lake and the other way (and the one that I prefer) you follow the Ruby Crest Trail to Liberty Lake and when you get to the lake walk over to where the lake drains out and from there you can find a trail that will lead you down the hill and to your left (when your back is to Liberty Lake).This trail brings you into the backside of Favre. [Map needed 7.5 minute Ruby Dome] The Old Flume This is an easy hike up Lamoille Canyon from the mouth of the canyon to the waterfall by the scout camp. You walk along the old flume that was used to make electricity for Elko and Lamoille in the early to mid 1900's. Ruby Mountains.net has some great information on the history of the flume. The best time to make this hike is in the spring just after the snow melts. If you hike at this time you could see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats. If you make this hike during the warmer months the Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats are gone but the rattle snakes are out instead. We made this hike the beginning of June and did see one rattle snake lying along the flume. I figure this hike to be around three miles one way and took us five hours to hike. The terrain is not bad and you may be able to do this hike in less time as we spent a lot of time looking around and taking photos. We used two cars and parked one at the sharp turn overlooking the Scout Camp and the other at the large pull off above the Powerhouse Picnic Area which is where we started. There is no real trail for this hike so just follow the flume or look for a notch that is cut into the side of the hill and use these as your guide. Remains of the flume are easy to find in most areas but in some spots you will have to look for a level area in the sagebrush where the flume used to be or find some old nails on the ground. One thing to keep in mind when following the flume is that it does not make any sharp turns left, right, up or down. Griswold Lake

18 Once you are at the end of the road in the campground follow the trail up the canyon. Part of the way up the trail you will run into a lot of rocks that will make the trail impossible to follow. Keep an eye out for piles of rocks that other hikers use as trail markers. I have been up to Griswold a lot of times and I rarely take the same exact way twice in a row. If you go up late in the year the trail is pretty easy to follow because of the people who were on the trail earlier in the year. If you loose the trail just keep your sights aimed up the canyon and eventually everything will work out. Griswold Lake sits in the back of this canyon so you can't miss it. It takes me around 2-2:20 min. to get to the lake. [Maps needed 7.5 minute Lamoille & Noon Rock] Above Island lake This is a good hike with a spectacular view. The view from the peak is one of the best views that I have seen in the Rubies. From the peak you can look across Thomas Canyon and Right Fork Lamoille Creek (the canyon where the Scout Camp is) plus you have a great view of Lamoille Lake. This hike takes me between 1:45 minutes and 2:00 hours to get to the peak. Start this hike by going to Island Lake. When you get to the lake the trail will end. Head up the hill to the marsh above Island Lake. You will have Thomas Peak to your right and some cliffs to your left. You want to get to the saddle that is in front of you. Once you hike up to the saddle head left toward Lamoille Lake and stay between the top of the cliffs and the top of the ridge. This will lead you to the peak, which is at around 11,120 feet. This no named peak has one of my favorite views. The peak is marked with a stick and a log book that you can write your name and remarks in. After the marsh above Island Lake this turns into a steep rocky hike with no trail. You do not need any special gear for this hike but I do suggest a pair of hiking poles to help you keep your balance for the last part of this hike. Please pay attention on this hike. [Maps needed 7.5 minute Ruby Dome] Overland Lake In Elko go to the main street in town called Idaho Street and head toward 12th street. At the light on 12th and Idaho turn south in the direction of the Napa Auto part store and Al Park Petroleum. Follow 12th street south straight thru another traffic light at 12th and Silver and over the river to a second traffic light. At the second light you will be at a T in the road, make a left. This will put you on state route 227 toward Spring Creek and Lamoille. At the light in Spring Creek make a right towards Jiggs. Go over Harrison Pass and down the other side. On the other side of Harrison Pass you come to a "T" in the road. A right will take you to Ruby Marches but you will want to take a left. Drive around 10 miles down the road and just on the other side of a cattle guard will be the road to the Overland trailhead on your left. If you have a 4 wheel drive and a little clearance you can drive almost another mile up the hill to the actual trailhead. A lot of Harrison Pass and some of the road in Ruby Valley is open range which means cattle can be on the road at any time.

19 This is one of the few trails on the back side of the Ruby Mountains. On your way to Overland Lake you will have a beautiful view of Ruby Valley and Franklin Lake. This hike is on a good trail that leads from the edge of Ruby Valley into the heart of the Ruby Mountains. The last ten minutes of this hike is on the Ruby Crest Trail. From the trail head to Overland Lake takes me around 3:00 hours. When doing this hike be ready for a lot of switch backs and be sure to bring a pair of binoculars because I have seen a lot of deer early in the mourning from this trail. This hike can be hot toward the bottom and there is no place to get water along the trail until you get to the lake. [Maps needed 7.5 minute Franklin Lake NW] Soldier Lake To get to the trailhead in Soldier Canyon drive to the town of Lamoille. Once in Lamoille drive thru town past the church to the "T" in the road. Make a left at the "T" and drive to the next "T". Make a right at this "T" and drive 3.3 miles you will come to a junction with Lower Lamoille road. Keep going straight for 6.4 miles and you will come to the turn off for Soldier Creek. This is a private road and is closed from November 15th thru May 1st to prevent damage to the road. Drive back this road 1.7 miles you will come to the Humbolt National Forest Boundary. Keep driving for another 2.6 miles and you will come to a turn around at the creek. The road does keep going passed the creek but I always park at the creek so all of the times that I give will be from the turn around at the creek. This is a pretty good trail all the way to the lake. It takes around 3:20 min. to get to Soldier Lake from the turn around at the creek and that is if you take your time. Most of your elevation gain is in the canyon. Once the trail breaks into Soldier Basin there is a meadow and things pretty much levels out. The trail rolls into Soldier Lake with minor ups and down. Once you start hiking from the turn around at the creek it takes around 20 min. to get to the wilderness boundary. In another 1:15 min. you will be in the meadow at a trail sign where Ross Creek, Ruby Valley and Soldier Basin trials all meet. It is around 1:45 min. from this trail sign to Soldier Lake. [Maps needed 7.5 minute Verdi Peak Quadrangle & Soldier Peak] Robinson Lake When you get to Soldier Lake keep following the trail for another 10 min. and it will take you right to Robinson Lake. That would make the total hiking time from the turn around at the creek to Robinson Lake to be around 3:30 minutes if you take your time. [Maps needed 7.5 minute Verdi Peak Quadrangle & Soldier Peak] Hidden Lake As you hike in to Soldier Lake you will notice three shelves in the mountain on your right. Hidden Lake sits in the middle shelve. Just before you get to Soldier Lake there is a ridge line that you follow up the hill. This ridge runs right beside Soldier Lake and had trail markers running along it. Follow this ridge up the hill and you will run into a trail cutting across the hill from left to right. As you are going up the hill take a right on this trail and follow it to Hidden Lake. It takes around 30 min. to hike to Hidden Lake once

20 you cut off of the main trail at Soldier Lake. The total length of this hike from the turn around at the creek to Hidden lake is around 3:50 min. if you take your time. Ruby Dome In Elko go to the main street in town called Idaho Street and head toward 12th street. At the light on 12th and Idaho turn south in the direction of the Napa Auto part store and Al Park Petroleum. Follow 12th street south straight thru another traffic light at 12th and Silver and over the river to a second traffic light. At the second light you will be at a T in the road, make a left. This will put you on state route 227 toward Spring Creek and Lamoille. When you get to the stop light in Spring Creek at Khoury's Market Place go straight through this light. Drive 10.4 miles and make a right on Pleasant Valley Road. Follow this good dirt road for 3.1 miles to the Spring Creek Campground. The Spring Creek Campground is private property so you will need to go to the Spring Creek Association office at 451 E. Spring Creek Pkwy ( ) 8am-5pm weekdays and arrange for a key to get through the gate at the campground. As of July 2005 there was a $10 per person per day fee and a $25 dollar deposit for the key to the gate. If you write a check for the key deposit and drop the key off after hours through the door slot the association will mail you back the check for the key deposit. When you get to Griswold go to the left side of the lake (as you are facing the lake). About 3/4 of the way to the back of the lake turn left and start climbing up the hill. There is no trail from even before the lake to the top. Although you may be able to find a trail marker every here or there if you are lucky. Once you climb up out of the lake you will end up on a rim between Griswold Lake behind you and Ruby Dome in front of you and to your right. Once you get to this point the main thing to remember is that the best way to get to the summit is to use a small chute to the right of the peak and not the ridge to the left of the peak. Work your way up to this chute and once you exit this chute you will have an easy walk to the summit which will be to your left as you come out of the chute. The way out is the same as the way in. The difference being it is all down hill which on this hike is not a good thing. We left the summit at 11:44 and were at Griswold Lake at 12:57. We left the lake at 14:22 and arrived at our truck which was parked at the front gate of Spring Creek Picnic Area at 15:53 p.m. This was a very hard hike on the knees, (and yes I always use a pair of LEKI hiking poles.) It is straight up and then straight down and for me one way was just as demanding as the other. [maps needed 7.5 minute Ruby Dome & Lamoille & Noon Rock] [This overwhelming abundance of information was provided by and to much my thanks] Epic Hikes These are listed for the not faint of heart. They are indeed, epic. Most of them can be done in parts, but books have been written to just break these trails and routes down. I will give you a basic overview, but leave the rest to you.

21 Pacific Crest Trail Stretching the almost the length of North America. Starts in Mexico and ends in Canada. This trail takes about three to six months to do head to toe, but there are many options for you if you just have Sunday. In the Tahoe area there are three different trail heads, all of which fill anyone with wonder. I encourage you do even part of this route sometime in your lifetime. Go to: for more information. Tahoe Rim Trail Really a bunch of smaller trails that connect to each other to form one big trail around Lake Tahoe. Incredibly beautiful, but each part is strenuous even as a day hike. Be careful, be prepared, and don t feel bad about making any of these out and backs. For more info, Go to: Ruby Crest Trail A multi-day hike which is both wondrous and beautiful. An adventure for any wilderness enthuses. If your in the ruby mountains for more than a week, and get bored, this is a definite. Go here: for express written directions. Other Nevada Wonders There are in fact more hikes in Nevada then mentioned here. If you want to do highpoint in Nevada, go southwest to find Boundary Peak. If you re ever in the Austin neighborhood, go to the local bike shop (you will be able to find it, there is only one road) and discuss their plethora of trails present. Up in the black rock desert there is an overbearing vastness without human habitation (as long as you don t go in late august). Everywhere you look in Nevada there is an adventure, you just have to look appropriately. Tying it Together All of these trails are special, if not to you to someone. They all tell a story, good or bad; epic or on a Sunday. All of these places hold special meaning to someone. I have many stories of various places, many of which occur on these trails. I remember one time we were hiking up to the bristlecone pine trees in Great Basin National Park when we ran out of trail because the rock moraine had collapsed. We negotiated our way to the glacier anyway and had a perfectly lovely afternoon. Its memories like these that keep me going back to these various trail and wild-land. It s the serene high I get from the mountains that makes it all very worth while.

22 One other thing I ask of you is respect for the trail and for world. Respect yourself, and the world around you. If you choose to visit any of these wandering rivers of beauty, make sure you do the cliché; leave no trace, take only picture, leave only footprints type of thing. This is no your mothers house, don t leave things for her to pick up. Pack it out, if you ve packed it in. Don t be that guy who knows everything and goes camping in an R.V. or motor home. Be at home with the stars over your head. Leave the sundries behind for an afternoon. Or sell all your possessions and live in a bus for a winter. Have fun, be merry, do things I ve done and don t do things I wouldn t do. Eat a bagel soaked in butter at fourteen thousand feet. Count the pebbles of a scree slope whilst sliding down. Play mind numbing games with people you barley know for hours. Do all these things while trudging through the vast non-urbanized earth that many have forgotten. Create ways of being, and then enjoy them. Now I ask of you to go, try your luck with mother nature. Tread lightly upon these routes to adventure and make memories for yourself for all time. Find yourself while you re lost, and lose yourself while finding your way. Be one with the trees and the birds and the beasts. Hold nothing back, explore! I implore you, explore.