Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail

Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail

The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail runs along the upper elevations of the middle section of the Ruby Mountains, in Elko County in the northeastern part of the state of Nevada. Approximately 38 miles (61 km) in length, the trail is used by hikers and pack trains to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the western United States.

The southern end of the trail is just north of Harrison Pass, at approximately 40°20.2'N and 115°30.1'W and an elevation of 7300 feet (2225 m). From there it climbs northward around Green and Tipton Peaks, while crossing the three upper forks of Smith Creek. It then climbs steeply to a 10,400 foot (3170 m) pass, and descends to scenic Overland Lake.

The next section of trail most closely follows the actual crest of the Rubies, and is therefore the driest. The trail circles around the upper parts of Overland Creek, passes King Peak (11,045 feet, 3060 m), climbs to the crest, and then stays above 10,000 feet (3050 m) while passing Long and Mahogany Canyons. After crossing over the top of Wine's Peak (10,900 feet, 3320 m), it finally descends again into forested areas. A short side trail leads to North Furlong Lake, a common campsite.

The northern section of the trail includes the most spectacular alpine scenery. The trail drops into Kleckner Canyon (with distant views of Ruby Dome) and crosses Kleckner Creek just below Favre and Castle Lakes. It then climbs to Liberty Lake and Liberty Pass (10,400 feet, 3170 m). Finally, it descends steeply to Lamoille and Dollar Lakes, and then continues down to the Road's End Trailhead in Lamoille Canyon, at approximately 40°36.2'N and 115°22.5'W at an elevation of 8800 feet (2680 m).

The USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles that include the length of the trail are: Ruby Dome, Franklin Lake NW, Green Mountain, Harrison Pass, Franklin Lake SW, and Lee.

External links

* [http://www.geocities.com/bilnv/rubycresttrail99/rubytrail99.html Ruby Crest Trail information from Backpacking in the Ruby Mountains.com]
* [http://www.hiking-world.com/ruby.shtml Hiking World]
* [http://www.nevadawilderness.org/northeast/ruby_trails.htm Nevada Wilderness]