Lamoille Canyon is the largest valley in the Ruby Mountains, located in the central portion of Elko County in the northeastern section of the state of Nevada in the western United States. Approximately 12 miles in length, it was extensively sculpted by glaciers in previous ice ages.
Lamoille Canyon begins at Liberty Peak (11,032 ft, 3360 m), located at 40°35.19'N and 115°24.01'W. It quickly descends to a glacial basin now occupied by Lamoille Lake (14 acres, 9740 ft, 2970 m). A nearby granite shelf contains the picturesque Dollar Lakes.
Further down the canyon is a large stand of whitebark pine and the Road's End Trailhead (8800 ft, 2680 m), the high point of the paved Lamoille Canyon National Scenic Byway. This is the northern terminus of the 40-mile Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail , and also the start of the much shorter Island Lake Trail.
Road's End is where Lamoille Canyon begins a sweeping turn around the flanks of Thomas Peak (11,325 ft, 3450 m). The glaciers have deeply carved the canyon, leaving a classic U-shaped cross section and, high on the side of Thomas Peak, five hanging valleys (including Island Lake). The road then passes the Terraces Picnic Area, featuring more glacial remnants. A nearby nature trail exibits the diverse plant life in the canyon bottom.
The canyon continues to descend to its junction with Thomas Canyon, which enters from the south. At the head of Thomas Canyon is majestic Fitzgerald Peak (11,215 ft, 3240 m), and at its outlet is the Thomas Canyon Campground.
About a mile below the campground, Lamoille Canyon passes through a narrow slot and then drops quickly to its junction with Right Fork Canyon, which also enters from the south. Near this point are Lamoille Falls, Camp Lamoille (available for group rental), and the precipitous north face of Mt. Gilbert (11,120 ft, 3390 m).
At Camp Lamoille the canyon has descended to 7100 ft (2165 m). In the remaining 3 miles it descends another 1000 ft and exits the range at the Powerhouse Picnic Area, the site of early efforts to harness the water of the Ruby Mountains to produce electricity. Nearby are the communities of Lamoille and Spring Creek.
External links
