Legendary Drives

Nevada #1
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway

The two-hour Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway heads into the Ruby Mountains on Forest Road 660. This drive is Mother Nature's scenery at its best with mountains and desert. The 34-mile trip through the Humboldt National Forest is closed in the winter. Follow Rte. 227 east of Elko to the start of the byway. Once into the national forest, you'll dead-end in Lamoille Canyon. To the right is the 11,387-foot Ruby Dome. Just ahead is the Powerhouse Picnic Area.

The next stop is the Glacier Overlook, where you can learn about the glaciers that carved through the area. Camping is two miles away at the Thomas Canyon Campground. A 1-1/2 mile Changing Canyon Nature Trail begins at the Hanging Valley turn-off. On your way to Road's End trailhead, stop by the Terraces Picnic Area to see a 1,500-foot cliff of metamorphic rock. The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail that heads into the Ruby Mountains Wilderness begins here. The trip ends at Island and Lamoille Lakes. To return, retrace the route.

Starting Point:
Elko, NV

Distance of Drive:
34 miles

Must Eat:
La Fiesta
780 Commercial Street, Elko, NV 89801
Phone: 775-738-1622
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Mexican

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to Fall (Humboldt National Forest is closed in the winter)

Points of Interest on Drive:
Glacier Overlook
Thomas Canyon