Lamoille Canyon

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Location of Lamoille Canyon within Nevada

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 (19 km) in length, it was extensively sculpted by glaciers in previous ice ages.

Liberty Peak and Dollar Lakes

Lamoille Canyon begins at Liberty Peak at an elevation of 11,032 feet (3360 m), at 40°35.19'N and 115°24.01'W. It quickly descends to a glacial basin now occupied by Lamoille Lake. 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, the high point (8800 ft, 2680 m) of the paved Lamoille Canyon National Scenic Byway. This is also the northern terminus of the 38 mile (60 km) Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail, and the start of the much shorter trail to Island Lake.

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, four hanging valleys (including Island Lake). The road then passes the Terraces Picnic Area (featuring more glacial remnants) and Verdi Peaks. A nearby nature trail exhibits the diverse plant life in the canyon bottom.

Lamoille Canyon above Thomas Campground

The canyon continues to descend to its junction with Thomas Canyon, which enters from the south. At the head of Thomas Canyon is majestic Mount Fitzgerald (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 Mount Gilbert (11,120 ft, 3390 m).

Mt. Gilbert

At Camp Lamoille the canyon has descended to 7100 feet (2165 m). In the remaining 3 miles it descends another 1000 feet (300 m) 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.