Nestled deep in the heart of the Ruby Mountains, the Lamoille Canyon picnic area is a rugged gem that whispers serenity to those who listen. We arrived just after a group had packed up, and to our delight, the grounds were impressively clean--proof that some still honor the wilderness code. But as we wandered with our dogs, soaking in the alpine air and golden light filtering through the aspens, we spotted the occasional blemish: a forgotten sock here, a stray water bottle there. Remnants of carelessness that jarred against the canyon's quiet dignity. We didn't come to clean, but we couldn't leave it behind. Half a garbage bag later, we left the place better than we found it--because that's what stewards of the wild do. Still, it stings to see such beauty treated like a backdrop for convenience. Lamoille deserves reverence, not neglect. Despite that, the canyon remains breathtaking. Towering cliffs, whispering pines, and trails that beckon the soul to roam. We'll be back--next time, hopefully to simply enjoy, not to restore. Until then, may others tread lightly and leave no trace. In a quote from Chief Seattle, "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children". read more

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Best bet is to drive up in June-July when the snow is almost done melting. Water rush is good. The picnic area has a lot of places to post up with your fam near the water. By every table is water if you walk into the forest ( I didn't know that). You can camp. You can hike to the lake at the top. There's also little hikes on your way up that are not as hard. read more

Lamoille Canyon - By one of those tables in the picnic area - Hiking Near Me - Wells, Nevada

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Amazing Beautiful canyon. Perfect for Hiking to top of mountain to access lakes of beauty, or just a daytime pic nic. Very clean and well kept by park rangers and visitors with respect for wildlife & vegetation growing wild. Lots of creeks and trails to enjoy & a campground for overnight visits to enjoy the serene beautiful canyon & wild life. One of my most favorite places to go and definitely recommend anyone in the area of Elko, NV to Lamoille Canyon area visiting to go enjoy the area and restaurants that are located at bottom of this Glacier formed canyon in town of LAMOILLE. Most beautiful and relaxing area in the northeastern Nevada areas. read more

This is a beautiful place. My boyfriend and I went the first week of April so there was still enough snow on the Mountains to capture two different seasons in the Canyon. We also were not able to drive as far as we would have liked because my Mustang doesn't do snow and a few miles into the drive we ran into to much snow to pass. We are going to head back here in the warmer months to take the full drive and take a hike. The canyon offers amazing different landscapes and waterfalls throughout. Definitely a sight to be seen. If you are in Elko or Spring Creek take the short detour and check this out. You'll love the nature you can take in. read more

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I spent the night in Elko and friends recommended a pit stop here. So glad I got up early and wandered over here before I headed towards Salt Lake City. This was a lovely wander from Elko and easy enough to find. I kept stopping just to take pictures because the landscape was so pretty. Took the dog down to a little burbling creek where I sat for a few minutes to revel in this gorgeous setting. Around me there were buzzing bees, beautiful wildflowers, the cries of birds circling above me, fat clouds scudding across the sky. And it's FREEEEEEEEE. read more

Ruby Mountains are so beautiful and this glacier-carved canyon is so breathtaking during the fall months. We spent time driving through and exploring the 12-mile scenic byway. We did not make time for hiking on this trip but we plan to come back in the near future and really explore and see the beautiful canyon from a different angle. This is probably the most prettiest drive we have ever taken. We also brought lunch with us and were able to soak in the scenery a little bit longer. read more

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Lamoille Canyon is a Beautiful place that's a hidden gem of Nevada. Some have called it Nevada's Yosemite. I hope you all can enjoy it as much as I did on my short trip. It's a scenic byway that you drive in to see with Ruby Mountain, wonderful Spring wildflowers - it's Great in July, waterfalls, Avalanche Chute, great views. We couldn't stop taking pictures. We hiked Island Lake which is a 2-mile one way hike. It's pretty gradual and you have wonderful views of the canyon, waterfall that reminds me of tiny bit of a waterwheel fall, then keep hiking up. Soon after an 1hr of hiking you get to Island Lake which is a beautiful lake formed by glacier water w/ Ruby Dome 11,387 feet in front, snow on the mountains, more waterfalls, and a small island in the middle of the lake. Some fishermen were trying to catch trout. One guy showed me what he caught, but since the trout was so small he released it. I saw some backpackers had set up tents so I guess it's ok to do that. Worth it if you're ever in the area, but don't tell too many people. We stayed at Thomas Canyon Campground: http://www.yelp.com/biz/thomas-canyon-campground-wells#hrid:_RqfVAAiq8X2beU7bzFr6A read more

Lamoille Canyon is also called Nevada's Yosemite Park. The drive from Elko to this spectacular canyon is easy to drive. The views in Lamoille Canyon are absolutely outstanding and amazing. It is like having Yosemite all to yourself...with a few others. Breathtaking. read more

Lamoille Canyon - Hiking Near Me - Wells, Nevada

I have to agree with the "best kept secret" statement. This canyon is a gem. If you need a breath of fresh air without anyone around to breathe it all up for you, this is your place. Be aware that winter can be a bit sketchy and there are falling rocks. Absolutely stunning and so picturesque, you really get a sense of what geological beauty is all about. It's a quick drive and gorgeous from beginning to end. I have even seen mountain sheep right by the road. Keep a look out for the glacier! Well worth the stop and stare. read more

Lamoille Canyon - August - Hiking Near Me - Wells, Nevada

My favorite place to hike in all of Nevada! I have a 3 year old so Nature Trail is the perfect walk/mini hike for us. Beautiful scenery of quaking aspens, blue skies, beaver ponds, birds and snow. Love it! read more

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Get off of this website and go into Lamoille Canyon. It's like a little Yosemite without any crowding. I pulled in during a roadtrip once and hiked for a few hours on the snowy mountainside to Lamoille Lake. Wildly beautiful. read more

I had never heard of Lamoille Canyon before moving out to Elko last year. Since seeing it, I have to say it's one of my favorite places! Whenever anyone comes out to visit us, it's always a place to take them! I live in Spring Creek, so it's only about a 15 minute drive to Lamoille, but if you live in Elko it's about 30 minutes. Either way, it's worth it because you would never believe it's in the Nevada desert otherwise. The best times to visit Lamoille Canyon are October and May/June (this depends on when things start growing again--we got a lot of snow this year so it was early June before everything was blooming). However, if you can, October is the best time to look! We've also done some hiking in and around here and the trails are just beautiful. There are so many different places to go hiking around here and it just gets more beautiful the higher you climb. The wildflowers in Spring/early Summer are just amazing and it's worth it just to see those! This place is a must visit any time that you happen to come through Elko. Between the rock walls, wildflowers, trees, beaver ponds, and wildlife, you have to see what Lamoille Canyon has to offer! read more

We were passing thru Elko, Arriving late at night and not reading all of the information. We followed the directions given on yelp to find the campground was in a state park... not at the location the directions indicate to go. Yelp has been my go-to place when traveling to a new location. This location has 5 stars. We continued on to find a great RV Park on East Idaho Ave for the night. We will definitely visit Lamoille campground on our return. read more

So lucky this is right out the front door,see it every time I leave the house. It's like someone grabbed a chunk of Colorado and put it in Nevada. Nice place to ride a bike as well little traffic most of the time and roads are maintained. Must see if you're passing through. read more

Easily the greatest part of being in the Elko area! It is beautiful for hiking or a picnic. Definitely a must see!