For a dramatic sampling of the Rubies, visit Lamoille Canyon, which shares its name with a small town on its northern edge. Though three years older than Elko, the hamlet of Lamoille lacks much of the hustle and bustle of its neighbor. The 1907 Presbyterian Church, with its alpine backdrop, is one of the most photographed churches in the state. Ruby Mountain Heli Ski, (702) 753-6867, which helicopters skiers into the mountains to tackle virgin snow, is also based here in winter.

A National Scenic Byway, the 12-mile-road into the canyon climbs past fields of wildflowers to more and more far-reaching vistas. Along the route, interpretive stops explain the glacial forces responsible for the canyon's creation, a short nature trail highlights area flora, and a few hiking trails take off. At 8,800 feet, the road ends at a parking area where one may continue on foot or horseback..

From the end of Lamoille Canyon, the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail traverses along the mountains, at times rising above 10,000 feet. Sharp eyes may spot deer, mountain goats, or bighorn sheep. Extending to Green Mountain and Harrison Pass Road, some 40 miles to the south, the trail's first 5 to 10 miles tend to be most popular for day hiking. Fishing enthusiasts will find brook, rainbow, and lake trout waiting in quiet isolation in more than 20 alpine lakes that dot the range. The high meadows are rich with wildflowers--paintbrush, lupine, primrose, and sunflower among others..

Melting snows feed a vast area of lakes, springs, and marshes on the east side of the range. There, the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the state's premier bird viewing areas. The 37,000-plus acres of marsh, meadow, and grass land lie within the migration flyway of over 200 species of birds and waterfowl--among them egrets, sandhill cranes, ducks, falcons, and eagles. Camping, boating, and fishing for plentiful bass and trout are permitted. The Ruby Lake Refuge Head quarters is open daily 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m..

Those with a reliable 4WD vehicle, and a full day to explore, can loop around the mountains by taking SR 228 south along the western side of the range, crossing Har rison Pass (7,300 ft.) to the east side north of Ruby Lake, then returning north to SR 229. (A note of caution: much of this route is on dirt roads withfew or no ser7Jices. Inquire locally before setting out.).

Contact Information

Pick Up AAA's Nevada/Utah Map and California/Nevada Tourbook.

• The Elko Chamber of Commerce is at 1601 Idaho St., Elko, 89801; (702) 738-7135.
• Elko Convention Center and Visitors Authority, 700 Moren Way, Elko, 89801; (702) 738-4091, (800) 248-ELKO (out of state).

Where to stay:
Consult the AAA California/Nevada Tourbook. There are several hotels and motels in town, including many well-known chains. For bed & breakfast, there's the Breitenstein House, (702) 753-6356, in Lamoille.

Where to eat:
Here in Nevada ranch country, cuisine runs mostly to red meat--ranch-bred beef and lamb. Places to enjoy a typical, family-style Basque meal include Biltoki Basque Restaurant, Nevada Dinner House, the Star Hotel, or Toki Ona. For a taste of the bayou, head to the Showboat Southern Kitchen. Take the kids to Pizza Barn or Upper Crust. A dining guide is available from the Chamber of Commerce.

Outdoor recreation: For information on hiking, wildlife viewing, and other activities, contact:

• Humboldt National Forest, 2035 Last Chance Rd., Elko, NV 89801, (702) 738 5171, (800) 715-9379;
• Bureau of Land Management, Elko Field Office, 3900 E. Idaho St., Elko, NV 89801, (702) 753-0200; or Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, HC 60, Box 860, Ruby Valley, NV 89833, (702) 779-2237.
• Nevada Division of Wildlife, 1375 Mountain City High way, (702) 738-5332, can provide information on fishing.

Outfitters and guides include:

• Elko Guide Service, (702) 744-2277, Nevada High Country Outfitters and Guide Service, (702) 777-3277, Hidden Lake Outfitters, (702) 779-2268, Secret Pass Outfitters, (702) 779-2302, and
• Humboldt Outfitters, (702) 752-3714.

For dude ranching:

• Stormy Canyon Cow Camp, (702) 742-4012.

Tee off at Ruby View Golf Course, (702) 777-PARS, or Spring Creek Golf Course, (702) 753-6331.

Tour working gold mines at Barrick Goldstrike Mines, (702) 738-8381, and Newmont Gold Company, (702) 778-4068. Reservations requlred .

Camping: Pick up the AAA California/Nevada Campers' Book for listings of area campgrounds. Among the Ruby Mountain sites are Angel Lake Camp, in the northern part of the range, Thomas Canyon Campground, in Lamoille Canyon, and Ruby Marsh, in the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Reservations may be made through the National Forest Reservation Center: (800) 280-CAMP, TTD (800) 879-4496. The South Fork State Recreation Area, (702) 744-4346, off SR 228, permits overnight camping on a first-come, first-served basis as well as fishing, boating, and water-skiing.

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