Break Time!
Bring the kids and get a little up-close-and-personal time as you explore the Silver State. By Megg Mueller
ELKO Elko is basecamp for the Ruby Mountains and Lamoille
NEVADA MAGAZINE & VISITOR GUIDE
Spring break.
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The phrase conjures many thoughts, but for parents it’s one simple question— where should we take the kids? The weather can be mercurial, much like the kids’ moods, but staying home is just not an option. Across the Silver State, spring break can be celebrated indoors and out, with adventures both near and far. Here are just a few.
Canyon. Lamoille Canyon offers one of the state’s most scenic drives into a host of mountain trails, alpine lakes, secluded valleys, and campsites. In late spring and into summer, the towering peaks are adorned with a sprawling blanket of wildflowers, making it a supremely scenic family destination.
PARKS & OUTDOORS Ruby Crest Trailhead – Families can embark on a short hike (2.8 miles roundtrip) to Dollar Lakes, or depending on your gusto, the Island Lake Trail—1.9 miles one way—is another enjoyable option. Bring binoculars to spot mountain goats dwelling on the cliffs above. Fish along the banks of Lamoille Creek or any of the beaver ponds in the canyon; permits can be bought at Elko’s C-A-L Ranch store or Elko Fly Shop. Thomas Canyon Campground – This is a popular base for exploring the rest of the Rubies, plus there are many places to hike and fish. The campground has more than 40 campsites with fire rings, grills, water, and simple restrooms. Lamoille Creek runs through the campground, and the Thomas Canyon trail (4.4 miles one way) is a good hike for adventurous families. The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail – If your family is into serious backpacking, consider the Ruby Crest Trail, which extends 43 miles along the rim of the Rubies. Most hikers start at Harrison Pass, hiking from north to south and finishing at the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Drive turnaround. Hastings Cutoff, the Pony Express Trail, and Ruby Valley – If you’re a family of history geeks, grab a good area map and retrace some of the steps the pioneers took on their way out west.
Check out page 39 for more things to do and see on the Rubies Route road trip!
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RUBY CREST TRAIL Scott Mortimore
1/3/22 9:17 AM
