The Ruby Mountains

Just 20 miles south of Elko lay Nevada's hidden Ruby Mountains (a.k.a. - Nevada's Swiss Alps). Contrary to popular belief, Nevada has more to offer than just slot machines and flashy lights. The Ruby Mountains are home to tons of lakes, canyons and some of the best hiking, fishing and backcountry/helicopter skiing the West has to offer. The best part about these mountains is that nobody knows about them.


Driving West from Salt Lake City to the Ruby Mountains is somewhat misleading. As you drive through the desolate waste lands West of Wendover, it's hard to fathom that such a place exists out there. Then out of nowhere, towering more than 4,000 vertical feet above Elko, Nevada, you begin to get excited as you see the beautiful granite peaks of the Ruby Mountains. They have somewhat of a Teton look to them due to the color of the rocks and the rapid elevation gain they possess.


Hole in the Mountain Peak sits at 11,306 vertical feet above sea level and is nothing less than a jaw-dropping spectacle. The backcountry skiing options are endless in this 90 mile long, 12 mile wide, mountain range as well as the hiking and fishing opportunities. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit and enjoy these mountains, I strongly recommend that you do so. You won't be let down.

-Posted on August 7th, 2007

by Trevor Thompson