Nevada is home to some of the flashiest cities in the States, and many are lured to the glamour of Las Vegas and Reno. But there is a lot more to the state than the urban excitement and lights. Indeed, a trip to Nevada isn’t complete without taking the time to explore some of the interesting and beautiful terrain that makes Nevada unique.
Take yourself back in time, 10,000 years and more, to the days when glaciers still carved a path through our land. Imagine much of Nevada still covered in water, with ice and snow filling the mountainous reaches.
It may seem a stretch to imagine such an environment, considering the apparently barren and forbidding desert and mountain terrain throughout the state, but Nevada still bears the marks of history’s glacial era.
Take, for instance, the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, located in the Ruby Mountains not far southeast from Elko. This glorious hanging valley and canyon was carved by immense glacial flows, leaving behind a rich environment filled with wildlife, hiking trails, and the echoes of a time long past.
While this byway is quite short, a 24 mile trip from start to finish and back again, it has a lot to offer. Because of its high elevation and dangerous winter conditions, the route is closed through the winter months.
Visitors are guided along the route with a well-developed, 4 stop self-guided car tour. Interpretive signs mark your journey, explaining the geological history of the Lamoille Canyon.
At the end of the route you will reach the aptly named Road’s End Picnic Area, where you can stop for lunch before embarking on a hike through the 100 mile network of trails through the region. Experienced hikers might try the Ruby Crest National Recreational Trail, a 40 mile trek traversing the backbone of the Ruby Mountains, passing several mountain lakes before finishing at Harrison Pass. For those who prefer a shorter journey try the 2 mile hike out to Island Lake.
After an afternoon of nature fun, why not stop at Thomas Canyon Campgrounds or the Lyons Club Campground for a night under the stars? Or return to Elko for a hot meal and a comfortable night’s sleep.
Another example of Nevada’s glacial heritage can be seen along the Angel Lake Scenic Byway. This “highway to heaven” rises several thousand feet as it winds through the East Humboldt range to the glacial cirque that holds the tarn known as Angel Lake. Beginning in Wells, this 12 mile route leads to the Angel Lake Recreational Area, a campground and popular picnicking area. More experienced hikers will enjoy the 6 mile trail to Greys Lake along the Greys Lake Trailhead, while the 1 mile trek to Smith Lake is great for families.
To see the only glacier remaining in Nevada you will need to visit Great Basin National Park. Here you can enjoy the Lehman Caves National Monument, explore the Humboldt National Forest, and of course see the glacier at Wheeler’s Peak. Stop by the visitor’s center to learn about the park and discover the history of the area. To see the glacier you will need to follow the 3 mile Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail. Many other trails are available, many of which have interpretive stops and trail guides available upon request at the visitor’s center. For an overnight stay, consider camping out for a night or two.
A road trip into the glacial past that carved the slopes of Nevada’s mountains is a great way to take a break from the grueling heat of the summer, or to be refreshed after the glamour of the casino lights. Whether you are an experienced hiker and camper, or just need a day away from it all, you will be sure to enjoy a walk along Nevada’s glacial trails.
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