West Coast Readers' Choice Hikes: The Ruby Crest Trail, Humboldt NF, NV
Explore lonely alpine scenery in this off-the-radar wilderness.
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Kalalau Trail, HI| The Ruby Crest Trail, Humboldt NF, NV|Thru-hike the John Muir Trail, CAÂ Sugarbowl Loop, Kings Canyon NP |Sentinel Dome, Yosemite NP
Just reaching the trailhead for this 43-mile point-to-point is a journey. It’s 230 miles from Salt Lake City, 295 miles from Reno, and 486 miles from Las Vegas. But make the trip, promises Harry Newman, and you’ll probably have this range of 11,000-footers all to yourself. The Ruby Crest Trail runs from Lamoille Canyon to NV 228 at Harrison Pass. Camp at Castle Lake, the north fork of Overland Creek, Overland Lake, and McCutcheon Creek. The 13 miles between North Furlong Lake and the north fork of Overland Creek are dry. 

PLAN IT
Driving Lamoille Canyon trailhead: From Elko, take NV 227 south to CR 660 and go 12 miles. Harrison Pass: From Elko, take NV 228 south for 29 miles.
Map and GuideRuby Mountain Wilderness ($7, see Contact); Hiking Nevada, by Bruce Grubbs ($15, falcon.com)
Contact (800) 764-3359, fs.fed.us/htnf/rmwelcome.htm