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Island Lake via Ruby Crest

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada · 4 min read

Distance
14 mi
Elevation Gain
3,000 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Island Lake sits in a hanging cirque above Lamoille Canyon, one of the most dramatic alpine lake settings in Nevada
  • Lamoille Canyon is called 'Nevada's Yosemite' for its glacier-carved U-shaped profile
  • The Ruby Mountains are the most classically alpine range in the Great Basin
  • Excellent wild trout fishing at Island Lake and along the trail corridor

Overview

The Ruby Mountains are Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's alpine crown jewel, a compact cluster of peaks and glacier-carved cirques in northeastern Nevada that rises from the surrounding basin-and-range desert to summits over 11,000 feet. Lamoille Canyon, the main access route to the mountains, was carved by Pleistocene glaciers into a classic U-shaped valley with granite walls rising 2,000 feet from the canyon floor. The Ruby Crest Trail departs from the canyon floor and climbs into the hanging cirque basins above, where Island Lake and a dozen other alpine lakes occupy the old glacier beds.

The 14-mile out-and-back to Island Lake via the Ruby Crest Trail is the most rewarding trail in this district, passing through the full sequence of the Rubies' ecological zones before reaching the lake. The 3,000-foot gain is distributed across 7 miles, making the average gradient manageable for hikers with some experience at sustained climbing. The lake itself sits in a hanging cirque at approximately 9,600 feet, surrounded by granite walls and fed by snowmelt from the peaks above.

Compared to similar backcountry lake destinations in the Sierra Nevada or Colorado, Island Lake sees very few visitors. The Ruby Mountains are not on the standard western hiking circuit, and the drive from any major city requires enough commitment to filter out casual visitors. The result is a high-quality alpine experience in a mountain environment that is genuinely uncrowded. For backcountry planning, review our Leave No Trace guide and national forest camping guide.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5 (Lamoille Canyon to Trail Head Proper): The trail begins at the Thomas Canyon Campground and climbs immediately through aspen and conifer forest above the canyon floor. The canyon walls are visible as the trail gains elevation. Several creek crossings mark the lower approach.

Miles 2.5 to 5.0 (Crest Approach): The trail steepens significantly as it approaches the Ruby Crest. The vegetation transitions from mixed conifer to subalpine meadow and rocky tundra. Views into Lamoille Canyon open below as the elevation increases.

Miles 5.0 to 7.0 (Crest and Descent to Island Lake): The trail crosses the Ruby Crest at a saddle, then descends the west-facing slope to Island Lake. The descent to the lake is dramatic, dropping into a cirque with the lake visible below the trail.

Island Lake: The lake sits at approximately 9,600 feet in a granite-walled cirque. The shoreline has established campsites for backpackers. Day hikers explore the lake shoreline before returning via the same route.

When to Visit

Mid-July through September. The crest typically clears of snow by early July. August is peak wildflower season on the upper trail. September offers the clearest skies. The Lamoille Canyon road is typically open from late May for access to the lower trailhead, but the upper trail holds snow longer.

Check current conditions before visiting via our pre-trip resources.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2.5 to 3 liters, with creek and lake water available (treated). Individual needs vary.

Consider bringing:

  • Bear canister for overnight stays (see bear canister requirements)
  • Wind and rain protection for the exposed crest section
  • Trekking poles for the sustained climb and steep descent
  • Nevada fishing license and tackle if planning to fish

Practical Details

No permit required (as of 2026). Free campfire permit for any open fire. Dogs allowed on leash. A vault toilet is at the Thomas Canyon Campground trailhead.

Veterans visiting the Ruby Mountains should review our veteran benefits guide.

Getting There

From Elko, take State Route 227 south approximately 20 miles to the Lamoille area. Turn right on Lamoille Canyon Road and drive approximately 12 miles to the Thomas Canyon Campground trailhead at the road's end. The Lamoille Canyon Road is paved throughout. The drive from Elko takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Cell service is available in Elko; download offline maps before entering the canyon.

Trailhead Parking

Paved parking at the Thomas Canyon Campground trailhead in Lamoille Canyon, approximately 25 miles south of Elko via State Route 227 and Lamoille Canyon Road

← Back to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Ruby Mountains called 'Nevada's Yosemite'?
Lamoille Canyon, the main access corridor to the Ruby Mountains, was carved by glaciers into a classic U-shaped valley with vertical granite walls and hanging valleys visible from the road. The visual similarity to Yosemite Valley, while not identical, is genuine. The Ruby Crest Trail above Lamoille Canyon accesses the cirque basins and glacier lakes above the valley walls.
Is a helicopter tour a better way to see the Ruby Mountains?
Helicopter tours of the Ruby Mountains are available from Elko and provide a different perspective. For hikers, the Ruby Crest Trail accesses terrain that aerial views cannot: the actual experience of reaching Island Lake on foot, the wildflowers along the trail, the sound of the creek, the cooling effect of the alpine air.
Is Island Lake good for fishing?
Yes. Island Lake and several other Ruby Mountains lakes support wild trout. A Nevada fishing license is required. The Ruby Mountains are managed in part as a wild fishery; backcountry regulations apply. Check current Nevada Department of Wildlife regulations before fishing.
How remote is the Ruby Mountains relative to the rest of Humboldt-Toiyabe?
The Ruby Mountains near Elko are the most accessible of the forest's remote districts, approximately 30 minutes from a city with full services. By contrast, the Toiyabe Range trails require 3 or more hours from Reno or Las Vegas. The Rubies strike the best balance of accessibility and quality alpine terrain in the forest.