Lamoille Canyon Road
Nevada's Swiss Alps in your windshield
Lamoille Canyon Road cuts 12 miles deep into the Ruby Mountains, Nevada’s ‘Swiss Alps,’ following a spectacular glacial-carved canyon that rises from sagebrush desert to alpine lakes. The paved road climbs relentlessly from 6,000 feet at the Powerhouse Picnic Area to 8,800 feet at Roads End, passing Liberty Lake trailhead and the Island Lake overlook where granite peaks tower over emerald tarns. This isn’t technical driving—it’s all about the scenery as you wind past aspen groves, cascading creeks, and vertical granite walls that rival anything in the Sierra.
Stock vehicles handle this route fine, though the steep grades and tight switchbacks demand attention. Summer and early fall are prime—snow closes the upper reaches from November through May. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas below timberline. Bring layers; temperatures can drop 30 degrees from bottom to top. You’ll get some of Nevada’s most alpine scenery without leaving your vehicle, plus access to world-class hiking in what locals call the Ruby Crest Trail country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Paved |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8800 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Elko, Nevada |
| Land manager | US Forest Service - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a regular car make this drive?
Yes, this is a fully paved road suitable for any vehicle including sedans and RVs.
Is Lamoille Canyon Road open in winter?
The road typically closes from November through May due to heavy snow at higher elevations.
Do I need any permits or have to pay fees?
No permits or fees required to drive the scenic route, though some campgrounds may charge fees.
What's the most challenging part of this drive?
The winding mountain curves and potential afternoon thunderstorms at high elevation - the road itself is easy.
Are there dispersed camping spots along the canyon?
Yes, several dispersed camping areas exist along the route, plus established campgrounds like Thomas Canyon and Terraces.