Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Ruby Mountains Ranger District

Gar Abbas, District Ranger
140 Pacific Avenue
PO Box 246
Wells, NV 89835
(775) 752-3357

The Ruby Mountains Ranger District is made up of the East Humboldt and Ruby Mountain Ranges. These mountains contain spectacular scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The district covers about 450,000 acres with elevations ranging from 6,000 feet to 11,387 feet at Ruby Dome.

Terrain

The district is characterized by rocky peaks, cirque basins, high glacier-formed lakes, rolling sage/grass hills and step narrow canyons.

Climate

Yearly snowfall averages about 8-10 feet and winter average lows of 15°F in January. Summer months see temperatures ranging from average lows of 45°F to highs of 80°F. Late summer and fall often has thunderstorms.

Points of Interest

• Ruby Dome 11,387 feet
• Hole in the Mountain
• Angel Lake
• Over 20 lakes
• Lamoille Canyon
• East Humboldt Wilderness
• Ruby Crest National Recreational Trail

Flora and Fauna

The Ruby Mountains is well-known for its spectacular spring flowers starting in May and producing color in the higher elevations through July. In the fall, Aspens turn an array of fall colors and create a beautiful fall experience.

There are no bears in the Ruby Mountains District. However, there is a wide variety of wildlife to see. Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Mule Deer, and Pronghorn Antelope reside in East Humboldts and Ruby Mountains. The exotic Himalayan Snowcock, native to Central Asia, was released into the ranges between 1963 and 1979. The Himalayan Snowcock is now found in the U.S. only in these two ranges.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, photography, camping, hunting, and fishing can be done on the forest. Outside the wilderness area you can snowmobile, mountain bike, and 4-wheel.

History

The Ruby Mountains were named for the numerous garnets found in the area by the early pioneers.

USDA Forest Service - Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 07 January 2009 at 17:19:02 EST