4 replies to this topic

[rando]

Planning a ~one week long trip from Colorado in either August or September.   Given the crazy crowds we have encountered in CO and WY, I am considering heading a little further to Nevada for a bit more peace and quiet.    We have been to and enjoyed Great Basin NP, and Basin and Range NM, but I was wondering if there were other hidden gems, or off the beaten path places to hike and explore?    So as not make the drive too long, I am thinking the  East and North East part of the state, and given the time of year, altitudes > 7500 or some hidden springs.

Edited by rando, 30 July 2020 - 04:20 AM.

[SietePicos]

This year is indeed crowded, and unfortunately Great Basin National Park seems to have been 'discovered' in recent years.

 

I can think of a few alternatives in the same area.

 

• Mount Moriah immediately north of GBNP. Gandy Road north from the Border Inn has several access roads up the canyons. Hendrys Creek is closest but you have other options as you go north. Check out the hike up to The Table.

 

• Schell Creek Range is one range over from GBNP to the west. Similar to Mt. Moriah in that the east side has a graded road down in the valley (NV 893 past the wind farm) with accesses branching off up along the creeks. West side near Ely and McGill has a few Forest Service camp grounds along what's called the Success Loop.

 

• Just over into Utah, Notch Peak might be worth a visit. One of the highest vertical rock faces in the US, like El Capitan. Access from a marked BLM byway off US 50. I remember these mountains as dryer and warmer than the other two.

These areas are all very remote - go prepared and remember safety first. If you go in September, you may want to check when hunting seasons open.

 

Hope this gives you some ideas and I look forward to seeing a trip report!

 

[Wallowa]

Also check Ruby Mountains SE of Elko.... 'basin and range' in Northern Nevada; lots of room to roam and explore...but be careful in Summer and carry lots of water....

[rando]

Thank you very much for this.   Just the sort of suggestion I was looking for.   

 

This year is indeed crowded, and unfortunately Great Basin National Park seems to have been 'discovered' in recent years.

 

I can think of a few alternatives in the same area.

 

• Mount Moriah immediately north of GBNP. Gandy Road north from the Border Inn has several access roads up the canyons. Hendrys Creek is closest but you have other options as you go north. Check out the hike up to The Table.

 

• Schell Creek Range is one range over from GBNP to the west. Similar to Mt. Moriah in that the east side has a graded road down in the valley (NV 893 past the wind farm) with accesses branching off up along the creeks. West side near Ely and McGill has a few Forest Service camp grounds along what's called the Success Loop.

 

• Just over into Utah, Notch Peak might be worth a visit. One of the highest vertical rock faces in the US, like El Capitan. Access from a marked BLM byway off US 50. I remember these mountains as dryer and warmer than the other two.

These areas are all very remote - go prepared and remember safety first. If you go in September, you may want to check when hunting seasons open.

 

Hope this gives you some ideas and I look forward to seeing a trip report!

[Taku]

Ruby's are good. Ruby Lake NWR is also nice, some good fishing and birding depending on timing. Sheldon NWR and take a look at the Friends of Nevada Wilderness website. More designated wilderness in NV than most people realize and some real hidden gems out there.