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Lamoille Canyon: Rock Climbing in Northern Nevada

Posted on 30. Apr, 2009 by Dirtbag in Adventures, Nevada, Places, Rock Climbing, The Road

Lamoille Canyon is a newly developed climbing area in northeast Nevada located just off of I-80 near Elko, Nevada.  Lamoille Canyon is about 2 1/2 hours from Salt Lake City and about 3 1/2 hours east of Reno – making it a great stopping point for those traveling between the Rockies and the Sierras. The area features sport climbing, top-rope routes, bouldering, and ice climbing and the climbing potential of the area has barely been tapped.

Rock Climbing Routes at Lamoille Canyon

Lamoille Canyon is the largest valley found in the Ruby Mountains and was carved by several stages of glaciation.  The rock in is an odd blend of layered granite. Most of the routes in the canyon are short top rope problems, bolted sport climbs and a few mixed multi-pitch routes. The climbing potential of the area is just beginning to be explored and more difficult climbs are yet to be established. Since routes are currently being developed, please do not remove any equipment that exists on developing routes. Pick up a copy of the only guide to the area – the Lamoille Climbing Guide online or at Cedar Creeks Clothing downtown Elko (453 Idaho St). The guide will be updated as climbs are added to the area.

Climbing is not limited to sport climbing in Lamoille. Lamoille is thought to have the tallest ice climbs west of Colorado and a bit of bouldering too. Visit the ‘Boulder Garden’ across the road from the parking area for Sport Wall (1.1 miles from the canyon entrance).

Best Times to Visit Lamoille Canyon

Rock climbing season in Lamoille Canyon runs from late spring to until the snow falls in mid to late-fall. Mid summer may not be the most ideal time to visit Lamoille as many of the climbing areas are south facing and heat up fairly high during hot summer days. The access road into Lamoille Canyon closes in winter, so before planning a spring trip make sure the road has been open for the year.

Camping in Lamoille Canyon

The Thomas Canyon Campground has 40 sites, pit toilets, and water.  Sites at the Forest Service campground ran $8 a night in the 2008 season.  There are also a few primitive campsites found along the creek just down canyon from the campground.  Find primitive camping off the dirt road heading to Camp Lamoille.  For beers and eats check out O’Carrolls right” downtown” tiny, rural Lamoille, NV.

Getting to Lamoille Canyon

Lamoille Canyon is located in northeast Nevada on the west side of the Ruby Mountains. From I-80 in Elko, head south on the Lamoille Highway past the town of Spring Creek and turn right on the road to the Lamoille Canyon recreational area. The canyon is about 19 miles south of Elko.

Tags: Camping, Nevada, Rock Climbing