Lamoille Canyon: Rock Climbing in Northern Nevada

Dirtbag — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:07:20 +0000

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.

Top 5 Reasons Nevada is a Dirtbag’s Paradise

Dirtbag — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:28:41 +0000

My love affair for Nevada began in the spring of 2007. I was young to the road and Nevada made all my dreams of surviving off of $15 a day a reality. Nevada holds a very special place in its heart for the well-worn and adventure-seeking traveler – the kind of traveler that finds Las Vegas a mere refueling point on the way to the grander, less-traveled locales. Plain and simple, Nevada loves tourists. What follows are reasons to give rural Nevada a chance – consider spending some time rather than just blowing through this apparently barren landscape on the way to the Sierras or the Red Rock Desert of Southern Utah.

(1) Free Camping Nevada

The Nevada tourism board wants you to visit its state so badly that it offers numerous free camp spots. Nevada recreation areas have many free camp spots with facilities. For example, Hickison Petroglyph Area offers toilets, garbage facilities, and fire pits with absolutely no fee. Did you know that Nevada has more BLM land than any other state? This means that more land is available for ‘boondocking’ – rustic, dispersed camping where leave no trace ethics are a must. Also, campsites with facilities at Great Basin National Park currently run $12 a night – one of the cheapest national park sites in the country. Check out www.campingguidenevada.com – for all the sweet camping deals.

(2) Great Basin National Park – another freebie

In an age of increasing recreation fees, Great Basin National Park still manages to have no entry fee. Great Basin is known for its 5000 year-old bristlecone pine trees, towering 13,000+ foot Wheeler Peak, and spectacular limestone Lehman caves. Great Basin in one of the most remote national parks in the country – the area is excellent for stargazing as its high altitude, clear skies, and remoteness make it one of the darkest places in the entire US.

(3) The Basin and the Range

Centered on the state of Nevada, the basin and range geologic province stretches from the Sierra Nevadas to the Colorado Plateau and makes up nearly all of Nevada. Basically there are hundreds of mountain ranges in Nevada – 313 named mountain ranges to be specific. Due to the stretching of the Earth’s crust, Nevada is nothing but alternating mountain ranges and valleys followed by more mountain ranges and valleys. Climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking potentials are just beginning to be explored.

(4) Oddities, Art, and Counterculture

It is no coincidence that the ultimate event in self-expression, Burning man, occurs every August in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. Whether it be ancient rock art, massive earth work pieces (Michael Heizer’s work) or burning playa works of ultimate counterculture expressions – Nevada is a breeding ground for artistic expression.

(5) Utter Solitude

America’s Loneliest Road, Hwy 50, stretches the state of Nevada from the Utah border to Carson City, NV. From hidden hot springs to ghost town exploring and wild horse viewing to backpacking deserted peaks – this lonely road has much to offer. If solitude is what you are looking for, Nevada has much to give in terms of solace.

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