Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail
~3 days · 32.6 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail is known for
The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail is a point-to-point traverse of the Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada, a high glacially carved range sometimes called the 'Alps of Nevada.' It passes alpine lakes and cirques including Liberty Lake, Favre Lake, and Liberty Pass, running through the Ruby Mountains Wilderness of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It is typically hiked between the Roads End trailhead in Lamoille Canyon and Harrison Pass to the south.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 8,068 ft to 10,856 ft over 32.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 13.3 mi · 41%
- Downhill 14.7 mi · 46%
- Flat 4.3 mi · 13%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail scores 38/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from July through September once the high passes clear of snow; lingering snowfields on Liberty Pass can persist into early summer.
Permits: No permit is required for this wilderness trail; standard Leave No Trace backcountry practices apply on national forest land.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 32.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail?
The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail climbs roughly 9,987 ft total — about 306 ft per mile, topping out near 10,860 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail?
Best hiked from July through September once the high passes clear of snow; lingering snowfields on Liberty Pass can persist into early summer.
Do you need a permit for the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail?
No permit is required for this wilderness trail; standard Leave No Trace backcountry practices apply on national forest land.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.