Ruby Crest Trail, Nevada

There are just some places in Nevada that combine everything amazing about the state into a relatively small and concentrated location. The Ruby Range is one of those places — above the treeline alpine, beautiful lakes, blooming flower fields, pretty dense forest patches, and beautiful all around high desert country. I would not just show up to this trail; come prepared. This is quite the serious hike, especially if you walk the crest trail to completion.

We parked a shuttle car at the end of the road, drove back, and started our hike up to Liberty Pass and Liberty Lake. Our first mistake was not bringing enough water to cross the crest. We were at 10K elevation or more for the duration, we each had around a liter and a half to make it over 12 miles to a source. Just as when we ran out of water, we came up to a stream of snow melt — we jumped in, filtered water, and cooked up lunch. Life came back into our bodies.

Eventually we wobbled to the car and completed the trip in 45 hours start to finish. Having a shuttle car at the end of the road was incredibly helpful. Make sure you have enough water to cross the crest, there was no water up there when we crossed. No permits are needed to visit or park. This is by far the best hike in Nevada — enjoy this absolutely beautiful wilderness!