Ruby Mountains Wilderness
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Liberty Lake Ruby Mountains Wilderness |
July 20, 2009
At a dinner party in Sacramento last night, more than 500 miles distant, one of the guests scoffed at the notion that there might actually be something beautiful in Nevada. I should sit him down in front of a computer and compel him to read this page!
Meanwhile, this sign greets me at the beginning of the Lamoille Canyon National Scenic Byway:
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Unfortunately, the topic's caption is largely a misnomer. Yes, both this canyon and much of Yosemite were glacially carved, but little else here is reminiscent of what I know of Yosemite. Much of this area's geology does, however, strongly resemble that of Glacier National Park. A more accurate comparison would be directed at the Rocky Mountains rather than the Sierra Nevada. In any case, it is a pleasure and a joy to drive up through this uncrowded jewel of the Great Basin.
Thomas Canyon — a future must-do
Lamoille Canyon east side
On the west side
It is quite lush near the trailhead for what is considered Nevada's preeminent hike. There are flowers all over the place (but not as many as when I was here at this same time last year), and tiny Lamoille Creek winds its way down the canyon. Wooden constructions help hikers negotiate wet spots and creek crossings.
Starting up the trail
Wandering Daisy
Hairy Arnica
Steps made from railroad ties
One of three such bridges
Two different signs implore hikers to do the right thing and stay on the established trail. Cutting switchbacks is environmentally destructive, and it is illegal in the National Forest.
Several sections of trail have been rerouted so as to be less steep, albeit necessarily longer. Elaborate log barricades have been placed on old segments in an attempt to keep users on the crooked and narrow. I for one am delighted by these improvements; in fact, I manage to ascend an easy 800 feet before making a first rest stop.
Stay on the trail
The first snow bank
Three lakes lie on a shelf halfway up the pass. I bypass the first two for the moment, because the sun's angle is not conducive to good photographs. Shortly uphill lies the most popular destination on the route.
Lamoille Lake
Picnic on the shore
The climbing begins anew from here, as shade disappears from the trail.
Up, up, and away
More switchbacks
Snow banks dot the rocky slopes, blocking the trail in several places.
This is a good-feeling place! Moreover, getting here has seemed
virtually effortless. Over in the Sierra, mountain passes such as this
tend to be accessible only by a lot more travel and effort.
The objective is dead ahead
Almost there
Even at this exalted elevation, the lushness remains. Willow bushes have given way to grasses, but there always is something green around. Only a bit more running water could make it better.
The highest I have been this year
90,000 acres' worth
The Ruby Crest Trail runs south for about forty miles, which is a lot farther than I will venture today.
Liberty Lake, and Castle Lake behind it
What a spectacular setting! Adding to the interest is the fact that
another good-sized lake lies down and out of sight between these two.
Nice trail
Looking back at Liberty Pass
Although Liberty Lake is my principal destination, I must walk a bit farther to see what I have been missing.
Westward view toward the lowlands
Favre Lake, Castle Lake, and Lake Peak, 10922'
Inviting though the prospect is, I decide not to press on to Castle Lake.
The additional 800 feet of climbing would be okay; but three miles would be
added to the journey, and I don't know that my feet are up to it. Besides,
it might be good to save some energy for tomorrow. So I somewhat
regretfully turn around here after about 4½ miles.
Right on the trail
The only decent lakeside campsite
At Liberty Lake I impose upon a backpacker to take my picture, just so that I can show off my patriotic attire.
My "Liberty" shirt
After a brief lunch and foot massage, I start back up the pass. Nice photogenic clouds have slowly been forming for the occasion.
Goodbye to Liberty Lake
The south-facing cliff
It is perfect weather up here right now, with a slight breeze mitigating a temperature in the low seventies. I enjoy watching numerous groups of backpackers trudging up the pass at various rates of speed. I hope that they don't plan to stop at the first lake, however; for there will be no room.
Near the summit I admonish several young women for cutting two switchbacks. They scowl at me, but say nothing. A man trailing the group says, "I'll speak to them".
Northward view into Lamoille Canyon
Snow Lake Peak, 11138', the only summit in the region inaccessible by a scramble
Just below the pass, left and right of the trail
Backpackers taking a break
Mellow going
I am tempted to take a tasty drink from the runoff, which normally is not a
problem; but munching that red stuff on the snow bank is a no-no.
Nearby, I discover two flower varieties that I have not seen before.
The red ones hang out primarily in wet areas above 10,000 feet.
Sagebrush Penstemon
Parry's Primrose -aka- Ruby Primrose
The rocks in the Liberty Pass area have so much color that they remind me of my visit to Zion Park last March.
It is later afternoon by now, and the sun is lower in the sky. That's a recipe for good photos; let's see whether I can create a few.
Crimson Columbine
What a great color
Lamoille Lake
I encounter my first mosquitoes of the day in the meadow here. As they are not being much of a nuisance, I don't bother with an application of repellent. What a difference from last week at Tuolumne Meadows!
Lamoille Creek
It's two more miles to the finish line. Using the connecting stock
trail would save half a mile; but that option is quickly rejected, because the
photo-ops I postponed would be missed.
Upper Dollar Lake
Lower Dollar Lake
Worthy of another look
The last segment of trail is dispatched without further ado.
End of a memorable day
§: I have somewhat understated my feelings about this outing.
Admittedly, I wanted it to be special, possibly because of a loyalty to my
home state, and definitely because I wanted to exhibit the exceptional beauty
of the high desert. I need not have worried, though; for the facts of
today's trek speak for themselves:
Add to that the cleanest trailhead restroom I ever saw, and those stats are hard to beat.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality | |
| Flowers | |
| Solitude |  |
