Ruby Mountains NV

From the Tetons we travel southwest to Lava Hot Springs ID where we've been once before. By this time in the trip we are feeling like kicking back for some R&R before returning home. Hey - all this driving and sightseeing is hard work (yup - I can see you rolling your eyes).

Back through the Idaho countryside

Hill overlooking Lava Hot Springs

This time we pay big bucks ~$50 to stay one night at the Lava Spa Motel and RV Park. After paying minimal or nothing at all for camping fees most of this trip, the $50 seems exorbitant. However, this RV Park is conveniently located right across the street from our favorite Lava Hot Springs spa. Besides for the price we get a nice site right on the river. After setting up camp we walk up the Portneuf River and discover a natural warm pool along the river as well as one of the hot springs' sources.

Natural warm spring pool on the Portneuf River

Hot Spring source

The rest of the afternoon is spent soaking in the hot pools. That evening we have a wonderful meal in town at 78 Street where we enjoy their Thursday night 2 for 1 steak dinner. On the way out of the restaurant, we spot a couple seating at one of the outdoor tables.  The man is wearing a tee shirt with SAN ANTONIO emblazoned across his chest. Of course, I have to stop and ask him if he's from Texas. The couple both laugh and say no they are from Brisbane Australia, but they love the American West and the San Antonio River Walk in particular. We all have a good laugh when I explain that my relatives are mostly all from San Antonio. Coincidental meetings like this are a fun part of traveling.

The next morning we are back on the road heading toward the Ruby Mountains outside of Elko NV via Lamoille Canyon.

Snake River in southern Idaho

Elko to Lamoille Canyon

Lamoille Canyon looks interesting

Although there is a free dispersed campground at Lamoille Camp we decide to try the Forest Service's Thomas Canyon Campground.

Wow - this looks like Switzerland

Thomas Creek

Camped at the base of Thomas Canyon

After exploring the immediate area we settle down to watch the sunset. As the sun turns the canyon walls into gold, one of the camp hosts drives by and stops to talk.  Robert has been working here for many summers and always brings Rosy, his puppy, wherever he goes. He tells us more about the hiking trail close to our campsite. As the sunset turns the skies crimson it almost looks like a raging forest fire, but it's just an illusion.

Golden walls of Thomas Canyon

Robert and Rosy

Crimson "forest fire" skies

Sunset at Thomas Canyon

The next day so glorious we decide to take Robert's advice and hike up Thomas Canyon along Thomas Creek. It's supposed to less than three miles round trip - easy hike, right?

Thomas Creek Trail

Peter as we start up the trail

Thomas Creek

With the spring run off in full swing, waterfalls and rushing water are everywhere.
Did I mention we saw waterfalls?
The hike isn't as easy as I had expected as the steep incline and altitude to get to me around 8500'. Disheartened at not meeting my goal,  I turn back while Peter continues to the end of trail at granite wall.

Trail ends at 9000'  at a granite wall

On the way back, a small lake can be seen in the canyon floor

The small lake has been created by a beaver dam. Unfortunately, the local residents seem to be napping at the moment.

Trail approaches lake

Beaver lodge

and dam

The rest of the day we spend getting to know our neighbors - a couple from Reno/Carson City area.  Bill is a retired woodworker and has crafted some ingenious cabinets for their Four Wheel Camper to create more storage. He is very interested in our Alaskan Camper.  Of course we give him the royal tour (such as it is) and start swapping stories. Soon enough he brings over Marie, his wife, who is a practicing physician.  They tell us about the the many hiking trails at the end end of the road. Marie hiked there earlier and kept going until the snow reached knee high. Sounds like snow shoes would be a good idea this time of year.

Late afternoon in the canyons

The next morning we pack up early to check out the hiking area at the end of the road.

Ruby Dome

Packed up

Road up Lamoille Canyon

Being a Sunday morning, the parking lot is full of people getting ready to hike various trails branching off from this point.

Trail heads at the end of Lamoille Canyon

Then it's back down the mountain and head for home.  We stop for fuel outside of Elko and meet a young couple on their way to a fishing area on the eastern side of the Ruby Mountains.  They tell us this area is just as beautiful as Lamoille Canyon but with much fewer people.  We vow to ourselves to come back some Fall to more fully explore the Rubies.

Driving down Lamoille Canyon

Up and over Carson Pass

... and over the rolling golden hills of California to home.