Ruby Crest Trailhead

The Ruby Crest Trailhead route is a scenic and short 2.9-mile point-to-point road in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada that provides an easy shortcut for hikers and hunters looking to access the famous Ruby Crest Trail. Starting from Harrison Pass at an elevation of 7,247 feet, the trail climbs about 897 feet to a peak elevation of 8,017 feet. This relatively straightforward trail can be navigated with two-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with decent tires and high clearance, though four-wheel-drive is recommended if there is inclement weather or snow. The trail features a primarily dirt surface, but drivers should remain alert for occasional rocks and ruts along the narrow, single-lane track, which has limited areas to pass. While the primary route is manageable for most high-clearance rigs, those who choose to venture beyond the trailhead toward the wilderness boundary will encounter a much steeper, rockier, and narrower path. This extension is passable for full-size trucks, but the encroaching buck-brush and tight tree cover will likely leave vehicles with some Nevada pinstriping. Slippery, off-camber sections can become hazardous during the winter or after early-season snowfalls, making winter-weather tires or recovery gear advisable. Along the way, offroaders can find a few small, primitive campsites and enjoy sweeping, scenic views of the surrounding canyon country and rugged mountain peaks.