Search a hike or location

search
Best difficult hikes in Elko County
Share:

Best difficult hikes in Elko County

Got your game face on? These difficult hikes are designed for hikers who are looking for a serious adventure.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Elko County.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Jarbidge and Emerald Lake Loop

Elko County, Nevada · star 4.5 (22) · 26.2 km · Est. 2 days

2

Difficult

Smith Lake Trail

Elko County, Nevada · star 4.4 (55) · 4.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 11 min

3

Difficult

Dollar Lake, Lamoille Lake, Liberty Lake, Favre Lake and Castle Lake Loop

Elko County, Nevada · star 4.6 (55) · 18.0 km · Est. 5 hrs 52 min

4

Difficult

Griswold Lake via Hennen Canyon Trail

Elko County, Nevada · star 4.6 (53) · 10.4 km · Est. 3 hrs 29 min

5

Difficult

Greys Lake Trail Out and Back

Elko County, Nevada · star 4.3 (33) · 16.2 km · Est. 5 hrs 29 min

6

Difficult

Ruby Crest Trail

Elko County, Nevada · star 4.5 (14) · 54.1 km · Est. 4 days

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for difficult hikes in Elko County

Dylan Soto avatar

Jarbidge and Emerald Lake Loop

Dylan Soto · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Aline Boyer avatar

Smith Lake Trail

FjordSpruceseeker40 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Lashaun Runolfsson avatar

Dollar Lake, Lamoille Lake, Liberty Lake, Favre Lake and Castle Lake Loop

RoamerHiker81 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Fritz Bernier avatar

Griswold Lake via Hennen Canyon Trail

MountainTrotter38 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Joe Stephens avatar

Greys Lake Trail Out and Back

Squatch · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

You drive to Angel Lake. That's were the hike begins. 4 miles in the trail is impassable. It needs a lot of work.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Elko County

What is the climate like for hiking in Nevada?

Nevada has a diverse climate depending on elevation. Lower elevations like Las Vegas are hot in summer (June to August), not ideal for hiking due to extreme heat.
The winter (December to February) can be cold with snowfall, especially in higher areas like the Ruby Mountains, making some trails inaccessible.
The best times for hiking are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when temperatures are moderate and trails are typically accessible. Always check local weather on sites such as www.weather.com before planning a hike.

Do I need a permit to hike in Nevada?

In Nevada, hiking in most state and national parks doesn't require a permit. However, for specific areas like the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a permit is required. For details on obtaining permits, visit the Bureau of Land Management's website at www.blm.gov/nevada.

Is wild camping allowed in Nevada?

Wild camping, or dispersed camping, is generally allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service lands in Nevada. Restrictions do apply, and campers should adhere to Leave No Trace principles. For detailed regulations, visit the BLM's website at www.blm.gov/nevada.

Are there mountain rescue services in Nevada?

For emergencies in Nevada, dial 911. For non-urgent rescues in mountainous terrains, organizations like Nevada's Washoe County HASTY Team assist. They can be contacted via the local sheriff's office. For safety guidelines, consider the US Forest Service website (www.fs.usda.gov/main/htnf/home). Always hike responsibly.

Are there dangerous plants in Nevada?

Nevada's diverse ecosystems offer flora like sagebrush in desert areas and pine, fir, and juniper in higher elevations. Remember to respect plant life and follow trail guidelines. For more detailed information, consider the University of Nevada's Cooperative Extension website (www.unce.unr.edu).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Nevada?

Hikers in Nevada might encounter animals like bighorn sheep, mule deer, or even rattlesnakes. Insect-wise, ticks and mosquitoes are present. Always respect wildlife and use bug repellent. The Nevada Department of Wildlife's site, www.ndow.org, offers comprehensive information on the state's fauna.

More hikes in Elko County

by difficulty

by type

by activity