Harrison Pass

Harrison Pass is a popular recreation area in the Ruby Mountains. It is also a convenient way to "short cut" to the Ruby Lake National Refuge or "Ruby Marsh" as locals call it.

(Photo looking toward the Ruby Marshes.)

From Elko take Lamoille Hwy 227 south approximately 10 miles to the Jiggs Highway 228 south approximately 30 miles. Just past the town of Jiggs, Nevada is the beginning of the well maintained (IN THE SUMMER) gravel road called "Harrison Pass."

Harrison Pass is 15 miles long from it's beginning, State Route 228 to it's end at County Road 788 in Ruby Valley. We traveled the gravel pass in July 1999 (in dry weather), in both a 4 wheel drive truck and a mini-van, there was no problem at all or challenge for either vehicle, only beautiful scenery to be enjoyed by the passengers of a car, hiker, photographer or camper in all of us.

DO NOT attempt this road in a car during winter months or rainy weather. Winter weather with snow and rain will make this road impassable in a short time, and it is not maintained during the winter. We have a fellow NevadAdventurer /Rancher who lives close to the pass, he tells us that he often rescues 4wd vehicles off the pass in the winter. The road becomes busier in hunting season and slow speeds as well as common sense in driving with caution are needed. Call ahead for road conditions, below.

CAMPING: Primitive Camping Only, there are NO improved facilities at all, no toilets, no drinking water. This is totally OPEN country. However, for the outdoor person who enjoys "roughing it", you will find scattered along the main pass road and along other side roads, plenty of places for putting up a tent. Please consult the information contacts below for regulations on camp fires and other issues. People DO have campfires, making primitive pits in a clearing, BE CAREFUL, we don't want to burn down this beautiful mountain! LEAVE NO TRACE, pack it in & pack it out!

HUNTING: This is in the heart of Area 10, giving great access to this part of the Ruby Mountains. Area 10 issues a great number of tags and this area gets quite busy! For those who use Harrison Pass as a "base camp" and then hike into the back country will find GREAT success.

SUMMER SPORTS: ATV trails abound but it is seldom crowded during the summer.

Hiking: No marked trail heads, that we know of, except for the RUBY CREST TRAIL (click to read the article). However, there is no limit to the beautiful hikes you can create on your own. From simple hikes to take photos to long arduous hikes for the EXPERIENCED hiker, it's all here.

We shouldn't have to repeat this but we will--MAPS, planning, always being prepared for weather or what ever, is YOUR job.

WINTER SPORTS: Snowmobiles can be heard in this canyon in winter. Since pickups often CANNOT make it onto the mountain, snowmobiles have lots of room. The views WILL be magnificent.

For More Information Contact:

Humboldt National Forest Supervisors Office: 2035 Last Chance Road Elko, Nv 89801 (775) 738-5171 or (800) 715-9379.

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