Ruby Mountains, NV – Help quick! one day.

Might check in with the BLM in Elko, they are in town now since the freeway goes around town. I lived there shortly in the early 70's for over a year, went to HS south of there in a small town.
Duane

Just drive up Lamoille Canyon and look any direction and go! Yes, they did get some snow, but not enough yet to be a show-stopper, but also not enough where an ice axe will do you any good either. Some cramp ons or traction MAY be in order though, but probably just some good boots and gaiters. The hike to Liberty, and Farve Lakes and over Liberty Pass is nice. The road leading to the end of Lamoille Canyon was still open last time I was there a couple weeks ago, but that could have changed with the last small storm that came through. Have fun!

Castle Peak is really easy to access off I-80, and would be a very simple peak bag without too much diversion from your route. It is access near Donner Summit on your way to Cali. once you pass Truckee. Look for the PCT signage, pretty easy to find.

Thanks! I might check out that Lama—whatchyamacallit canyon. Just looking to do something in the Rubies, as I never have. Grew up near Donner Pass…

You'll love the little community of Lamoille if you go into "town", seems like a small creek flowing thru everyones yard. Have not been out there since the early 70's, so the development of Spring Creek might have changed things. I was thru Elko a couple years ago going to and from the Winds in WY.
Duane

The only problem with Lamoille, is the distance. Just looking around on summitpost and such, I found Grey's Peak near Angel lake. It might not be the prime example of off the radar, but incredible NV mountains, but the access looks easy. Drive to the lake, then a 2000 foot scramble to the top. I might still change my mind though, open to suggestion…

My co-worker just got back from a weeklong Elko trip and did a bunch of hiking in the Rubies. Snow wasn't an issue except up higher where there were a few calf-high drifts. It sounds like gaiters might be in order looking at his pictures, but I wouldn't worry about anything else but your normal shoulder season gear. Have fun!