Powerhouse Trail - Lamoille Canyon, Lamoille NV

Introduction

After finishing 13 miles uphill thanks to the Race to the Angel Half Marathon I needed to kill some time before I could check in the hotel and actually relax for a bit.

So that left with me some time to do some exploration.  I had done a little bit of research and tried to find an "easy" hike.  There were a few in the area but they didn't sound too interesting.  I remember hearing, though, of another hike that was in one of my favorite canyons: Lamoille Canyon.

Lamoille Canyon is about 25 minutes south of Elko and after eating at Red Lion and getting a heavy-duty dose of caffeine, I headed out.  

This trail is located practically at the entrance of the canyon.  You basically go in about 2 miles from the road and at the first pull-over section you'll see this sign:

There is plenty of parking here.  The trail head is across the street (you'll see the trail sign from the first picture of this post).

The trail is easy to follow (don't take the jeep trail when you first start) and very well maintained.  In fact, I found it be a highly runnable or bikeable trail.  

I found some posts that said that the trail is about 3.5 miles long.  I believe the forestry department has been expanding it.  I went 4 miles -- one way -- and I suspect the end was yet another half mile or so.  

Initially the trail does a lot of switch backing and that is where the initial elevation appears to come from.  However, it was very manageable and I never felt like I was really going hard.  You can see the route I took and the elevation gain by looking at my Garmin Dump. 

After about a mile, the trail starts to hug the northern edge of the Ruby Mountains.  There are some stunning views of rock formations and the Lamoille / Spring Creek valley below.

There isn't a lot of shade on the trail, so this is best done early in the day or in the spring or fall months.  There isn't any water sources either, so be sure to carry plenty of hydration.  I had cell reception the entire way.

There were two other couples on the trail -- both with dogs.  So it is a family and pet friendly trail.

The trail wasn't super spectacular but it was just what the doctor ordered for me.  I did the entire 8 miles in about 2 and a half hours.  I was pushing the pace, however, so your time requirements may vary.

Enjoy the photos: