About POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA
Overview Powerhouse Group Picnic Area is set in scenic Lamoille Canyon, next to Lamoille Creek, at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Elko, in northeastern Nevada, is just 25 miles away. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails.Recreation Fishing for rainbow and brook trout is popular on the creek. Lamoille Canyon contains numerous hiking and horseback riding trails that lead to alpine lakes and scenic vistas. The canyon road itself, Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, is popular for scenic driving and road biking. Facilities This day-use picnic area was constructed in 2003 and is a fully accessible site. A large shelter covers several picnic and serving tables, two grills and a campfire circle with benches. Accessible vault toilets and trash collection are provided but drinking water is not available. A large parking area is adjacent to the site, accommodating 25 through 30 vehicles.Natural Features The picnic area is situated at the mouth of Lamoille Canyon, a part of the beautiful Ruby Mountains. The area is a desert island brimming with wildlife, sparkling lakes and streams, wildflower-filled meadows and jagged peaks. The shelter is surrounded by a stand of shady aspens. Lamoille Creek runs through the site. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (775) 738-5171. Nearby Attractions Powerhouse Picnic Area is located on the opposite side of Lamoille creek, and is a first come, first serve day use area for picnicking, with designated sites along the creek that include a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. A vault toilet is also available
How to Get There
Take Interstate 80 to any Elko exit. Head south on Idaho Street, then turn south on 12th Street (from the east) or 5th Street (from the west), to State Route 227. Travel 25 miles on State Route 227 to Forest Road 660 (Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway). Travel a short distance on Forest Route 660 to the picnic area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA
Heading to POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA?
No central reservation system listed for POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234121) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA?
Take Interstate 80 to any Elko exit. Head south on Idaho Street, then turn south on 12th Street (from the east) or 5th Street (from the west), to State Route 227. Travel 25 miles on State Route 227 to Forest Road 660 (Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway). Travel a short distance on Forest Route 660 to the picnic area.
How do I contact POWERHOUSE GROUP PICNIC AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 775-752-3357.
References & Official Resources
