Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

About Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

In 1859, Captain J.H. Simpson explored the valley as an alternative route to the west coast. His account provides a first-hand glimpse of the area at that time. Simpson notes: “Large numbers of Sho-sho-nees winter in Ruby Valley, on account of its being warmer than the other valleys around. One of the mail party represents that as many as 1500 must have staid here last winter. At present time they are scattered, for purposes of hunting.”Historic markers identify the Hastings Cutoff Trail, which passes through the refuge and continues west by way of Overland Pass; the same route followed by the ill-fated Donner Party.Ruby Valley was an important stop on the East-West Pony Express route. The log building that served as the Pony Express Station now stands at the Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko, Nevada. Ruby Valley was also the home station for the Overland Mail Route and from 1862 to 1869 housed the Fort Ruby military post, constructed to protect the Overland Mail route from Paiute Indian raiders.In 1880, Pennsylvanian Jacob Bressman, his daughter Deby, and Deby's husband, Lew Benson, sold their freight hauling business in nearby Eureka County. They bought cattle, built a cabin, and settled in Ruby Valley. Their cabin and Jacob's grave site, located on the refuge 1.5 miles north of headquarters, have been preserved and stand as a tribute to these early pioneers.In 1938, Ruby Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established as “a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife."ALERT - BOATING ON THE MARSHMAPSMULTIMEDIARelict Dace, the only native species of fish at Ruby Lake, has reduced and hybridized populations due to introduction of several non-native species. A project is underway to preserve the biological integrity of the Relict Dace.

How to Get There

Visitors must travel 13 to 30 miles of gravel road to reach the Refuge from any direction. Harrison Pass, a steep, rough, and winding road, is not passable in winter and is never recommended for large trailers or motor homes. Routes from Highway 50 can be very muddy to impassable in wet weather or during snow-melt. Drifting snow can make travel on any route impossible except for the largest of 4WD vehicles. Visitors should check with Refuge headquarters about road conditions, especially November through May.Directions from Elko via Harrison Pass: Fifth Street in Elko turns into State Route 227/Lamoille Highway as you head south. Alternatively State Route 227 may be reached from 12th Street. Travel 7 miles southeast on State Route 227 to the intersection with State Route 228 in Spring Creek. Turn right and take Route 228 thirty-nine miles south until it turns into a dirt road leading to Harrison Pass. Continue 4.2 miles over Harrison Pass until the road dead ends at a T-intersection with Ruby Valley Road*. Turn right and take the well-maintained dirt and gravel road south approximately 8 miles to the Refuge headquarters. The 4.2 miles over Harrison Pass is not maintained in winter and may be impassable anytime between October and May.Directions from Elko via Secret Pass: Travel 17 miles east of Elko on Interstate 80 to exit 321 and turn right on State Route 767/State Route 229 (Ruby Valley Road*) toward Halleck/Ruby Valley. Follow Ruby Valley Road for 37 miles south until it t

Plan Your Visit to Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge? 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

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)