Ruby Crest Trail

Great hike. Trail is well marked.

Just completed an out-and-back of the RCT, due to being solo and no operational shuttle right now (July 2020). I’m glad I got to hike it both ways, honestly. It’s beautiful, with different types of terrain, lots of lakes, peaks, and quite a bit of solitude. The northern section is the most stunning, while the southern is a bit more overgrown and in the brush. Water is abundant, except for the long and tough stretch between Furlong and Overland Creek. Definitely make time to spend at the various lakes. I’m used to having long mileage days, but I wouldn’t take that style here if you have the time. Enjoy it!

We hiked the Ruby Crest Trail in 2.5 hiking days, and 2 nights. Starting from the South end (Harrison Pass), we traversed along, and up and down, passing through lower elevation aspen trees with plenty of water sources, before ascending, what I felt, was the toughest ascent of the entire hike. From this point on, the scenery becomes more varied and impressive. We spent the first night at Overland Lake. It was my favorite alpine lake along the hike, it’s full of trout, and worthy of an extra night, another time. Our 2nd night was spent at the Furlong Trail junction. From the Furlong Trail junction, to the Lamoille Canyon TH, the scenery was most stunning and ever changing, with many pretty alpine lakes. We never did spot any Himalayan mountain chickens, or even any hoofed critters, but we awoke to the lovely sounds of coyotes yipping and yelping from up near Lake Peak. Very cool. Lamoille and Long canyons were the most beautiful canyons. Hike and run this trail, folks. Bring plenty of goodies and leave not a trace. Use Cowboy John’s service if a shuttle is needed. By hiking the RCT from South to North, you’ll save the best for last. Treat yourselves to 48 oz. margaritas and steak fajitas at Garibaldis Mexican restaurant, afterwards. Cheers!

Hiked north from Harrison Pass to the Lamoille Canyon trailhead on June 24. Some snow in places, but easily passable. Very few people south of Favre lake, but area around Lamoille Canyon and Liberty Pass was crowded on Saturday.

If you appreciate solitude, this trail is for you. We hiked in the beginning of August, and there was a lot of runoff water. Lots of wildflowers. Overland lake is absolutely beautiful, if I ever go back, I might stay over there for a day. The 14 mile hike between Favre and Overland lake is very enjoyable. There was still snow on the trail in August, I don’t recommend doing this hike early in the summer.

It is a great hike, with beautiful views. The fishing was very good up through the lakes. The trail has lots of places to top off on water and the trail is very well maintained.

Four days 43 miles, spectacular views. Excellent trail, easy to see, no getting lost, fairly well maintained. Skill level would depend on how many days you take to hike it. Fast athletic people could do it in two days, slow paced, or children and active seniors can still do this trail just take a few more days to enjoy your pace. Go in early July for easy access to drinking water.

Beautiful hike through the spine of the Ruby Mountains. Water can be scarce between Upper Furlong Lake and Overland Lake (about a 9-mile stretch). The southern half is more exposed to the sun for stretches and lower in elevation, which can get hot after the sun rises high enough in the late morning. Recommend binoculars as bighorn sheep can be seen at the high peaks.

Gorgeous scenery, great hike! Downloaded this track for offline viewing, came in handy providing even more detail than our topo map at times. The trail currently is little different than this track on the approach to Favre Lake... we followed the track only to have to bushwhack... looks like they've rerouted the trail. Follow the current trail signs out on the trail and you'll find Favre no problem. Flowers were in blooms everywhere, saw goats, buck & doe, grouse, cows, pika, golden eagles, tons of butterflies and bees. Trail is overgrown somewhat in areas, but always easy to follow. And yep, the stretch without water is up and down nearly 4 peaks, so hydrate well and be ready for a good workout!

Did this hike with my wife in 2013. Awesome views. We went from Harrison Pass to S Smith creek first day. To Overland Lake second day and stayed there to relax an extra day. To Favre Lake after that and then out the last day. From overland to Favre was by far the toughest stretch. I think 13 mikes or so. 11 miles without water. Gorgeous.

Amazing trail! Great camping spots, access to water (will need to filtered of course) and beautiful views. Hiked south to north, and loved it.

Awesome! Be prepared: bring a water filtration pump, extra food, etc. There is a ~11mile stretch without water between overland lake and Favre. We did this in 2.5 days and 2 nights and it was a bit rushed. Bring good hiking buddies

I hike this trail two weeks ago it was amazing. We saw three groups of the shaggy white sheep. The view is amazing

amazing