Uncover the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, 6.3 million non-contiguous acres that spans from the eastern Sierra Nevada in California, across Nevada, to the borders of Idaho and Utah, making it the largest forest in the lower 48 states. The forest spans desert valleys, alpine meadows, glacial canyons, and mountain ranges such as the Ruby Mountains.
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest manages 18 designated Wilderness Areas that exhibit a wide array of ecosystems. On the forest’s eastern side, the Quinn Canyon Wilderness is a maze of deep canyons and rugged peaks reaching to over 10,000 feet. Red volcanic rhyolite composes the lower canyons and gray limestone forms most of the peaks.
To the west, the Mokelumne Wilderness ranges from peaks over 11,000 feet high to river canyons hundreds of feet deep. It is known for its volcanic peaks composed of granite that is as old as the dinosaurs. Many visitors pass through the Mokelumne Wilderness as part of their trek along the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail.
The isolated Jarbidge Wilderness is tucked into the northeast corner of Nevada on the north edge of the Great Basin. Elevations range from cool desert at approximately 5,000 feet to towering peaks well over 10,000 feet. To the south, you’ll find La Madre Wilderness, which dominates the area with spectacular cliffs and steep canyons occurring on its southeast flanks.
The forest has more than 2,000 miles of trails open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus glacial lakes and rivers for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. With ample snowfall, the forest is also a great winter destination, home to the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area, the first motorized winter recreation area in the country.
Photo by Phil Reedy 
Photo by Amanda Smith 
Photo by Kara Maceross 
Photo by Phil Reedy 
Photo by the U.S. Forest Service What is the History of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest?
The name “Humboldt” comes from the explorer John C. Frémont, who named the East Humboldt Mountain Range and the Humboldt River after German naturalist Baron Alexander von Humboldt. “Toiyabe” is an ancient Shoshone word meaning “mountain,” and reflects one of the many Native American groups who lived in this area for centuries.
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest contains an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. The various types of heritage sites range from the enigmatic squiggles and curlicues of prehistoric rock art, to the phenomenal mining towns of the 19th century, to Euro-American emigrant trails and roads.
The Humboldt National Forest was established in 1908 and the Toiyabe National Forest in 1907; the two were administratively combined in 1957.
How to Get to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
From the west, including major hubs like Reno and Carson City, take Highway 395, which runs north-south along the forest’s western edge along the Sierra Nevada. From northern Nevada, east-west Interstate 80 meets Highways 95 and 50 to bring travelers to the forest’s central and northern sections from the main gateway town of Ely.
- Sparks, Nevada: 3.5 to 4 hours by car
- Reno, Nevada: 4 hours by car
- Carson City, Nevada: 4 hours by car
- Las Vegas, Nevada: 4.5 to 5 hours by car
- Sacramento, California: 6 hours by car
This 33-mile-long trail traces the spectacular Ruby Mountains near the gateway city of Elko. From Lamoille Canyon to the south of Harrison Pass, the route passes a series of stunning alpine lakes, including Overland and Liberty.
Bordering Yosemite National Park along the Pacific Crest and falling away to the Great Basin to the east, the Hoover Wilderness is a spectacular piece of the Sierras. Soaring peaks, glacial lakes, and lush meadows are just some of its highlights. This Wilderness Area has special considerations for obtaining an overnight camping permit, so plan ahead.
This stunning lake in the Ruby Mountains is flanked by glacial cirques and stocked with rainbow, brook, and tiger trout. Pair your fishing trip with a stay at Angel Lake Campground and a hike through the East Humboldts Wilderness.
Mountain mahogany This shrubby tree, which belongs to the rose family, has twisted branches and curled leaves. It can be found in high-elevation rocky slopes of the Humboldt-Toiyabe. 
Ponderosa pine This tree inhabits elevations between 6,500 and 8,000 feet and is known for its vanilla-scented bark and large cones. 
Yellow-breasted chat With bright yellow chest, olive-green back, and white spectacles, this songbird likes dense thickets and riparian shrubs along streams and rivers. 
Tiger trout Recognized by tiger-like vertical stripes, this aggressive subspecies is an exciting challenge for anglers and can be found in lakes and reservoirs. 
Mule deer With a stocky build, black-tipped tail, and a brown coat that turns gray in the winter, this deer feeds on shrubs, grasses, and acorns and prefers high elevation areas. 
Mountain lion While there have been a few sightings, this big cat—also known as the cougar, puma, panther, or catamount—remains elusive in the Humboldt-Toiyabe. It primarily hunts for deer at dawn and dusk. Related Impact
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What’s the Best First-Timer’s Adventure in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
For an easy access point, take the Lamoille Canyon Road to visit Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains. This glacially-carved canyon offers dramatic cliffs, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. For visitors who want to venture further, the area has numerous trailheads, including routes to scenic viewpoints and the summit of Mount Fitzgerald.
Where to Find More Information on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
For more information or questions, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/humboldt-toiyabe
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