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Birding, Hiking, & Camping in Nevada's Ruby Valley

Ruby Valley, Nevada

Description

Added by Nick Minor

With sweeping views of the snow-capped Ruby Mountains, wide open skies above some of the best preserved wetlands in the West, and an excellently maintained campground, the Ruby Valley is a little known haven for naturalists, fishers, hikers, campers, and general mountain lovers alike.

I was lucky enough to visit the Ruby Valley (the centerpiece of which is Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge) earlier this year as part of a University of Minnesota scientific expedition, during which time our primary focus was the birdlife of the area. In addition to the beauty of the mountains, the wide open Nevada sky, and the pristine wetland, experiencing the avifauna of this place felt like stepping back in time. Here was a community of species that is a small relic of what once covered vast expanses across the American West--but has since been drained and converted for agriculture. 

During our three days at this location, we observed 50+ species of birds, the majority of which were breeding species that were found with little to no effort. We witnessed bickering juvenile Golden Eagles, a midair battle between a Common Raven and a Northern Harrier, displaying Long-billed Curlews, Short-eared Owls and Black-crowned Night-Herons coming to life after the sunset, and a dizzying array of breeding ducks, grebes, terns, and marsh songbirds. The individual birds themselves would have been enough for a satisfying day of birding, but the sheer number of species and abundance of individuals makes this a truly special place indeed. Our eBird list from our most productive morning there can be viewed here.

We stayed two nights in thew South Ruby Campground, which is well-maintained by Forest Service staff. The campground manager sold ice and firewood for those who need them. Most if not all of the campsites have clean drinking water, at least partial shade, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Vault toilets and trash collection are interspersed throughout the campground area. Campgrounds of the tent and the RV variety are available.

During the day, we travelled along the roads that traverse through the refuge's vast expanses of marsh. Though not technically trails, the dirt roads take you through a surprising distance through the marsh, and could definitely fill a day of hiking, birding, and/or fishing. For those coming to fish, the lake is stocked with Largemouth Bass and multiple species of trout.

A beautiful spot and amazing wildlife mecca to behold!

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Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Forest
Hot Springs
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

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