Northern Nevada is a winter wonderland like no other. From the snowy peaks of the Ruby Mountains to the quiet trails near Elko and Winnemucca, our backcountry offers endless opportunities for snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and simple exploration. But winter adventures in Northern Nevada come with a responsibility: protecting the delicate landscapes and wildlife that make this region so special.
Practicing Leave No Trace while enjoying destination recreation ensures that the natural beauty we love remains intact for generations to come. Here’s how we can enjoy Northern Nevada responsibly this winter.
Plan Ahead: Know Before You Go
Northern Nevada winters can be unpredictable. Snowstorms, icy trails, and limited daylight can quickly turn a simple outing into a risky adventure. Planning ahead protects both you and the land:
-
Check local trail conditions and avalanche risks, especially in mountain regions like the Ruby Mountains or Santa Rosa Range.
-
Dress in layers, pack extra food, and bring navigation tools—even if you’re sticking to familiar trails.
-
Understand regulations for camping, fires, and wildlife areas in your destination.
Being prepared reduces the temptation to take shortcuts or create informal campsites that can damage sensitive ecosystems.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Even in snowy Northern Nevada, fragile alpine plants and shrubs lie beneath the snow, waiting for spring to grow again. Stick to:
-
Established trails or deep snow when traveling cross-country.
-
Designated winter campsites or hard-packed snow for overnight stays.
Avoid compressing vegetation under thin snow—every footprint can leave a mark that lingers well into the next season.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
Snow and ice don’t make trash disappear. Litter—even biodegradable items like food scraps—can harm local wildlife, including mule deer, rabbits, and birds, whose winter resources are already scarce.
-
Bring a small pack to carry out all trash, wrappers, and food scraps.
-
Human waste should be packed out or disposed of according to backcountry regulations.
Leaving nothing behind helps preserve the remote beauty that draws us to Northern Nevada’s winter trails.
Respect Wildlife During Winter
Animals in Northern Nevada’s high desert and mountain regions are conserving energy to survive the cold months. Disturbing them—even unintentionally—can have serious consequences.
-
Observe wildlife from a distance.
-
Keep dogs under control, and avoid feeding animals.
-
Admire tracks in the snow, but don’t follow them.
Our winter presence should be gentle and non-disruptive, leaving wildlife to thrive in their natural environment.
Fire Safety in Winter
A warm fire can be tempting after a day in the snow, but Northern Nevada’s backcountry can be surprisingly vulnerable.
-
Use camp stoves whenever possible, as they have minimal impact.
-
If fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and keep fires small.
-
Fully extinguish fires, and never rely on snow to hide hot embers.
Protecting the land from fire scars preserves the wilderness experience for future adventurers.
Leave What You Find
Northern Nevada is full of unique natural treasures, icy rock formations, frost patterns in the desert, and tracks from elusive wildlife.
-
Capture memories with photos, not by removing rocks, plants, or other natural items.
-
Preserve the environment so that others can experience the same sense of wonder.
Love Where You Hike
Northern Nevada’s winter landscapes are fragile, beautiful, and uniquely rewarding. Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that our favorite trails, mountains, and hidden valleys remain vibrant and healthy.
Every snowshoe track, every ski glide, and every hike is an opportunity to show care for the land. By planning ahead, traveling responsibly, respecting wildlife, and leaving no trace, we can all love where we hike—and protect it for those who come after us.
