We can give you about 100 good reasons to visit Nevada this summer, but we’ll narrow it down: hiking in its spectacular backcountry! Northeastern Nevada is the land of pristine nature and dramatic landscape. Jagged mountains with snowy layers and more than two dozen alpine lakes unfold across the Ruby Mountains (aka “the Alps of Nevada”).

This stunning mountain range has ten peaks above 10,000 feet (including Ruby Dome—one of the tallest in the entire state at 11,387 feet) and 300 miles of trail. Day hikers and backpackers can take the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail, relishing high-ridgeline views, lakes, streams, and glacial valleys.

Want to get remote? Jarbidge Wilderness is one of the least visited places in Nevada (and considered by many adventurers to be the most beautiful). Aspen groves, rivers, and lakes are surrounded by raw peaks, including the famous Matterhorn (10,839 feet), which you can reach on a marquee 12-mile loop hike.

The alpine scenery from the summit will knock your boots off! Then again, just driving through the gorgeous canyons, discovering nearby ghost towns, and staying in the charming living ghost town of Jarbidge is going to give you the memory of a lifetime. Next trip: Nevada!

TIP: Elko is the nearest city to these two backcountry adventures in Northeastern Nevada.