Drive southeast on State Route 227 towards the residential community of Spring Creek (7 miles -11.3 km), A stoplight marks the intersection of State Route 227 and 228. Turn right and drive toward Jiggs. After traveling 10 miles (16 km) you will reach the South Fork State Recreation Area. This is Nevada’s newest state park and features prime fishing, boating, camping, hiking and riding areas.

Returning to State Route 228, the small ranching town of Jiggs is roughly 20 miles (32.2 km) south. Jiggs was once the hub of a large cattle ranch in Mound Valley. Three miles (4.8 km) past the town of Jiggs, the paved road continues to Harrison Pass Road. This leg of the tour takes you through beautiful high desert mountain country by way of Harrison Pass to the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Continue driving after the blacktop road ends for another 15 miles (24 km) across this mountain range and over Harrison Pass at 7,247 feet.

The gravel road dead ends at Country Road 788. Turn right (south) and follow the road and signs to the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. In the south part of the refuge, you can explore the Ruby Marshes formed by more than 200 springs. The bird watching and bass fishing here in the Marshes is well worth the drive out. From the refuge, continue north until you reach State Route 229, turning left on the blacktop road.Along the northbound route you will pass through Arthur. About 12 miles further you will reach State Route 227 on you left where you continue straight to Elko (12 miles – 19.3 km).

Tuscarora, Jack Creek, Mountain City, Wildhorse State Recreation Area and North Fork
Total Driving Distance: 130 miles (109.3 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services: Limited services available along State Route 226 and in Mountain City

Drive north from Elko along State Route 225 towards the Independence Mountains. At the intersection of State Route 226, turn left (west). This is gorgeous open ranching country with plenty of wide open spaces for wildlife viewing.After traveling 19 miles (30.6 km) along State Route 226, a sign will direct you to turn left onto a graded dirt road leading to Tuscarora. This living ghost town is nestled in the Independence Valley just west of the mountains of the same name. Mining prospectors first explored this area in the mid 1800s. They were followed by thousands of people hoping to strike it rich, including a large Chinese population that settled here. Some of the remains of the historical buildings still remain to be investigated. Today the town is a permanent home to several world renowned artists who are thriving in this solitary area.

Returning to State Route 226 by the same graded road, turn left to visit Jack Creek, another outpost ranching stop. After passing through Jack Creek, turn right onto County Road 732..l This dirt road passes through the Humboldt National Forest and past the Jack Creek Campground. During periods of wet weather, this road can become hazardous and visitors not in 4WD vehicles should avoid this road. This peaceful drive offers many opportunities to enjoy the open road and unspoiled beauty of ranching country. Once you reach the intersection of State Route 225, turn left towards Wildhorse State Recreation Area and Mountain City. On your return trip to Elko along this paved road, you will pass through North Fork, another mining ghost town. Finishing your tour, make your way back on the remaining 54 miles south on State Route 225 to Elko.

SCENIC DRIVING ADVENTURES HALF-DAY DRIVING TOURS

Lamoille Scenic Byway and Fort Halleck
Total Driving Distance: 70 miles (112.7 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services: Limited services available in Lamoille

Head for the Ruby Mountains by following State Route 227 eighteen miles south of Elko. Go through Spring Creek then turn right on Canyon Drive just before you reach Lamoille for a 12 mile drive curving its way upward through glacier-formed Lamoille Canyon. A four-stop, self-guided auto tour with interpretive geology exhibits leads past meadows bursting with wildflowers, wildlife, waterfalls, and avalanche chutes. After exploring the Canyon, return down Canyon Drive into Lamoille with its private family ranches, country lanes and a historic church. Then take the well graded winding dirt road off State Route 227 through 17 miles of private ranch country to the Fort Halleck memorial marker then intersect with State Route 229. Built in 1867 the military post was a social center where many dances were held but only cottonwoods remain today. After reaching paved State Route 229 turn left and head northeast until you reach I-80 at Halleck Exit 321. Then go west to Elko or turn east to Wells.

Tuscarora
Total Driving Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road
Services: Limited services available along State Route 225

Drive north on State Route 225 to State Route 226 and then west on State Route 226 about 19 miles. Turn at the Tuscarora sign onto Country Road 723 – a graded dirt road. Five miles along this road is the town of Tuscarora. Here you may visit the world-renowned Parks Family Pottery School and enjoy a personal tour. Several historical buildings are in the process of restoration, including the Tuscarora cemetery just outside of town where gravesites of early mining settlers and old ranch families can be seen. The solitude and quiet in this tiny town will minister to you hurried soul.

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This project made possible by a grant from
The Nevada Commission on Tourism.