If you're looking for a trail in Nevada that's rich with fall foliage, then you're going to love the Thomas Creek Trail in the Ruby Mountains. The Ruby Mountains are one of Nevada's most spectacular gems. Due to their location, which is far from Nevada's biggest population centers, they're not heavily visited, and that fact makes them a great spot for a getaway at any time of the year. Sometimes referred to as "The Swiss Alps of Nevada," these mountains were carved by glaciers. They're the main feature of the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest and you'll love exploring them at your leisure.

The Thomas Creek Trail is a moderate, 4.4-mile trail that's in the heart of these mountains and this national forest, yet at the same time, it's very easy to access as it's located just off the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. If it's fall foliage that you seek, you'll be able to enjoy a great deal of it simply en route to this trailhead. The scenic byway itself is twelve miles in length one-way, and is paved and easy to drive; it dead-ends at a point that's at 8,800 feet in elevation, so you'll have to take it back toward Elko to get on another road. There's nothing wrong with that, though - it just means you'll get to see all the beauty of it all over again!

About halfway along this byway, you'll find Thomas Creek Campground. If you're looking for a great place to stay here, this campground is highly rated by all who visit it. Whether you choose to stay there or not, you'll find the trailhead of the Thomas Creek Trail here near Site #31.

This trail is an out-and-back trail that climbs the entire way on its outbound path, so be ready for that. However, you'll love following the Thomas Creek all the way up. You'll gain 1,272 feet of elevation along the way. At the end of the trail, you'll find a vast and beautiful meadow, and you'll love the many small waterfalls you get to see on your way there.

People don't generally think of Nevada when they think of fall foliage, but a hike on the Thomas Creek Trail may change their minds. As you pass through the forest and meadows in this part of the Ruby Mountains and the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest, you'll be amazed by the intensity of the fall colors all around you. This is a fall foliage hike worth doing, and you'll fall in love with this area immediately. After this adventure, you'll likely want to return to the Thomas Creek Trail and to the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway time and time again so you can experience it in every single season. Have a great trip and don't forget to download the AllTrails+ app to help you navigate this trail!