Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest | High deserts and rugged peaks across north-central Nevada and northeastern California

Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest spans from arid great basin high deserts to alpine lakes and glaciated peaks, offering backcountry hikes, cross-country skiing, and remote camping across northern Nevada and eastern California.

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Geography

Continent	North America
Region	Intermountain West
Subregion	Great Basin
Country	United States
State	NevadaCalifornia
County	Lander CountyEureka CountyLyon CountyStorey CountyPershing CountyWashoe CountyAlpine CountyMono CountyMammoth Lakes
Timezone	AmericaLos Angeles
Latitude	39
Longitude	-119.5
Maps	Google Maps Apple Maps

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[Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/hntf) is a vast and rugged wilderness that reaches across northern Nevada and eastern California. The forest is known for massive public lands, from the silver-hued high elevations of the Andrews Peak and Wheeler Peak areas to expansive high-desert plateaus. Visitors come to experience long-distance hikes in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin regions, backcountry camping above treeline, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and self-reliant snowshoeing. Key landmarks include the Lamarck Lakes, the Ruby Mountains, and the East Humboldt Range; and facilities like Twin Lakes provide trailheads for multi-day routes. The landscape is shaped by tectonic uplift and glaciation, yielding features like cirque basins, alpine ridges, and dry sage-steppe valleys—making it a vital habitat for mule deer, bighorn sheep, and migratory songbirds. Because the forest crosses state boundaries and weather can change rapidly, plan for variable conditions and consult current maps and fire restrictions before departure.

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