Nevada · Hiking

Baxter

1.8 mi
round trip
518 ft
climb
7,244 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Baxter open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It doesn't name Baxter, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Baxter is an easy out-and-back hike in Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, within the Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District. The trail is about 1.8 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 518 feet, taking you from a low point of about 6,737 feet to a high of about 7,244 feet. The route is on natural surface, and bikes are allowed, so it works for hikers and riders alike. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. Summer and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 84°F and September highs around 74°F, with lows near 50°F. That station sits roughly 1,000 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the route run cooler. Joe Billy Basin is about 1.4 miles away, and Island Lake is about 4.4 miles off. The Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail lies about 4.5 miles away, and Thomas Canyon Campground is about 6.1 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Baxter

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      36° / 16°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      39° / 18°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      48° / 25°

      6 wet

    4. Apr

      54° / 30°

      7 wet

    5. May

      64° / 37°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      74° / 43°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 50°

      3 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 48°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 41°

      3 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 32°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 22°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 16°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Arthur 4nw, NV, 12.2 mi away at 6,250 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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