Nevada · Hiking · Ruby Mountains Wilderness

John Day

2.8 mi
round trip
650 ft
climb
7,402 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is John Day open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It doesn't name John Day, 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.

John Day is an easy out-and-back hike in Nevada's Ruby Mountains Wilderness, part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District. The trail is about 2.8 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 650 feet, taking you from a low point of about 6,757 feet to a high of about 7,402 feet. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from June through September. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 84°F with lows near 50°F, and September highs around 74°F with lows near 41°F. That station sits roughly 1,150 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run cooler. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is on natural surface. Bikes are not allowed. The open season runs from June 15 to October 30. Soldier Basin and North Fork Cold Creek are both about 1.7 miles away, and Middle Fork Cold Creek is about 2 miles off. Thomas Canyon Campground, about 9.4 miles away, is the closest place to camp.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit John Day

    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, 7.8 mi away at 6,250 ft. The station sits about 1,200 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.