Experience the Pristine Jarbidge Wilderness...in a unique way that only the Smith Family can provide.

This seldom-visited, unspoiled gem can only be experienced on foot by bicycle or on horseback--no motorized vehicles are allowed. The Smith family has had a Forest Service license since 1952 and have been taking guests into the Jarbidge Wilderness for 50+ years. Your licensed guides will take you into this magical place for five-day adventures on sure-footed mountain horses.  You'll spend your days exploring this remote, dramatic mountain range, watching elk or eagle, photographing nature's diversity or relaxing in your own special spot.  Your evenings will be spent in wilderness camps where delicious meals are served around the camp fire.  Groups are kept small to enhance your wilderness experience. You can arrange for a pack trip customized to the desires and interests of your family or group -- fishing, hiking, riding, swimming, photography, outdoor educational experiences or the peace and solitude of nature.  Just give us a call and we'll work out the details.
 

The Jarbidge mountains form the highest concentration of peaks over 10,000 feet in Nevada and are truly a magnificent sight!  With forests of quaking aspen, pine, fir and mahogany, this rugged, glaciated terrain and its sensational canyons are home to abundant wildlife.

You may spot golden eagles, elk, antelope, mountain lion and deer. There are numerous springs and creeks with beaver ponds.  Spring-fed Emerald Lake is a favorite swimming spot and gets it's name from it's stunning emerald-green appearance.  Wild flowers grace the meadows throughout most of the summer in the high country.  The fall colors are dazzling, especially contrasted with the magnificent Nevada sky overhead.

A Journey Over the Mountains to Jarbidge

After spending your arrival night at the Ranch, you and your trusty horse will hit the trail and spend five days exploring the Jarbidge Wilderness. You'll cross the mountains, camping at isolated and gorgeous spots, exploring old miner's cabins and taking side trips on foot or horseback to savor the country. The climax of your week is a descent into the historic mining town of Jarbidge, infamous as the site of America's last stagecoach robbery.  Jarbidge, population about 20 in winter and 70 in summer, is a hospitable oasis of good food, libations and a cozy room in a converted barn.  Your vehicle or ride back to civilazation will be waiting for you in Jarbidge, affording you the opportunity to venture into Jarbidge Canyon and ponder the unique and mysterious geological formations standing guard over the river gorge.

Leave No Trace

Protecting, preserving and respecting the Jarbidge Wilderness, and all of the land of which they are stewards, is a commitment the Smith family reaffirms daily - there have been so many generations here, it must be in the blood.

"Reverence is one's response to an awesome experience...
A morality of responsibility - not a responsibility based on duty...
But a responsibility based on care for what we cherish and revere."
- Matthew Fox

You will be asked to practice "Leave No Trace" techniques while you enjoy the beauty of this special corner of the world. The Smith family thanks you for your help and cooperation in caring for the wilderness.  Please read over the Gear List.