Jarbidge, Nevada may not be the most remote place on the planet, but it certainly vies for the title of most remote inhabited place in the continental United States.


Things to do in Jarbidge, Nevada:

Hunt
Fish
Camp
Explore
Snowmobile

Hike

Relax!!

Participate in the many summer (and winter) scheduled activities     


Getting to Jarbidge
 Nevada:


If you plan on driving you can take State Route 225 north out of Elko, Nevada and come into Jarbidge from the Charleston road. This road is a good road but travel is very dependent on the weather. At these elevations snow and ice can come and linger.

Another driving option is to take Highway 93 north out of Wells, Nevada. 

The same road (Highway 93) can be picked up coming South out of Twin Falls, Idaho until you come to Rogerson, Idaho. When you get to Rogerson, Idaho you head due West 50 miles to Murphy's Hot Springs.

Where to Stay in Jarbidge, Nevada:

Well, plan on either camping, or if you want some bon a fide accommodations, you can make a reservation at the local bed and breakfast. Accommodations can be made in advance at the Tsawhawbitts Bed & Breakfast in Jarbidge.  Reservations can be made by calling 775-488-2338.


About Jarbidge, Nevada:
 

One of the first things to learn is that the town is Jarbidge NOT Jarbridge. This seems to be a common mistake made by newcomers to the area and one that generally is ignored  but which may also elicit an occasional raised eyebrow from the locals.

Jarbidge was originally a very active mining town boasting one of the largest population towns in the area. A great deal of silver and gold was extracted from this area during the boom years.

Jarbridge, the town, was originally founded in the year 1909. A man by the name of Dave Bourne along with some partners discovered a rich vein of gold in the side of a hill near what was to become the town of Jarbidge.  The find immediately attracted a lot of enthusiasm from would be gold miners who came to stake their own claims from far and wide. And while folks still come to try their hand at gold panning, most of the commercial mining activity has long since been abandoned and given way to the occasional visit from the amateur gold prospector.


The Terrain of the Jarbidge, Nevada Area:


Jarbidge itself is set in a picturesque canyon surrounded by spectacular mountains. The Jarbidge Mountains run along the Nevada-Idaho border approximately 70 miles to the southwest of Twin Falls, Idaho, and about 80 miles or so to the north of Elko, Nevada.

These mountains were originally formed by volcanic activity.  They present an impressive sight as they rise majestically from the desert floor to elevations above 10,000 feet. The highest peaks are Cougar, Matterhorn, and a peak named God’s Pocket.  The mountains are relatively compact and are graced by over 100 miles of trails.

Best Time to Visit Jarbidge, Nevada:

The best time to visit Jarbidge is in the summer or early fall. The typical season is June through early October. Early and late snows can shorten that season depending on the vehicle you are traveling in.  Be sure to check conditions before you start an expedition. There simply are not a lot of services in this area – hence the reputation for remoteness.  Hunting season generates the bulk of the traffic seen by this area. Hunting season in Jarbidge generally gets underway in late August and goes through mid October.

Horseback trips are an excellent way to see the country, as are backpacking trips.  You will find plenty of solitude for camping and fabulous vistas. The evenings can get very cool at this elevation even in the summer. Come prepared with appropriate clothing and bedding.

Paid horseback excursions can be booked with local outfitters. These are reasonably priced and well worth the money.  Try the following:

Jarbidge Wilderness Guide & Packing, Lowell Prunty, Murphy's Hot Springs, Rogerson, Idaho 83302; (800) 621-0154.

Prunty Ranch Guide/Outfitter Service, HC 35 Box 280, Mountain City, Nev. 89831; (702) 758-7882.

Smith Family, Cottonwood Ranch, HC 68 Box 300, Wells, Nev. 89835; (702) 752-3604 or (916) 832-4861.



Murphy Hot Springs:


No trip to Jarbidge is complete without a stop at the Murphy Hot Springs – particularly if you have been astride a horse or carrying a backpack for several days. It is not exactly next door, but if you can plan it into your itinerary it will likely be one of the most relaxing features of your visit to the area. For more information on the Hot Springs call (208) 857-2233.