Nevada's true wild side does not involve legal brothels or Area 51. Head some five hours northeast of Reno into the Ruby Mountains and you'll see. Shoot for a three-day, 40-mile through-hike on the Ruby Crest Trail. Leave the car at Roads End, in Lamoille Canyon, and hike south toward the granite peaks. Don't bother getting a permit; so few people visit, they're not required. Which means you'll want to stop for trail info at the Ruby Mountains Ranger District (775-752-3357). Hire a shuttle from Coach America Elko to get back to your car later on. Night one: Crash anywhere. Night two: Stay at the granite-rimmed Overland Lake. Tip: Bring a coat—nights get chilly at 9,450 feet—and pack a four-piece fly rod: Brook trout populate four lakes you'll pass. Another tip: Break up the shuttle ride back with smoked ribs at the Pine Lodge, in Lamoille.

EXPENSE REPORT Woolly buggers from the Elko Fly Shop (775-738-3950) and two three-day fishing licenses from C-A-L Ranch Shop, in Elko (775-753-7000): $45. Alpine Aire camp food (alpineaire.com): $32 for four dinners—try the beef rotini. Speyburn Scotch: $30. Shuttle (775-777-9309): $220. Two rib dinners (775-753-6363): $40. One night in Deeth's Tent Mountain Guest Ranch (tentmountainguest­ranch.com): $105. Total: $472