Elko draws nature and outdoor sports enthusiasts year-round in northeastern Nevada near the Ruby Mountains. With trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as ski resorts and scenic vistas, this small Nevada town has something for everyone. The city also celebrates its cultural and industrial heritage in local museums and weekend festivals throughout the year. Here is what you can do in Elko, Nevada:
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the Ruby Mountains, just a few miles from the city center. Nicknamed “Nevada’s Swiss Alps,” the Rubies have scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. Locations such as Lamoille Canyon have rugged campsites under pine trees with alpine lake views. In winter, the area becomes a ski lodge, where you can try the Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski, as well as the many sledding hills on the slopes.
Watch for soaring hawks when trekking through the Ruby Mountains and search hillsides dotted with brush and stunted oak trees for grazing deer and elk. Coyotes and scampering rabbits call the surrounding high desert home. Watch for pronghorn antelope dashing across the plains as you drive quiet backroads. Elko’s relatively remote location allows you to spot some of Nevada’s best wildlife.
Visit Historical Sites
At the Northeastern Nevada Museum, learn about the area’s history through Native American artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, and vintage weaponry that is displayed. Check out the exhibits detailing the railroads, mining, and ranching that helped build Nevada. The museum highlights the stories and events that shaped northeastern Nevada and details the western lifestyle that was there.
Drive Scenic Routes
Follow the path pioneers took across the Nevada desert on the California National Historic Trail. This auto tour route begins with signposts that give details at each stop. Stand where wagon trains once rolled along wagon ruts etched in the ground. Route 225 leads north through this sagebrush landscape on the way to Idaho. This scenic drive connects present explorers to the pioneers’ past.
Plan Family Outings
Spend some time at the Railroad Park, home to a historic steam locomotive designed. Kids will enjoy climbing aboard the towering engine and exploring the century-old caboose. The park also provides open green space to run around, picnic benches for lunch, and a small playground.
Each winter, the ElkoCowboy Poetry Gathering celebrates the town’s Western roots. This event showcases the skills of ranchers and cowboys who share stories through poems and songs. Visitors today enjoy performances alongside displays of Western-style art. Kids join in with storytelling workshops and hands-on activities. This multi-day festival provides an in-depth look at the life of a cowboy on the range.
Taste Local Flavors
Sample the town’s Basque cuisine, showcasing dishes from Spain’s Basque Country. These hearty meals reflect regional ranching roots, incorporating meats like lamb, mutton, and chorizo into stews and roasted plates. They are often accompanied by sides like beans and French fries, which pop up at home-style eateries around town. Oxtail soup is a local crowd favorite.
Start Your Elko Journey Today
From snowy peaks to lively festivals, Elko presents something for every traveler. When visiting this hidden Nevada gem, you experience natural wonders, regional history, and culture. You can also get a chance to see some wildlife you may not see anywhere else. Call Elko Convention and Visitors Authority to request travel guides or explore top attractions on your next trip. Visit and enjoy Nevada today.
