Elko, Nevada, is home to many attractive destinations and exciting activities for all types of travelers. You can enjoy a multitude of activities for vacations, from heli-skiing, hiking, and camping to art murals, museums, and historic restaurants. The town also hosts annual festivals like a rodeo and Elko Ban Pow-Wow, making it a good destination for a vacation year-round. Here are some things to explore in Elko, NV:
Arts and Culture
Elko has a thriving art scene, with dozens of colorful murals showcasing the diverse cultures in the area. The multicultural city is home to Native American, Hispanic, Basque, and Western cultures, and all are represented in the art. Elko’s murals were created by artists from around the world. They depict everything from the rural life of early settlers to modern festivals, food, entertainment, and abstract paintings. You can spot large, colorful cowboy boots all around town. Elko also has various historic sites to visit, including blacksmith shops, 19th-century old towns, and mountain cities.
Ghost Town Tours
Elko vacations aren’t complete without experiencing the ghost town tours. The city has several local ghost towns built by settlers in search of gold and silver. The ruins of Tuscarora and towns like Wells offer glimpses into the history of the Mountain City and Gold Creek. You can have guided or self-guided tours that take you through copper mines, mail service trails, and other ruins. The October ghost town tours also feature hundreds of tourists walking through the most haunted spots. Local performers dressed in costume add to the mysticism of the adventure.
Outdoor Activities
Elko offers access to various outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, and biking. You can also have an offroad adventure, rock climbing, rockhounding, and birdwatching. The city has many federally managed campgrounds like Thomas Canyon and Angel Lake. Elko is also home to state-managed campgrounds like South Fork and Wild Horse. Trails like Harrison Pass and Merritt Mountain offer off-highway and four-wheel drive explorations. Ponds, marshes, and wet meadows harbor various species of birds and wildlife. Lakes and streams also have fishing, with bass and trout being popular catches. The Ruby Mountains are ideal for hiking and winter heli-skiing, and the Lamoille Canyon has steep slopes for rock climbing.
Scenic Drives
Elko has several scenic drives with added opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and backpacking. You can stop at scenic byways, such as Angel Lake and Lamoille Canyon, or take in the majesty of the Ruby Mountains. Canyon Drive offers miles of scenic beauty curving through the glacier-formed Lamoille Canyon. Angel Lake features several picturesque sites, on-site hosts, and picnic areas large enough for multiple families. You can also explore historic sites or venture into the remote wilderness areas.
Schedule Vacations in Elko Today
Elko, Nevada, has many areas packed with fun activities, including gaming and sports bars, throwback casinos, and underground nightclubs. You can enjoy everything from bowling and golfing to rockhounding and dining. The city is also vibrant and sees a lot of traffic, featuring visitors from across the country. Schedule vacations in Elko today to explore some of the best destinations in Nevada.
