The landscapes in Elko County offer outdoor activities such as wildlife and bird watching. Elko Convention Visitors Authority provides information about nearby trails and wildlife refuges you can visit. Here are some of the wildlife species you can find near and around Elko:

Birds

There are 456 bird species in Nevada, with over 200 living in Elko County. The local landscape supports marshes, ponds, and wet meadows. Bird species in Nevada include:

  • Geese: Nevada is home to Ross’s goose and snow goose.
  • Ducks: You can find wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, and mallards.
  • Eagles: Look for golden eagles and bald eagles.
  • Owls: Find Western burrowing owls and California spotted owls.

Other bird species include the Greater Sandhill crane, mountain quail, Wilson’s snipe, Pinyon jay, and prairie falcon. Many state parks and wildlife areas have lists of birds available to help you spot and identify local birds. Trail guides are also available. Elko Convention Visitors Authority offers a downloadable or mailable guide on activities around Elko County, including outdoor recreation, to help you plan bird watching excursions.

For a day of birdwatching, travel to Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is 37,632 acres and encompasses grassy uplands, ponds, and a freshwater marsh. It is home to a wide variety of birds. You can also find peak-dwelling birds like bald eagles and peregrine falcons near the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway. This byway travels through a sheer-walled U-shaped canyon and goes for 12 miles. A four-stop audio tour provides detailed information on the area’s meadows and geology.

Mountain Goats

There are over 300 mountain ranges in Nevada, including the Ruby Mountains and the East Humboldt Range near Elko. This area is home to mountain goats. The species has black horns, a long beard, and a white coat that offers camouflage and protection from the weather. Their cloven hooves allow them to navigate rocky areas and scale cliffs.

Mountain goats can be spotted near the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway or the Angel Lake Scenic Byway. The Angel Lake Scenic Byway offers a paved road to an alpine lake in the East Humboldt range. Hiking options are available. The temperatures change quickly in the mountains, so pack multiple layers of clothing to keep yourself warm and allow yourself time to get used to the elevation.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the largest species of wild sheep in North America. They have light brown fur that they shed in the summer. Bighorn Sheep live in grassy areas near mountain slopes, alpine meadows, desert washes, and rugged cliffs. You can see them on the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway or the Angel Lake Scenic Byway. When watching for bighorn sheep, use binoculars and keep your distance. If an animal changes behavior due to your presence, you are too close to the wildlife.

Mule Deer

Mule deer live in arid areas and rocky hillsides. You can find them in grasslands, upland forests, and cold desert sagebrush. Look for mule deer on the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway.

Search for mule deer during cloudy days or in the early morning and evening. Animals are usually found in higher elevations during the summer months, where temperatures are cooler. During the winter, explore lower elevations to see wildlife. When driving through byways in winter, carry snow equipment such as chains, and observe road closures.

Wildlife Viewing in Elko

The Elko Convention Visitors Authority helps you find lodging and dining options for your visit. We also provide information about local campgrounds, off-roading opportunities, and hiking places. Contact us today to learn more about local wildlife watching, bird migration opportunities, or key sites to visit.