A trip to Yellowstone from California can be an exciting experience. Along the way, there are places to stop and add to your adventure. Whether you’re staying for a few hours or multiple days, there is no shortage of things to do in Elko. Here are just a handful of the activities you can do during your stop in Elko:
Outdoor Exploration
Come rain, snow, or shine, there is no shortage of things to do outside. Activities like fishing, hiking, and horseback riding are just a few you can add to your adventure. Because much of the land is publicly owned, it stays accessible to visitors and allows everyone to experience Nevada’s plentiful nature. No matter what part of the great outdoors inspires you, Elko gives you the chance to do it.
Wildlife Watching
Taking time to search the beautiful landscape of Nevada will reveal that the area is teaming with all sorts of wildlife. Look for mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, various birds, and so much more. Remember that wildlife viewings are best in the early morning, evening, and on cloudy days. During the summertime, look for animals at higher elevations in the mountains, where it is cooler during the day. Some locations to spot wildlife are Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, and Angel Lake Scenic Byway.
Camping
Regardless of whether you enjoy overnighting at developed grounds or prefer dispersed camping, there is a place for you. There are facility-based campgrounds that take both first-come, first-serve spaces and reservations. For campers who prefer dispersed locations, sites should be at least 100 feet away from water sources. Holes for disposing of human waste should be no less than six inches deep. It’s advisable when you choose to set up camp to check with local agencies and make sure you are compliant with all of their guidelines. The public campgrounds throughout the Elko area are mostly managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Some places to find camping spots are South Fork Recreational Area, Lamoille Canyon, Angel Lake Campground, and Wildhorse Reservoir Recreational Area. Look for signs posted indicating daily camping fees.
Offroading
Elko offers an abundance of offroading trails for an adventure for all skill levels. You can find maps of the trails marked with things to expect and sites to look forward to along the way. Choose from vehicles varying from ATVs to Jeeps to keep your adventure at its peak and you safe on your drive. Some areas to explore offroading include Maggie Creek, Harrison Pass, and Merritt Mountain.
Cultural Experience
Thanks to the annual National Basque Festival each summer, Elko’s cultural roots have been largely preserved. Immigrating from regions of France and Spain, the Basque people became known as sheep herders and ranchers when they settled in the area in the 1840s. Now, Basque culture can be enjoyed all around town, especially in the form of delicious cuisine, strength competitions, and dancing. In the region all around Elko County, visitors can spot arborglyphs, also known as Basque tree carvings. Elko also celebrates strong Spanish influence and heritage from various Native American groups.
Unique Dining
There are plenty of unique eateries to satisfy any visiting food enthusiast. Whether you’re in the mood for entertainment at a live theater with dinner or for a relaxed atmosphere at a local cafe, Elko has you covered. The town’s variety of eateries includes Mexican food, sushi, Mediterranean cuisine, a taste of Basque culture, and tener stakes sourced from Navada-bred cattle.
Uncommon Activities
Elko isn’t an ordinary town, which means that it offers plenty of extraordinary things to see and do that won’t be in every town’s brochure. Whether by yourself or traveling with family or friends, any of these unique sites could make lasting, good memories. In this town, you can go beyond the usual tourist attractions and into the visitors’ frontier.
Ghost Town Tours
One uncommon activity worth taking the time for is touring one of the local ghost towns. Visits can be led by a knowledgeable guide or a self-guided experience where you can take in the atmosphere at your own pace. Walk in the old ruins of places like Tuscarora, Wells, Gold Creek, and Tinto, tracing the footsteps of those searching for a better life and wealth in mining gold and silver.
Rockhounding
Just like it was long ago, the mineral wealth in the ground is a defining feature of the Elko area. You may discover garnets in the Ruby Mountains or agate, jasper, copper, malachite, geodes, petrified wood, and more in other locations. Adventures go on underground if you want to explore metamorphic veins and abandoned mines holding undiscovered treasures.
Mural Artwalk
In 2019, over 40 artists gathered in Elko to paint 51 murals. Now, you can walk through downtown’s main streets to try and find all of them, which makes for a visually entertaining scavenger hunt. The murals not only display creativity but proudly show Elko’s Spanish influence, Basque roots, and Native American heritage. Similarly, you can go around town and do your own Centennial Boot Walk, finding each and every one of the uniquely painted boots around town.
Family Fun
If your stop in Elko is part of a family trip, there are plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Museums offer a glimpse into Elko’s journey from a dusty frontier settlement to a thriving town. Adults and children alike can find entertainment, education, and culture through photo galleries, Shoshone baskets and Paiute beadwork exhibits, life-sized dioramas, and a pioneer wagon encampment. There are also plenty of parks and picnic areas to enjoy throught the entire town.
Vibrant Nightlife
Excitement in Elko doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, as proven by its rich nightlife. Bars, nightclubs, and breweries are great places to have fun with friends or spend some time immersed in history by eating and drinking in one of the town’s Old West saloons. Elko’s casinos are the perfect place to play games with the locals or bet on your winning team. Some casinos are open 24/7, so you can play no matter what time the fancy strikes you.
Overnight Lodging
Elko offers a variety of lodging options throughout town if you need to stay overnight. Hotels and motels are available, but their casinos also house visitors. Not only do the casinos offer games and food within walking distance, but most locations also offer amenities such as pools, shuttle services, kitchenettes, and wifi. Between themes of sports or the Old West, visitors may find something to match their taste during their stay.
Make Elko Part of Your Trip
No matter your reason for traveling from California to Yellowstone, Elko is a worthwhile place to stop along the way. From food to camping and museums to hiking, there is something to meet your tastes. Check out what activities you can add to your adventure in Elko today.
