Nevada offers various outdoor activities and unique experiences for individuals, couples, families, and children. Whether you prefer fishing, hiking, or sightseeing, cities like Elko have several destinations and attractions. Here are popular outdoor activities to explore in the western gold mining city:
Hiking, Camping, and Rock Climbing
Elko is home to the Ruby Mountains, which offers rugged terrain and hiking trails for beginners and seasoned hikers. Several peaks are thousands of feet above sea level and challenging terrains for experienced hikers. The scenic Lamoille Canyon has unique rocks, slopes, and ice walls for experienced rock climbers. Explore ice climbing adventures during winter and diverse rock formations when the snow melts. The city also features various developed public campgrounds managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Undeveloped public lands also offer camping opportunities for a true outdoor experience.
Off-roading and Mountain Biking
Four-wheel drive trails and off-highway trails are abundant in and around the city. Off-roading opportunities around Harrison Pass, Merrit Mountain, Maggie Creek, and Charleston can be found. The trails expose you to remote areas accessible with a four-wheel SUV. Off-roading trails and hiking trails are also accessible by bikes. For beginners, you can explore road cycling or mountain biking paths or tackle more challenging routes. Nevada mountain biking trails offer a unique potential for adventure, allowing you to experience the remote landscapes featuring wildflowers, glaciated canyons, and wildlife.
Golfing and Fishing
If you enjoy sporting activities, visit the Ruby View or the Spring Creek golf courses to enjoy golfing in scenic surroundings. Spending a few hours at a course provides a fulfilling break from the wilderness and the challenges of hiking and rock climbing. You can also enjoy fishing in Nevada’s rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. The Humboldt River and Angel Lake are hotspots for anglers looking to catch bass and trout. Natural streams also provide serene settings to explore fly fishing and catch various freshwater fish species.
Exploring Art and Culture
Dozens of colorful murals showcase the region’s vibrant art and diverse cultures. The artwork represents the nearby cultures, including Native Americans, Basque, Hispanics, and Westerners. Art walks explore everything, from the rural living of early setters to contemporary culture, food, festivals, and entertainment. You’ll also spot abstract paintings, sizeable colorful cowboy boots, and historic sites like mountain cities and 19th-century old towns.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing
Watching birds is another outdoor activity in Nevada’s mining county. The region has nearly half of all bird species in Nevada, thanks to its many open ponds and wet meadows. You’ll encounter upland game birds, geese, hummingbirds, Himalayan snowcocks, and many other bird species at the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lamoille Canyon, or Angel Lake scenic byways. The area has diverse ecosystems with various wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and mule deer. You may also run into scorpions and rattlesnakes.
Visit Elko City Nevada Today
This region of Nevada offers much, including ghost town tours, winter heli-skiing, annual rodeos and festivals, and museums. Join other visitors to explore the top destinations or embark on a solo tour of the city’s most remote areas. Schedule your visit to Elko today for a memorable outdoor adventure.
