Elko County - 48 Attractions You Must Visit

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About Elko County

Fourth-largest county by area in the contiguous United States. It is one of only 10 counties in the U.S. with more than 10,000 square miles (25,900 km2) of area.

Types of Attractions in Elko County

Activities Around

List of Attractions in Elko County

Lamoille Lake

Lamoille Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Lamoille Lake is a picturesque alpine lake located in Elko County, Nevada, nestled in the Ruby Mountains. The lake covers over 110 acres and has a maximum depth of 60 feet. It is fed by snowmelt and natural springs, ensuring crystal-clear waters throughout the year.The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

Liberty Lake

Liberty Lake

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Liberty Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Ruby Mountains of Elko County, Nevada. The lake covers over 20 acres and has a maximum depth of 16 feet. It is fed by snowmelt and natural springs, ensuring crystal-clear waters throughout the year.The lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

Matterhorn

Matterhorn

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Matterhorn is a prominent mountain peak located in Elko County, Nevada, approximately 30 miles northwest of Ruby Valley. It stands at an elevation of 10,838 feet and is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.The mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the Jarbidge Wilderness Area, the Ruby Mountains, and the Great Basin. It is known for its rugged terrain, with steep ridges and rocky outcrops that offer a challenging climb.

McAfee Peak

McAfee Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

McAfee Peak is a prominent mountain peak, approximately 15 miles northwest of Ruby Valley. It stands at an elevation of 10,438 feet and is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Ruby Mountains, the Great Basin, and the nearby Independence Mountains. It is known for its rugged terrain, with steep ridges and rocky outcrops that challenge even experienced climbers.

Metropolis Ghost Town

A ghost town from early twentieth century, when many homesteaders attempted to farm in the Great Basin. Metropolis was a project of an eastern businessman, Harry L. Pierce, intended to be the center of a huge farming district.

Monitor Valley

Monitor Valley

Outdoors- Other

Monitor Valley is a vast and picturesque valley, covers over 1,000 square miles and is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique geological features. The valley is home to several small towns, including Austin, which was once a bustling mining town during the 19th century.The valley is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Toiyabe Range and the Monitor Range, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Gilbert

Mount Gilbert

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Mount Gilbert is a prominent mountain peak located in Elko County, Nevada, approximately 10 miles southeast of Ruby Valley. It stands at an elevation of 9,108 feet and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including Ruby Valley, the Ruby Mountains, and the Great Basin.

Northeastern Nevada Museum

Features art and local history exhibits as well as extensive wildlife habitat dioramas in xix galleries occupying more than 20,000 square feet.

Owyhee Desert

Owyhee Desert

Deserts

2-5 Day Treks

The Owyhee Desert is a vast and rugged region located in Elko County, Nevada. It covers over 6,000 square miles and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique geological features.The region is home to a variety of wildlife, such as pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds that can be spotted in the area.

Pearl Peak

Pearl Peak

Viewpoints

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Pearl Peak is a majestic mountain peak located in Elko County, Nevada, approximately 25 miles southeast of Ruby Valley. It stands at an elevation of 10,840 feet and is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Ruby Mountains, the Great Basin, and the nearby Jarbidge Wilderness.

Pequop Summit

Pequop Summit

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Peop Summit is a mountain pass located in Elko County, Nevada, approximately 35 miles northeast of Ruby Valley. It stands at an elevation of 6,929 feet and serves as a major transportation route, connecting the cities of Wells and Wendover. The summit is known for its stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Toiyabe Range and the Pilot Range.

Pilot Peak

Pilot Peak

Deserts

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Named for its use as an easily recognized landmark, it is the highest point in the Pilot Range. 4th highest peak in Nevada.

Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail

Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail

Viewpoints

Outdoors- Other

2-5 Day Treks

Wildlife Sanctuaries

This is a stunning hiking trail, that spans over 42 miles across the Ruby Mountains. The trail offers hikers breathtaking views of alpine lakes, lush meadows, towering peaks, and expansive valleys.The trail is considered to be one of the most challenging hikes in Nevada, with steep inclines, rugged terrain, and high elevations ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000 feet. However, the trail rewards hikers with unforgettable views and a unique wilderness experience.

Ruby Dome

Ruby Dome

1 Day Treks

Mountain Peaks

Highest mountain in both the Ruby Mountains and Elko County. The mountain rises from a base elevation of about 6,000 feet (1,800 m) to a height of 11,387 feet (3,471 m).

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Forests

Bird Sanctuaries

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an incredible natural destination located in Elko County, Nevada. The refuge covers an area of over 37,000 acres and was established in 1938 with the aim of providing a safe and protected habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.One of the most notable features of Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the incredible diversity of bird species that can be found there. The refuge is home to over 200 different bird species.

Ruby Mountains Wilderness

Ruby Mountains Wilderness

Forests

Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Ruby Mountains Wilderness is a stunning mountain range. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.The mountain range spans over 90,000 acres and boasts peaks that reach over 11,000 feet in elevation, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. The region is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.

Ruby Valley

Ruby Valley

Outdoors- Other

Ruby Valley is a small unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Elko County. It is situated at an elevation of 6,300 feet and covers an area of approximately 120 square miles. The valley is characterized by its stunning natural beauty and is known for its abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, and antelope.In addition to its natural attractions, Ruby Valley is also home to several historic sites.

Snow Lake Peak

Snow Lake Peak

Lake/ River/ Ponds

Mountain Peaks

Snow Lake Peak is a stunning mountain peak, approximately 20 miles southwest of Ruby Valley. It stands at an elevation of 10,881 feet and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Ruby Mountains, the Great Basin, and the nearby Lamoille Canyon.

South Fork Reservoir

South Fork Reservoir

Lake/ River/ Ponds

South Fork Reservoir is a stunning man-made lake located in Elko County, Nevada. Covering over 1,600 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet, the reservoir is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. The water is stocked with a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish.

South Fork State Recreation Area

South Fork State Recreation Area

Outdoors- Other

Parks

2-5 Day Treks

South Fork State Recreation Area is a picturesque park, adjacent to the stunning South Fork Reservoir. The park covers over 1,000 acres and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, boating, and hiking.The South Fork Reservoir is a man-made lake that spans over 1,600 acres and has a maximum depth of 25 feet. The reservoir is stocked with a variety of fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels.

Map of attractions in Elko County

Comments

For more information about Elko County, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elko_County,_Nevada