There are lots of reasons people visit Elko, Nevada. From the abundant camping grounds to the many festivals, the activities and events offered in Elko are endless. Here are some of the most popular reasons why people take vacations to Elko, Nevada:
Outdoor Activities
Elko, Nevada, is a retreat for nature enthusiasts because the area is nestled near the mountains, and many ideal camping locations exist nearby. Many people like to visit the campgrounds managed by the Nevada State Parks. This area also has many great hiking locations to help explorers discover Elko’s natural beauty.
Rockhounding is a beloved outdoor activity among those who visit Elko. The city became famous for mining precious gold, copper, and silver. There are many other rock and mineral treasures in Elko and the Ruby Mountains for you to claim, including geodes, jasper, agate, and more.
Unique Activities
The most unique and well-known activity in the area is the Basque festival. Basque culture is a massive part of what differentiates Elko from other places. This culture, which originates from regions of France and Spain, and cuisine create a unique place for visitors to take vacations. The festival celebrates the settlers coming to Nevada to mine gold and silver. It includes music, dancing, strength competitions, and more. Attendants also participate in family-style meals and drink Picon Punch, a famous Basque cocktail. There are also 5K runs, golf tournaments, and handball tournaments.
Elko, Nevada, also has a heli-skiing attraction. This attraction combines two adventurous activities: helicopter riding and skiing. Visitors take a helicopter up the Ruby Mountains and ski down from high peaks. They can ski across over 200,000 acres and glide across hundreds of skiing runs.
Ghost towns are another popular attraction in Elko, Nevada. These towns showcase the old copper mines and parts of the historic Pony Express that made Elko famous. They also offer a variety of guided and self-guided tours to learn more about the area’s history. Every October, Elko hosts a haunted ghost tour in these ghost towns for a fun, spooky activity.
Annual Events
Elko offers a variety of annual events and attractions for visitors to enjoy. One popular annual event is the Cowboy Poetry Festival, one of the most established cowboy poetry events in the United States. Established in 1985, this festival offers music, dancing, poetry, folk tales, and performances to celebrate the cowboy and the Western way of life.
Another event that people go to Elko for is the Silver State Stampede, which is Nevada’s oldest. It started in 1912, and today, it hosts cowboys and girls from all over the globe. Visitors can watch mutton busting, the rodeo, mini bulls, and more.
A popular family event is the Ruby Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival. This festival brings in over 40 hot air balloonists and many colorful hot air balloons for visitors to enjoy. At this festival, there are vendors and activities for children. There is also a night hot air balloon show and hot air balloon rides for the whole family.
Research Vacations to Elko, Nevada
These are just a few of the many activities that Elko, Nevada, offers. As you plan your next vacation, be sure to delve into the other attractions this area offers. There are many events, dining options, outdoor activities, and more.
