Elko and Nevada’s Cowboy Country: Exploring the Authentic West

Elko is a unique little town with true Western flair accented by the Basque heritage of shepherd immigrants. Make your first stop the Western Folklife Center, where you’ll learn about the authentic west and its cultural spirit. True to form, the most epic element of the center is its annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Cowboys and poetry – now that’s a memorable slice of Americana. Further uncover your inner cowboy or cowgirl at the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum. Learn about historic customs, participate in workshops and watch demonstrations on trades like silver engraving, raw hide braiding and leather stamping. You can’t come to Elko without stopping in J.M. Capriola, a revered western-crafted goods purveyor known for high-quality saddles, bits & spurs and pocket knives. Sit down for a hearty steak at The Star Hotel, where you’ll be treated to Basque-inspired cuisine and given a warm Elko welcome.

Strike out to mines scattered along the byways of Cowboy Country in the Golden Horseshoe, the region starting in McDermitt and heading south on U.S. Highway 90 to Winnemucca then east on Interstate 80 to Battle Mountain and Elko. Visit the not-so-spooky ghost town of Paradise Valley and its classic Paradise Valley Saloon & Bar G for a raucous good time, not too far from the historic mining town of Tuscarora. For a hands-on mining experience, take a guided tour at Newmont Gold Mine. For a true taste of Western life, head to Jarbidge Wilderness, an idyllic spot for horseback riding, hunting and fishing. There’s also several ranches here offering Western-inspired accommodations and experiences.

The Wild West may be rugged, but it’s also beautiful and alive with opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Hike trails along the Santa Rosa Mountains like the Summit Trail or Falls Canyon Trail. Bird watch and check out other wildlife at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, or find yourself in the midst of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the largest national forest in the continental USA. Be sure to add Lamoille Canyon and Angel Lake Scenic Byway to your itinerary to hike trails filled with wildflowers, alpine lakes and dense forests.

Try your luck trout fishing at Wilson Reservoir, South Fork State Recreation Center or Wild Horse State Recreation Area. The famed Black Rock Desert isn’t far either, known for its many wonders especially the famous Burning Man festival. There’s even something for thrill seekers: Try heli-skiing in the Ruby Mountains. Or, go traditional with sledding or snow skiing in the SnoBowl Ski Area.

Dans le Cowboy Country, vous pouvez ajouter à vos aventures au grand air une pointe de vie citadine. Assistez à un concert ou à un spectacle humoristique au Peppermill Concert Hall à Wendover, ou rendez-vous à West Wendover pour profiter de casinos et de restaurants gastronomiques variés. Il y a aussi Jackpot, à la frontière entre l’Idaho et le Nevada, qui abrite elle aussi des divertissements semblables à ceux de Las Vegas, ainsi qu’un terrain de golf de championnat, agrémenté de panoramas sur les montagnes. S’il y a une dernière activité western à inclure à votre programme, c’est le rodéo local de Winnemucca. Profitez-en pour explorer en véhicule tout-terrain les Winnemucca Sand Dunes (vous pourrez également camper au pied des dunes).

Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah and rent a car. Take a 360-kilometer drive to Elko, Nevada. You can also fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport and drive 466 kilometers to Elko.