Overview
Elko (Shoshoni: Natakkoa) is a city in Elko county, Northern Nevada.
6 sights · 4 things to do · 6 places to eat · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Elko
Western Folklife Center
Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
An approximately 12 mile stretch of scenic highway that ascends Lamoille Canyon through the Ruby Mountains, also known as the Swiss Alps of Nevada.
Wild Horse State Recreation Area
South Fork State Recreation Area
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
California Trail Interpretive Center
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Wells)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EKO Elko Regional Airport, Elko — 2 mi away. Directions
- TWF Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport, Twin Falls — 132 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 190 mi away (major hub). Directions
Amtrak. The California Zephyr stops here on its runs between Chicago and San Francisco via Salt Lake City, Winnemucca, Reno, etc. There are two Amtrak platforms in Elko. The first is located at 1300 Water Street (Westbound only, train #5). The other is located at 1301 Sharps Access Rd (Eastbound only, train #6).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning California Trail Interpretive Center, Western Folklife Center, Northeastern Nevada Museum
- Lunch Pizza Barn
- Afternoon South Fork State Recreation Area, Wild Horse State Recreation Area
- Dinner 9 beans & a Burrito
Day 2
- Morning Lamoille Presbyterian Church, Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
- Lunch The Star Hotel
- Afternoon Ruby Mountains Hiking Road's End Trailhead, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Dinner La Fiesta
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
Go Elko Regional Airport (J.C. Harris Field EKO)
The airport works with Skywest Airlines as Delta Connectionto provide in and out bound flights to and from Salt Lake City daily.
By train
Amtrak. The California Zephyr stops here on its runs between Chicago and San Francisco via Salt Lake City, Winnemucca, Reno, etc. There are two Amtrak platforms in Elko. The first is located at 1300 Water Street (Westbound only, train #5). The other is located at 1301 Sharps Access Rd (Eastbound only, train #6).
By car
Interstate 80 is the only major highway that runs through Elko.
See
See Lamoille Presbyterian Church
An often photographed spot of a country church with the Ruby Mountains rising in the background.
See Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway
An approximately 12 mile stretch of scenic highway that ascends Lamoille Canyon through the Ruby Mountains, also known as the Swiss Alps of Nevada.
Do
Buy
Eat
Family restaurants
Pizza places
Mexican restaurants
Eat Dos Amigos
added link, hours, coordinates.
Basque restaurants
Sleep
Stay American Inn
Stay Budget Inn
Stay Comfort Inn
Stay Manor Motor Lodge
Stay Shiloh Inn
Stay Stampede Motel
Go next
Reno - 80 West. About 4 hours away.
Salt Lake City - 80 East. About 3 1/2 hours away.
Austin - 80 West to 305 South to 50 East. About 2 1/2 hours away
Twin Falls - 80 East to 93 North. About 2 1/2 hours away.
Nearby
My experience
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