18 Reasons to Steer Clear of Elko County
Nothing to see, nothing to do. All just a bunch of ugly landscapes, bad food, zero culture, and unfriendly locals. Scroll through 18 reasons below to see why you should stay away from this place!
1. It’s all flat, barren and ugly. Nothing to see here.
2. Culture in Elko? Zip, zero, zilch. It’s way too rural for anything that civilized.
3. If you’re a foodie, don’t bother. The only thing you can get your hands on in these parts is meat and potatoes.
4. Into hunting? Keep moving. there aren’t any trophy animals anywhere in sight, and definitely nowhere to learn about—or honor—northeastern Nevada’s creature scene.
5. It’s completely gloomy year-round, and there’s hardly any outdoor adventure worth diving into. A real no-fun zone.
6. There’s absolutely no nightlife or downtown scene worth seeing, so you might as well do yourself a favor and stay on Interstate 80.
7. All the locals are downright rude and super standoffish. No Sagebrush Saloons worth traveling to around here!
8. There’s some western stuff here, but it’s not even legit.
9. There is absolutely no history worth seeing. Even if you do find some cool relics, you can’t get close enough to really take a look and appreciate it.
10. Nevada’s one big ol’ flat, empty basin, so there’s no skiing scene anywhere. Especially in this neck of the woods.
11. And if you adore specialty cocktails, you can forget it. Elko is on Miller Time only.
12. There’s a teensy-tiny event called Cowboy Poetry, but everyone around here is super insincere and unwelcoming. No incredible live music, signature artisanship, original performances, or genuine connection around here. Moving on!
13. There aren’t any geologic features or scenic vistas anywhere near Elko. Everywhere you look is just so damned dull.
14. Nobody ever comes here, especially not for events like the oldest rodeo in Nevada. Boring!
15. Situated in the middle of one of America’s most enormous and isolated deserts, there’s definitely no water—or wildlife!—in sight.
16. And the trout fishing scene up in northeastern Nevada is nothing to write home about. Bull Trout, Schmull Schmout.
17. The hotels around here are a real dump.
18. And the men? They’re all a bunch of jerks. Nobody knows how to treat a lady around here, chivalry is all the way D-E-A-D.
BLECH! This place is soooo not for us.
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Ready to hit the road? Learn all about the incredible lineup of things to see and do along the Rubies Route road trip.
Parks & Recreational Areas
Park-Packed Weekend On The Great Basin Highway
Marked by stunning contrasts around every bend, the Great Basin Highway blasts out of Las Vegas and winds through wide-open country to several Nevada State Parks and a couple of small towns teeming with tales. Pack all the things—this route is replete with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and stargazing opportunities.
Outdoor Recreation
Cool Down at Nevada’s Lesser-Known Lakes
These backcountry destinations might mean arrival by a rough road or hike, but time it right and you could have a pristine aquatic playground practically to yourself.
Itineraries
Episode 1 Itinerary: "Home Means Nevada”
Inspired by Episode 1 of “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” this field guide lets you follow Alex’s lead to the destinations featured in the show, plus a few nearby stops worth a detour.
Rockhounding & Mining
The Geologic History of Nevada’s Black Fire Opal
When you unearth your very own Virgin Valley black fire opal at Royal Peacock Opal Mines, the experience is made all the better by knowing exactly how it got there in the first place.
Rockhounding & Mining
Nevada Adventure, On The Rocks
Millions of years of geological activity have made Nevada a rockhounding paradise. Discover where to uncover turquoise, garnets, black fire opals, and so much more throughout the Silver State.
Itineraries
Episode 3 Itinerary: "Digging Deeper”
Inspired by Episode 3 of “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” this field guide lets you follow Alex’s lead to the destinations featured in the show, plus a few nearby stops worth a detour.
Stargazing
A Love Letter to the Land, Skies, and People of Nevada
Astro Alexandra’s entire career has been dedicated to explaining space and astronomy to others, but even she found it difficult to describe her astonishment over the stargazing at Great Basin National Park.
Road-Trip
10 Reasons Why Pioche is Worth a Road Trip
Born as a silver boomtown in 1864, Pioche brims with fascinating mining history, storied watering holes, and easy access to an abundance of diverse state parks.
Outdoor Recreation
Finding Fall Colors in Northern Nevada
By Kippy Spilker
Wondering where to find fall colors in northern Nevada? The Silver State has a plethora of autumnal hues to offer leaf-peepers.