In honor of National Photography Month, explore these five photo-worthy spots in Elko County, Nevada, or venture out and find your own!
1) Lamoille Canyon Road
Paved and easily accessed, Lamoille Canyon Road provides excellent views of the peaks of the Ruby Mountains, which can be capped with snow into June. Photographers will find meadows peppered with bright wildflowers, waterfalls, and exceptionally beautiful topography. Be prepared for wildlife sightings, including mountain goats, big horn sheep, and birds. Many spots to pull over and explore further or simply enjoy a picnic can be found along the road.
2) Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Valued for its exceptional variety of waterfowl and remote location, Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the lake, as well a series of marshes and ponds. A specific photo blind trail is available for photographing waterfowl, but an auto tour is also an option for those wishing to remain in a vehicle. Need more time to explore the uncommon scenery? Next to Ruby Lake is a Forest Service campground. A few additional primitive camp sites can be found in the foothills on the west side.
3) Wild Horse State Recreation Area
Positioned at the same elevation as Lake Tahoe (6,200 ft) and named for the wild horses that used to roam freely, Wild Horse State Recreation Area provides opportunities for excellent photographs year-round. In the summer, visitors will be treated to beautiful sights on and off the water. On land, several dozen wildflower species can be enjoyed, as well as some big game animals common to this area of Nevada, including rocky mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, and more. Take an all-terrain vehicle for more unique and close-up shots. In the winter, snap photographs of ice fishermen and ice-skaters or try a snowmobile for more remote destinations in the park.
4) Angel Lake Scenic Byway
Situated at 8,500 feet, Angel Lake Scenic Byway offers extensive views of the Humboldt Mountains and beyond. As the elevation rises, visitors enter the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which is the largest in the lower 48 states at 6.3 million acres. Conifer and aspen grace this subalpine area of the forest. The exceptional visibility of the stars on this route begs for a photograph. Do not leave without a shot of Angel Lake itself, nestled against majestic rocky cliffs.
5) Downtown Elko
Enveloped in a rich cultural and historical tapestry, Elko exudes old west flair ripe for unusual photographs. In 2019, downtown Elko was given a facelift from the Elko Mural Expo, a live painting event that resulted in over 60 murals on more than 30 walls. The murals are an homage to the unique cultural history of the area and the peoples that have influenced it. Photograph a true western artisan saddle maker at J.M. Capriola. Not in the market for a saddle or spurs? Pick up custom leather goods or silver collectibles from their family owned and operated store and immerse yourself in their remarkable history. For those who can’t resist photographing food, visit The Star Hotel for a family-style Basque dinner that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Many Basques emigrated to northern Nevada in the 19th century, particularly as sheepherders, creating around them boarding houses that served as a touchstones to Basque culture that have continued to influence Nevada culture.
Get that camera ready! For information on land we have for sale in Elko County, NV, contact info@e24land.com.