Elko is located along the Humboldt River and is the largest city in northeastern Nevada. Founded in the late 1860's as a railroad town, Elko is a unique blend of a rough & tumble western tradition and the Spanish Basque culture, introduced to Elko when Basque sheepherders decided to call this area home. Elko is well known for its annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering each January, which draws thousands of visitors, and also as the gateway to the magnificent Ruby Mountains to the east and Independence Mountains and Jarbidge Wilderness to the north.

The Ruby Mountains, affectionately dubbed the "Alps of Nevada," are one of the state's most striking mountain ranges. Jutting dramatically from the floor of the Ruby Valley, these mountains offer world-class recreation to visitors. The Rubies contain 10 peaks above 10,000 feet, and more than two dozen alpine lakes.

Winnemucca is the historical 'crossroads' town of Nevada, the site of intersection of three major highways and the railroad. Located at the southern end of the Paradise Valley with the Santa Rosa Mountains flanking the far western view, Winnemucca has much to offer the recreationalists with several excellent trail systems and state parks within an hour drive of downtown.