It’s a long, solitary, 140 miles from Wells to Ely. US-93 shoots down Clover Valley to the southern edge of the East Humboldts where Hwy-229, a maintained gravel road, cuts off southwest toward the Ruby Mountains, also known as the Nevada Alps. This is one of Nevada’s most scenic ranges: 100 miles long, with more than a dozen peaks over 9,000 feet.

  The best access to the Ruby Mountains is through the engaging small city of Elko, 50 miles west of Wells via I-80. Besides maintaining its Basque culture, Elko is home to the Western Folklife Center, which hosts the very popular Cowboy Poetry Gathering every January, a Cowboy Music Gathering the last weekend in June, and a 4th of July celebration. Take advantage of some of the fine family-style Basque restaurants like the Star Hotel (775/738-9925), near the railroad tracks at 246 Silver Street, which is worth the drive for the delicious lamb chops and other dishes.

  For more information, contact the Elko Convention and Visitors Bureau (775/738-7135 or 800/428-7143), at 140-5 Idaho Street.