So, you’re ready to hit the road and experience the best of northern Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor? Well, buckle up because my long weekend itinerary has everything you need—from cowboy charm, Basque traditions, amazing street art, and delicious restaurants along the way.
I visited northern Nevada on a road trip with my husband in July with Travel Nevada, and I can’t believe we’d never really spent time in this area! The Cowboy Corridor route starts only a 4-hour drive from where I live in Boise, Idaho.
Many people think of northern Nevada as desert and tumbleweeds, but I promise there is more here to explore! Before we get into the nitty gritty of northern Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor, let’s go over some of the basics.
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Northern Nevada Itinerary Overview
Where is it and how to get there
Northern Nevada—also known as the Cowboy Corridor—runs along I-80 in Nevada from West Wendover to Reno. While many people just speed past on the freeway, I promise that there are gems to be found out here.
There are many little towns along the way to stop and experience Nevada’s Western charm. These include West Wendover, Wells, Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Fernley, and Reno.
For our itinerary, we drove from Boise and stayed the night in Elko. After some exploration, we traveled west across the state for Reno—with a lunch stop in Winnemucca. You can do this however you’d like, but I’ll fill you in on the details of what we did below.
There are a few options to get to the Cowboy Corridor in Northern Nevada. I’d recommend starting in either Boise or Reno. Both have decent-sized airports, and you can get there directly or via a connecting flight.
Weekend in Northern Nevada Itinerary
Northern Nevada Itinerary Day 1
Day 1: Boise to Elko (Drive Time: About 4 hours)
Kick off your journey in Boise! You can also do this itinerary in reverse and start in Reno. If starting in Boise, I recommend heading to Form & Function Coffee and grabbing yourself a strong cup of coffee before hitting the road in the morning. On this drive, you’ll travel through a gorgeous high-desert landscape. I loved the landscape near Duck Valley Reservation and Wild Horse.
After about four hours of cruising through fairly wide-open spaces (with the occasional mountain landscape in the background), you’ll roll into Elko, Nevada. Elko is what I would call the unofficial capital of the Cowboy Corridor, where the Old West vibes are strong, and the Basque culture runs deep.
Stop 1: Lunch at Ogi Deli
If you reach Elko around lunch time, your first stop should be Ogi Deli! Located in downtown, this spot is a must-try if you’re interested in a bite of Elko’s Basque heritage. It is a local favorite, serving up modern twists on traditional Basque flavors. The chorizo sandwich is one of their most popular menu items.
Stop 2: Go on a self-guided mural tour
Elko’s downtown area is full of colorful murals that tell the story of the town’s history and culture. Grab a coffee and take a leisurely stroll to check out these fun murals. You’ll see renditions from Elko’s early days, including its Basque and cowboy influences. It’s like a walking history lesson with a splash of color! Check out Elko’s Artwalk Mural list so you don’t miss a spot.
Stop 3: Check out the Northeastern Nevada Museum or the California Interpretive Center
Next, head to a museum! The Northeastern Nevada Museum is a quick visit if you want to dig deeper into the region’s history. You’ll find everything from Native American artifacts to exhibits on ranching and mining.
The California Interpretive Center is also a great option if you want to learn about the pioneers who traveled through the area on the California Trail in the 1800s. It has interactive exhibits that let visitors experience what it was like for the hundreds of thousands of emigrants who traveled the trail.
Stop 4: Explore the Western Folklife Center
Now that you’ve had a taste of the local history, it’s time to immerse yourself in cowboy culture at the Western Folklife Center! This center is dedicated to preserving the stories, music, and traditions of the American West. Inside, you’ll find a gift store, gallery, and even an old saloon. It’s also where they host The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which is an annual celebration of art, music, and storytelling. I seriously want to go to this next year!
Stop 5: Grab a Basque dinner at The Star Hotel
As the day winds down, make your way to The Star Hotel & Bar for an authentic Basque dinner. This historic restaurant has been serving up family-style Basque meals since 1910 and is a true Elko institution. Everything is served family style, from the delicious starters to the lamb dishes. I loved this as it was my first family-style Basque dining experience. Be sure to try the cabbage soup—it was my favorite!
Stop 6: Stay the night at Stockmen’s Casino and Ramada Hotel
After a day full of exploring and driving, you’re probably tired! Stockmen’s is located in the center of downtown, just a few blocks from The Star Hotel & Bar. It’s a no-frills hotel with that old-school Nevada feel, and if you’re feeling lucky, you can even hit the casino for a little fun before turning in for the night.
Northern Nevada Itinerary Day 2
Elko to Winnemucca (Drive Time: About 2 hours)
After a good night’s sleep, grab breakfast and hit the road for a quick two-hour drive to Winnemucca. This small town is big on cowboy spirit and was coined the “Friendliest Town in Nevada.”
Stop 1: Grab coffee and breakfast
Before you start driving to your next spot, I recommend a visit to Cowboy Joe Coffee, a cute local coffee shop. With its fun neon sign and true cowboy-of-the-West vibes, it perfectly captures the spirit of Elko. They also have light breakfast bites like pastries and bagels for the road.
If you’d rather have a sit-down breakfast before hitting the rest of the Cowboy Corridor, I’d recommend checking out Coffee Mug!
Stop 2: Walk over to Centennial Park
After you get your caffeine fix, take a stroll over to Centennial Park, where you’ll find the Chilton Centennial Tower. This isn’t just any old tower—it’s got the word “ELKO” lit up in small bulbs that give off major vintage casino vibes. It’s a cool tribute to Elko’s roots in the railroad, gambling, and mining industries. Right behind the tower, you’ll see an old train car sitting on what used to be the town’s train tracks.
Stop 3 (option 1): Day trip to The Ruby Mountains (Drive Time: About 50 minutes)
If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, you’ve got to check out the Ruby Mountains. While we didn’t get to make it over there, I’ve heard the mountains are incredible, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife sightings.
Plus, there’s a hot spring nearby—Ruby Valley (Smith Ranch) Hot Springs—that looks really neat! If you’re an outdoor lover, this area might be right up your alley!
Stop 3 (option 2): Drive to Winnemucca (Drive Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes)
If you’re short on time—or just ready to hit the road again—then I recommend heading to Winnemucca. The drive is peaceful, with open skies and miles of desert landscape. You can also stop in Battle Mountain, another small town stop on the Cowboy Corridor!
Stop 4: Head to The Martin Hotel for a Basque lunch
Once you roll into Winnemucca, make a beeline for The Martin Hotel. This historic Basque restaurant is the real deal when it comes to family-style meals. They are known for their dinners, but their lunch is just as good. It’s the perfect stop before you head on your way to Reno!
Stop 5: Stroll through downtown Winnemucca
After eating at The Martin Hotel, you might want to stretch your legs a bit. Take a leisurely walk through downtown Winnemucca, where you can pop into a casino or check out the World’s Largest Piece of Driftwood that serves as a marker for the beginning of the Winnemucca to the Sea Highway.
Stop 6: Drive to Reno
It’s time to head to Reno! Along the way, you can stop in Lovelock—another small-town stop on the Cowboy Corridor. The drive to Reno is pretty smooth, and before you know it, you’ll be rolling into the “Biggest Little City in the World,” ready for the next leg of your adventure.
Stop 7: Check into The Jesse Hotel
Once you arrive in Reno, it’s time to check in at the new boutique hotel: The Jesse. This spot is so chic and cute, with a mix of modern style and historic charm that makes it feel super cool and cozy. The rooms are comfy, the vibe is laid-back, and it’s the perfect place to rest up after a day on the road.
Stop 8: Walk the Reno Riverwalk
After dropping off your bags, take a stroll along the Reno Riverwalk District. It’s one of the prettiest spots in the city, with the Truckee River flowing right through downtown. I loved checking out local art along the pathway (some are even installations from Burning Man), watching the kids swimming in the river, and just enjoying the fresh air. You might even catch a live band or a local festival happening along the way.
Stop 9: Grab drinks and dinner
We happened to stumble upon The Eddy, an outdoor bar right along the river with a really fun vibe. It has outdoor seating, games, and twinkle lights and is the perfect spot to have a drink before dinner. After a drink, I recommend heading over to Midtown Reno and grabbing a casual dinner at Noble Pie, a local favorite known for its seriously good pizza.
Stop 10: Go to a local event put on by Artown Reno
If you’re in Reno during the Artown festival, awesome! This city-wide celebration has something for everyone. We ended up going to a DJ Fire & Glow show at the Black Rabbit Meadery and got to see flame throwers and fire dancers groove to DJ mixes. It was a funky and creative crowd that showed off Reno’s artsy and eclectic side.
Northern Nevada Itinerary Day 3
Explore Reno
Stop 1: Grab breakfast
I highly recommend waking up and heading to Pine State Biscuits. I’m obsessed with this breakfast place! It started in Portland, Oregon, and now has a few locations around the USA. I could not resist bringing my husband here! Their biscuits are SO good, and yes, it’s totally worth the weekend wait.
Stop 2: Grab a photo at the famous Reno Arch
No trip to Reno is complete without a photo op at the iconic Reno Arch! This is a must-do for first-timers. It’s the classic “Biggest Little City in the World” sign. You can also go visit the old sign from 1926 that is currently on Lake Street near the National Automobile Museum.
Stop 3: Try your hand at gambling
When in Reno, you’ve got to try your luck, right? Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking to have some fun, hit up one of the local casinos for a bit of gaming action. Slot machines, blackjack, or even just people-watching—it’s all part of the Reno experience.
Stop 4: Go to University Ridge Park for views of downtown Reno
Take a breather and head over to University Ridge Park for some stunning views of downtown Reno. This park is a bit of a hidden gem and the perfect spot to relax, take in the scenery, and maybe snap a few more photos.
Stop 5: See what local events are happening
Reno’s always got something going on, so be sure to check out what local events are happening while you’re in town. We were lucky enough to catch the Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Festival, and it was a blast! They had traditional Basque dancing, delicious food and wine, weight-lifting, wood-chopping, and much more. Whether it’s a festival, a concert, or a quirky local fair, there’s always something fun to do in Reno.
Stop 6: Grab dinner at Louis’ Basque Corner
As if we haven’t had enough Basque food, our final dinner was at Louis’ Basque Corner. This place is delicious. It’s been in Reno for many years and serves up family-style meals that are hearty, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Don’t forget to try their Picon Punch—a Basque cocktail that packs a punch!
Stop 7: Have a nightcap at The Jesse
After a full day of exploring, wind down with a nightcap at The Jesse Bar. This place has a cozy, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for ending the night whether you’re a guest or just in the area.
Northern Nevada Itinerary Day 4
Reno to Boise (Drive Time: About 6 hours 20 mins)
Stop 1: Grab breakfast
Before hitting the road, make one last breakfast stop at Truckee Bagel Company. These bagels hit the spot and are perfect for fueling up before a long drive. Grab a coffee to go with it, and you’re all set for the journey home.
H5: Stop 2: Drive home!
With your bagel in hand, it’s time to hit the road and head home. We did the entire drive back from Reno in one day, but you can also add more time to your trip by stopping in one or more stops on your way back! Or you can end your trip in Reno and fly home.
Whether you’re learning more about the Basque culture, snapping photos under the iconic Reno sign, or just soaking in the stunning views, the Cowboy Corridor offers a little something for everyone.
I hope you get a chance to experience it. Please let me know if you do end up going on this trip or if you have any questions—leave them in the comments! Safe travels!
This post was brought to you in partnership with Travel Nevada. But as I’m sure you can tell, my enthusiasm for northern Nevada and the thoughts shared here are all my own.
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Thank you for sharing such an exciting itinerary for Northern Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor! This trip perfectly captures the unique blend of cowboy culture, Basque heritage, and beautiful desert landscapes along I-80. The detailed stops in Elko, from Ogi Deli to the Western Folklife Center, set up an ideal cultural immersion, and the Ruby Mountains side trip is a great tip for those who love the outdoors. Ending in Winnemucca with a Basque lunch at The Martin Hotel sounds like a memorable finish. This guide would make any adventurer eager to explore Northern Nevada!
Thank you so much for this fantastic itinerary for a weekend in Northern Nevada! I really appreciate how you’ve outlined the unique experiences, from the cowboy charm of Elko to the Basque heritage and fascinating history along the Cowboy Corridor. The mix of museums, murals, and delicious food makes it clear that this area has so much to offer, beyond just desert landscapes. Your personal recommendations, especially the Western Folklife Center and the Basque dinner at The Star Hotel, make this itinerary feel like an authentic exploration. Thanks again for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed guide!
This Nevada road trip itinerary looks fantastic! I especially like the inclusion of Elko – I’ve heard great things about the Western Folklife Center.
When you were in Winnemucca, did you get a chance to visit the Winnemucca Basque Block? It seems like a great place to experience Basque culture and cuisine.
What a fantastic itinerary! Northern Nevada’s Cowboy Corridor is a hidden gem, filled with rich history, cowboy culture, and Basque cuisine. From Elko’s murals to Reno’s vibrant Riverwalk, every stop is packed with adventure. I love the mix of outdoor activities and local history, and the food stops—especially the Basque meals—sound amazing! I’ll definitely keep this in mind for my next road trip. Thanks for sharing such a detailed and thoughtful guide!