Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is the easiest way to understand why people in Elko talk about the Ruby Mountains with such affection. The paved road climbs into a glacier-cut canyon of pale cliffs, meadows, waterfalls, and high trailheads, reaching country that feels far more alpine than the surrounding basin suggests.
The drive is short, but do not rush it. Picnic areas, overlooks, and trail access make it worth a half day, especially in wildflower season or early autumn. Snow closes the upper road in winter, and cell service can be thin, so check conditions before setting out from Elko.