Petroglyphs are the reason to stop here. Easily seen and remarkably graffiti-free, they cover hundreds of boulders. An interpretive trail provides explanations of different 'glyphs (abstract, such as holes pecked in a large rock) and more recent 'glyphs (representative, such the shape of lizards or animals). Abstract petroglyphs are over 3,500 years old while representative 'glyphs are no more than 1,000 year old. Research indicates that the 'glyphs found in Nevada were used as magic to beseech the gods for a successful hunt. 'Glyphs were created by the leader or medicine man as a pre-hunt ritual. This theory seems appropriate as the 'glyphs here and elsewhere are located near what is believed to have been the seasonal migration routes of deer, antelope and buffalo. There is said to be the remains of an aboriginal drift fence, used for herding animals to slaughter, however my inexperienced eye couldn't spot it on the hill above the 'glyphs.

Further down a two lane graded gravel road is Hidden Cave. To protect this piece of prehistory, it is open on the second and fourth Saturdays. Tours of the cave form at Churchill County Museum in Fallon (775) 885-6000 for info. For the museum's virtual tour of the cave and information on the museum -  Hidden Cave.  A one mile interpretive trail winds its way up the hillside leading to the cave.. Signs point out interesting sights and locations along the trail.

Further down the road is Burnt Cave. Unlike Hidden Cave, this shallow cave is always open to the public. Burnt Cave contains examples of pictographs, designs painted on the rock walls as opposed to petroglyphs where the design is pecked into the surface. Due to their age, the pictographs have faded and many are difficult to discern as can be seen in the red pictographs below.