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Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area

Located between Austin and Eureka lies a 10,000 year old hidden history. 
Trail Uses
Hiking Horseback riding Mountain biking
Location
Lander County
Length
13.50 miles (Network)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Austin
Surface
Dirt
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
No

Description

This recreation area has everything you need to make you feel right at home, with over 16 camp sites equipped with barbecues and fire rings as well as a clean restroom and plenty of hiking trails! As you may have already guessed by the name, hundreds of petroglyphs are sprinkled across the rocks throughout the site. You may have to look high and low to spot this beautiful artwork, but be assured you will not leave without seeing at least one or two! Given that petroglyphs are carved into the stone rather than pictographs that are painted, time and weather has done its damage to the 10,000 year old art. Please do your due diligence by not touching or carving into any of the rocks.  To learn more about the history and the area of the Hickison Petroglyph recreation site, watch this short video from PBS Reno! (Skip to 18:00 minutes). 

There are some short and easy interpretive trails leading from the campsite and through some of the most densely populated areas with petroglyphs. Two loops just north of the campsite will give you stunning views of the Big Smoky Valley and Toiyabe mountain range. 

Other Information

Day use and camping is free within the recreation area. 

If you are still looking for more historical adventure after this, check out the pictographs at Toquima Cave!

For visitor information and lodging visit the City of Austin's website. 

For more OHV trails in the area visit The Dirt!

Do not touch or take any artifacts from any archeological sites you may come across. Please report damage to archeological sites here!

Trail Manager

For additional information visit the BLM website or contact:

Bureau of Land Management - Tonopah Field Office

Bureau of Land Management - Tonopah Field Office
1553 South Main Street
Tonopah, Nevada 89049
Phone: 775-482-7800
BLM_NV_BMDOwebmail@blm.gov
View website

Download

Download map files for your own use.

Recreate Responsibly

Leave What You Find
Respect natural resources, cultural and historic items, and wildlife by looking rather than touching.
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Trailhead Information

Located to the north of HWY 50 just east of Austin. A large sign is present to point you in the direction of the recreation area. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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Trail Alerts

Trails
Historical or Cultural Area
This trail passes by an important historical or cultural area. Please respect the area and future visitors by looking rather than touching.
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