The Oldest Petroglyphs In America Are Right Here In Nevada And They’re Amazing
Nevada is home to some of the oldest and most accessible petroglyphs in North America, with significant sites near Winnemucca Lake, Sloan Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon, Grimes Point, and Weepah Spring Wilderness.
According to the Journal of Archaeological Science, petroglyphs in the area near Winnemucca Lake in Nevada are possibly as old as 14,800 years, making them the oldest rock art found in North America. There are several spots in Nevada with ancient petroglyphs from previous Native American cultures but the set found at Winnemucca Lake is a stunning find for scientists.
The petroglyphs are located in a lake bed that has been dried up for a very long time. Although, at one point in time, the carvings were covered by water. Researchers believe they were covered by water for a period of time between 14,800 and 10,500 years ago.
In this aerial view of Pyramid Lake, you can see the Winnemucca Lake bed in the lower left corner. The petroglyphs lie near Pyramid Lake and are located on the Paiute Reservation lands.
advertisement
The scientists used radiocarbon dating to determine the approximate age of the rock carvings. The carvings also have similarities with other carvings found in western Oregon and southeastern California.
There are actually several spots in Nevada where you can see petroglyphs right on your hiking trail. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is located south of Las Vegas and has petroglyphs thought to be 4,000 years old. The area is over 48,000 acres and while motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are not allowed, hiking and horseback riding are acceptable. Horses are not allowed in the petroglyph area, however.
The Petroglyph Canyon Trail is a fairly easy hike which is a total of 4.4 miles. If you usually hike with your pooch, dogs are not allowed here. The trailhead can be found by taking Democracy Drive in Anthem (Henderson) all the way up to the conservation area and making a left onto Nawghaw Poa Road where you will find the visitor station.
Another spot with incredible Nevada petroglyphs and some absolutely gorgeous hiking is Valley of Fire State Park. This is Nevada's oldest and biggest park and the petroglyphs are believed to be around 3,000 years old. The park is known for its incredible red rock formations and color varieties.
There are several spots in the park you can see petroglyphs. If you take Scenic Loop Road, you'll pass Atlatl Rock, which has metal steps you can climb to access and view the art.
Mouse's Tank is a hike where petroglyphs can be found along the walls of the aptly named Petroglyph Canyon. The hike is a little under a mile and suitable for all ages and for beginners. The park is open all year round but bear in mind it's extremely hot in the summer.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is just outside of Las Vegas (15 miles) and has some exquisite desert hiking and recreational opportunities.
There are several places to see rock art in Red Rock Canyon but one of the easiest is the Petroglyph Wall Trail, which is more of a short walk than a hike. Park at the Willow Springs Picnic Area and walk over to the cliffs to view the art.
Another area in Red Rock is Calico Basin, which has examples of petroglyphs along a wooden boardwalk. The rock art is found on boulders along the cliffs outside the boardwalk so keep your eye peeled for them. Calico Basin itself has some lovely hiking trails and is a great picnic spot. The entrance is located just outside of the Red Rock National Conservation Area and, therefore, there's no day-use fee.
Grimes Point Archaeological Area is a National Recreation Trail that has petroglyphs thought to be about 6,000 years old. Grimes Point is located 12 miles east of Fallon off the US-50.
The rock art at Grimes is quite easy to see since most of it is on large boulders laying along the ground, of which there are about 150. The boulders are lined along a trail you can follow, which has many helpful interpretative signs explaining the meaning of the artwork and the history of the area.
Weepah Spring Wilderness is located in Lincoln and Nye counties and consists of 51,480 acres. The rock art here can be found in the White River Narrows Archaeological District.
The White River Narrows Archaeological District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has some of the biggest groupings of petroglyphs in the state. The area is about three hours from Las Vegas via car.
The art here is plentiful and can be easily seen as you walk between the canyon walls in White River Narrows. Another area, the Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area, about 20 miles away, has several petroglyph spots as well. You can easily make a weekend trip out of visiting all of the rock art in this scenic area.
What do you think of seeing ancient art so easily in the natural beauty of Nevada? Where are some of your favorite places to view Nevada petroglyphs? Share your rock art experiences in the comments! You can also learn more about the Nevada petroglyphs near Winnemucca Lake in the Journal of Archeological Science.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Often when we talk about the Old West, we focus a lot on the indigenous peoples, cowboys, the Gold Rush, those who came from the East in covered wagons, etc. But there is another group of people that make up a significant part of this state’s (and other Western parts’) history, culture, and community. Basque history in Elko, Nevada, is well-preserved and honors an important part of the population. Read on to learn more about this fascinating history.
advertisement
In the mid-1800s, with the beginnings of the Gold Rush, Basque settlers came to the West from the mountainous areas of France and Spain known then as the Kingdom of Navarre.
The Basque became a tremendously important part of the community, tending sheep and cattle, working the difficult land, and supplying the mining camps with meat.
The Basque people brought their traditions with them and kept them alive even while assimilating to a new homeland. Communities of these hard-working, resilient people grew and continue to thrive in parts of Nevada and Utah, and are an integral part of life in Elko.
The Elko Eukaldunak Club is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Basques. Eukaldunak means “Basque” in the Basque language.
Every year on the Fourth of July weekend, The Euzkaldunak Club sponsors the National Basque Festival, bringing people together - Basques and others - from all over to celebrate the customs and traditions of these people.
This annual event is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the Basque culture.
In addition to traditional music and dances, the weekend celebration features weightlifting, wood chopping, and more, with plenty of food and vendors present to add to the festivities.
In Elko, you can get a genuine taste of Basque culture any time at one of the town’s Basque restaurants like The Star, a legendary restaurant in a historic building that once served as a place for Basque sheepherders to stay during winter.
Enjoy authentic multi-course meals served in traditional family style. Communal dining, especially during winter, was a rare opportunity for sheepherders to connect and enjoy each others’ company.
For the full experience, don’t miss out on ordering the famous Picon Punch!
Even the trees hold a piece of history. Sheepherders usually each had their own camp and moved around a lot. Arborglyphs, or tree carvings, like this one, were their way of communicating and connecting with the rest of the world, letting others know they were there.
Some of these carvings in Aspen trees can be seen in the wilderness around Elko County.
Elko is a wonderful place to experience the culture and well-preserved history of the Basque community. Have you been to Elko on your way through Nevada? Have you ever attended a Basque festival? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
If you are interested in the National Basque Festival, you can find all the information you need on the Elko Euzkaldunak Club website. The next time you find yourself in this small town, be sure to also visit this historic Old-World department store.
Check out our other articles featuring all things Nevada, from history to lifestyle to fun facts!
advertisement
Thinking about taking a vacation in Nevada soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you’re still in the mood for more Nevada adventures, take a look at this video about the abandoned town of Rhyolite:
