Hickison Petroglyphs

The Hickison Petroglyphs, located near Highway 50 in western Nevada, are worthwhile seeing for travelers who want to connect with the past. The petroglyphs consist of drawings and inscriptions left in sandstone by hunters from some of the earliest civilizations in North America.

Traveling to Hickison Petroglyphs

Traveling on Highway 50 west of Eureka Nevada, there is a sign for the Hickison Petroglyphs Recreation Area and Interpretive Site. From there it is only a short drive down a side road to the half-mile loop trail that traverses through the petroglyphs.

Viewing the Hickison Petroglyphs

The site consists of three large panels carved and drawn in sandstone. It is thought that some of the drawing are over 12,000 years old; their exact meaning is unknown. They consist of human and animal figures along with many symbols whose origins and meanings are a mystery. Some of the drawings are dyed red, although centuries of fading have left an eerie look to the rocks. The site remains relatively unscathed, despite its remote location. Brochures are available at the beginning of the loop with details that correspond to numbered signs along the short walk.

The Hickison Petroglyphs are worth a stop for those traveling through Nevada. Carved into aged sandstone, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the lives of people who hunted and lived in North America before Europeans knew the continent existed. Whether you want to spend a few minutes taking the short walk or spend half the day studying the past, the petroglyphs do not disappoint.