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 Petroglyph Butte Petroglyphs, NVPrint Full | Basic
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 Reno, NV
HAZ reminds you to respect the ruins. Please read the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 & Ruins Etiquette
Statistics
Difficulty 0.5    Route Finding
Distance Round Trip 0.25 miles
Trailhead Elevation 6,018 feet
Elevation Gain 3 feet
Accumulated Gain 10 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 30 min
Interest Off Trail Hiking & Ruins
Author Rob del Desierto
 Descriptions 128
 Routes 91
 Photos 4,714
 Trips 885 map  (1,932 Miles)
 Age 32
 Location Casa Grande, Az.
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Backpack - Possible - Not Popular
Seasons - ALL
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Water
Nearby Hikes Area Water Sources
direct air miles away to trailhead
3.5  Project Faultless
14.6  US Route 6 to Moore's Station
15.7  Green Monster Trail
22.5  Table Mountain Traverse
26.5  North Mosquito Creek Trail
28.4  South Mosquito Creek Trail
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You should know...this is a fertility site...
by Rob del Desierto

Mobile Version
Overview: This "hike" is not much of a hike. It does, however, showcase some remote, rarely seen Desert Archaic petroglyphs, including fertility symbols.

Warning: The site is REMOTE. REMOTE! You are well over 100 miles from the nearest gas station, approximately 17 miles from the nearest paved road. There is little shade anywhere within the surrounding desert. The nearest named settlement is a ghost town. You are on your own.

History: Several thousand years ago the people that archaeologists now call the Desert Archaic people roamed across the high arid basins of the the Nevada interior. One such band, finding shelter and water along what is today called Moore's Creek stopped to etch images in the volcanic tuff at the base of the a small butte. These designs include wavy lines, circles, and abstract designs. There are also numerous vulva representations, leading archaeologists to believe that this site served as a sort of fertility site or location for fertility rituals.

Hike: The hike is really just wandering up the dry wash as far as you like, looking at the rock walls for petroglyphs. Some of the best glyphs are located right near the parking area.

Water Sources: Moore's Creek flows pretty much year round at the road crossing, even in a drought year at the end of June. Cows know this as well and use it as a primary water source. Use good judgement.

Camping: Possible at the campsite and surrounding BLM lands. There is a wildcat fire pit at the parking area.
- Jun 25 2012 Rob del Desierto

Directions Preferred Months Sep Jun Aug May
Water / Source:Moore
Preferred StartAny Cell Phone SignalNo Sunrise4:31am Sunset6:52pm
Road / VehicleHigh Clearance possible when dry
Fees / Permit
None

Directions
Print Version
To hike
From Ely drive south for approximately 102 miles on Route 6 to the signed junction with the Moore's Station road. This is an excellent dirt road. Follow this road north for about ten miles. It then drops down to the bed of Moore's Creek. In wash bottom there is a four way intersection. Turn right (going straight leads to Project Faultless, turning left takes you back to the highway via Hot Wash Road). The road skirts a playa in the wash bottom as the canyon walls start to come together. Before the road reaches a low, narrow neck there is a road that branches off to the left and crosses through the thick sagebrush. This is the Moore's Creek crossing. Immediately beyond the crossing there is a dirt road to the left. A BLM sign announcing Petroglyph Butte can be seen. Low clearance vehicles can park at this point. High clearance is needed to go up into the parking area due to the angle of approach.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Page created by Rob del Desierto on Jun 25 2012 9:53 pm

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