Grimes Point Petroglyph Trail, NV

History: During the ice age, Lake Lahonton covered much of Nevada and in fact was one of the largest lakes in North America. Grimes Point would have bordered this lake and evidence shows some of the earliest signs of human habitation in this area. The mountain that makes up Grimes Point is covered with basalt boulders and archaeologists have discovered meanings within the petroglyphs and an aboriginal drift fence the area holds. Interpretations are that these petroglyphs are as old as 8,000 years. The drift fence was used to direct wild life for hunting purposes. The leaders are believed to have made the petroglyphs, perhaps to appease the gods in support of their spiritual beliefs - Shaman - and permitted no doodling on the rocks by common people.


Hike: The hike starts from a fully improved BLM trailhead equipped with a restroom and placards along with a table. Once, and not so long ago, this area was heavily looted and used as a firing range. I even saw huge basalt boulders with petroglyphs from this site along Maine street in Fallon, Nevada, 10 miles away. The BLM has secured the area now and the trail allows you to explore the remaining petroglyphs. The trail meanders around the hillside making up two complete loops. You end up on top of the mountain where the vistas seem never ending. To the north lies Black Rock desert and to east Sand Mountain and 40 mile desert. The past clashes with the present as the silence is broken occasionally and regularly as jet fighters from nearby Fallon Naval Base perform touch and go exercises.

2008-06-09 AZLOT69