Round Trip Distance: 100 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 4435 - 4450 feet
Cellphone: 0-3 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: White River Narrows
Fee: none
Attractions: petroglyphs
The White River Narrows Archaeological District is located just north of Hiko, Nevada between Crystal Springs and Ely along Nevada Highway 318. The district has 6 sites scattered throughout the narrows where petroglyphs, dating from 4,000 years ago up to Fremont times and the nineteenth century, have been carved into the soft sandstone and volcanic tuff that makes up most of the cliffs of the winding canyon. Due to its importance as an archaeological resource the district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
To reach sites I through V drive 17 miles north of Hiko or 112 miles south of Ely on Nevada 318 and turn east onto a dirt road where there is an information kiosk that will help with getting orientated to the district.
From the kiosk head east for less than a quarter mile and go right at the fork. The left fork leads to Sites I through IV.
Follow the smooth and mostly level road for just under a half mile to where it bumps up to a low rocky ridge on the right.
The petroglyphs are scattered around on the rocky outcrop at the end of the ridge.
There are several images of masks that resemble others in the White River Narrows.
Can't tell if this is someone holding a snake and something else or what is going on for sure.
Some interesting geometric images that are hard to see in this light. They are also in an awkward spot for taking photos.
Pretty much anywhere they could put an image has something.
There are several places in the White River Narrows that are suitable for primitive camping. Be sure to avoid camping right at any of the sites. We arrived late the night before and being unfamiliar with the area, and in the dark, settled for parking our trailer near the highway. We would have parked it there anyway rather than dragging it around to each of the sites so it worked out fine. Site V isn't a large site but it isn't along the same route as all the rest so we are posting it separately. It's location is actually almost straight across the wash from Site IV except on a different road. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.