Hickison Petroglyphs Road
Ancient petroglyphs and alpine meadows
This remote backcountry road climbs from the Reese River Valley into the heart of the Toquima Range, passing the historic Hickison Petroglyphs site where ancient hunters carved bighorn sheep and hunting scenes into dark volcanic boulders over 1,000 years ago. The route continues beyond the petroglyphs, winding through aspen groves and sagebrush parks to reach alpine meadows at nearly 10,000 feet elevation.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD for the upper sections, though the initial petroglyphs access is doable in a stock truck. Summer brings wildflowers and cool temperatures at elevation, while fall offers golden aspen displays. The road can be muddy during spring snowmelt and impassable in winter. Pack water and camping gear — dispersed sites abound in the high country with views across central Nevada’s basin-and-range landscape that stretches to every horizon.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9800 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Austin, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler make it to the petroglyphs?
Yes, any high-clearance 4WD vehicle like a stock Wrangler can handle this trail. The dirt and gravel surface is rough but manageable without major modifications.
Is Hickison Petroglyphs Road passable in winter?
No, the trail is typically snowed in from November through May due to the 9,800-foot elevation. Best access is June through October when snow has cleared.
Do I need permits to camp along this BLM route?
No permits required for dispersed camping on BLM land along the trail. Standard 14-day camping limits apply.
What's the most challenging part of this moderate trail?
The steepest climbs toward the higher elevations around 8,000+ feet where the road gets rockier and narrower. Nothing too gnarly but requires steady throttle control.
How's cell service for emergency communication?
Zero cell service throughout the entire route. Carry a satellite communicator if you need emergency contact capability.