Hickison Petroglyphs Road

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.