About 10,000 years ago, the area that is now Fallon, Nevada sat beneath the surface of Lake Lahontan, a lake with fluctuating surface levels. Over time, the fluctuating levels made the hillside plateau that is now the Grimes Point Archaeological Area a marshland area rich in plant and animal life and an important area for resources for indigenous populations. This history is visible today in hundreds of petroglyphs present on boulders throughout the area.
Dating back over 7,000 years, these rock engravings are easily visible along the short trail that traces the lower area of the hillside and weaves among boulders covered in petroglyphs.
The Petroglyph Trail was made Nevada's first National Recreational Trail, and it is one part of a larger archaeological area. In addition to the Petroglyph Trail loop, a trail climbing to an overlook also connects to the loop trail, or can be taken on individually. With an elevation gain of just over 200 feet to a peak elevation of 4,115 feet, the overlook point has interpretive signs describing visible points of significance. The combined length of both trails sits at just under 2 miles.
Bathrooms and covered benches are available at the parking area.
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