Grimes Point/Hidden Cave Archaeological Site

The Grimes Point Archaeological Area (Grimes Point) is known for its field of basalt boulders, many of which are covered with pecked or carved Native American rock writings. Archaeologists call these rock writings petroglyphs and estimate that darker petroglyphs are older because the patina (dark varnish on the rocks) has had more time to develop. Grimes Point has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.

Visitors today can view four distinct styles of petroglyphs at Grimes Point along the quarter-mile self-guided Petroglyph Trail. The trail was originally constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps and was named Nevada's first National Recreation Trail in 1978. ADA-accessible restrooms and picnic facilities are available at this popular stop along U.S. Highway 50.

Hidden Cave is an archaeological site within the Grimes Point Archaeological Area, formed around 21,000 years ago by the waves of rising Pleistocene Lake Lahontan. The cave has been excavated by archaeologists three times: once in the 1940s, again in the 1950s, and a final extensive excavation from 1979-1980 by the American Museum of Natural History. Many of the artifacts found in Hidden Cave were found unbroken and arranged in concentrations; this observation led to the conclusion that 3,500 to 3,800 years ago people used the cave more as a cache (a place to store objects for later) than for habitation. Many artifacts exposed during the last archaeological excavation were left in situ (in place) and can be viewed during a tour of the cave.

The BLM provides free public tours of Hidden Cave on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month (except for federal holiday weekends). Tours begin at the Churchill County Museum in Fallon at 9:15 a.m. with a special video showing, followed by a vehicle caravan to the Hidden Cave parking area. Tour groups follow a half-mile interpretive trail loop, with entrance to the cave about halfway through.

Both the Grimes Point Petroglyph Trail and the trail to Hidden Cave are unpaved with uneven surfaces and are not ADA-accessible. If you plan to visit, please wear sturdy walking shoes, bring plenty of drinking water, and dress appropriately for the weather. The trail to Hidden Cave may not be suitable for young children due to its length and uphill climb. Please stay on the trails and help ensure these special places remain intact for future generations by respectfully viewing the petroglyphs. Take nothing but photographs and please do not touch, climb on, or create rubbings or chalk etchings of petroglyphs.

Please call the BLM Carson City District’s Hidden Cave phone line at (775) 885-6011 for information or to arrange for a guided tour of the site for school or other special groups outside the BLM’s regularly scheduled tours. You may also email the BLM at BLM_NV_CC_HiddenCave@blm.gov for information.

Visit the Churchill County Museum in Fallon, and the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, to see displays containing artifacts from Grimes Point and Hidden Cave.