GRIMES POINT

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field/blm_programs/recreation/grimes_point.html

Over 8,000 years ago, Native Americans first visited Grimes Point, now one of Nevada’s finest National Recreation Trails where rock writings and petroglyphs can be viewed on a self-guiding tour.

Grimes Point Archaeological Area is just eleven miles east of Fallon and features a fascinating shelf-guided trail filled with intriguing rock writings and art of ancient civilizations. The information about the trail is provided at the site in a brochure that visitors can pick up and take with them as they explore. The site has recently been upgraded and includes a restroom, five sheltered picnic tables, and interpretive kiosk, new benches and a paved parking lot and road. The trails themselves have been upgraded to increase wheelchair accessability.

Grimes Point showcases several different styles of petroglyphs and rock surfaces upon which they are etched. The various patinas are evidence of chemical changes in the rocks over time. After a petroglyphs is etched into the rock, the newly exposed scar is lighter than the original surface. Over time, the petroglyphs will eventually patinate and be as dark as the original rock surface. Some of the petroglyphs are darker than others. These are probably older than the lighter ones.

Deciphering the meaning of petroglyphs is often difficult. Many scientists and archaeologists disagree on their meaning; but it is generally acknowledged that the petroglyphs at Grimes Point are not a form of writing. Whether they depict constellations, hunting areas, or markers of another kind, Grimes Point offers a must-see window into the past.

It is also important to remember that the environment at Grimes Point was much different 8,000 years ago. As you look at the mountain ranges in the distance, you’ll notice a series of horizontal lines or terraces etched into the side of the range. These scars are results of waves from ancient Lake Lahontan that once covered most of the area. The maximum depth of the lake was 700 feet, covering Grimes Point. By the time human population moved into the area, Grimes Point was above water.

Grimes Point also can be a vista of contrast. Standing on the trail and looking out over the valley, it is fun to imagine what the landscape looked like to ancient peoples. As you imagine a fresh water lake filled with fish and ducks and waterfowl swimming under the shade of cottonwood trees, you may look over-head to see an F/A-18 Hornet from NAS Fallon making a sweeping turn in the sky. From the past to the present in the blink of an eye.