Basin & Range National Monument

Established in 2005 Basin and Range National Monument is an example of unspoiled basin and range country. It spans eight mountain ranges and protects the archaeological and historical riches found here. The monument offers examples of habitation from the Clovis culture 13,000 years ago all the way to the early pioneer days around one hundred years ago. It’s not for your average sightseer as there are no amenities here; but for those with an adventurous, nature loving spirit, it’s a must visit.

The Way In

As we reach the National Monument we have to quickly pull off the main road due to a barbed wire gate across the road into the monument. I quickly hop out of the truck and cross the busy road to open the gate while he carefully backs up the truck and trailer along the shoulder to get into position for coming through. Once through, I close the gate behind us and we begin the slow climb up ~1500 ft in elevation and ~8 miles of dirt road to our campsite.

Note: They do recommend high clearance on this road, and there is one section that it’s definitely needed. Our off road hitch was also helpful as during this section the truck was leaning one way and the camper the other while going over large rocks.

Irish Mountain Road Campsite

Brand new, completed two weeks ago, these campsites are well appointed with picnic tables, fire pits, a pit toilet, and views for miles. The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Rangers in the Regional Field office told us about them when we visited to get the petroglyph maps of the area.

There are only about 5 sites; but we are the only ones here and it is extremely quiet and peaceful.

Mount Irish Archaeological District

Our visit here is short so we’re focusing on the Mt Irish Archaeological District. Located on the eastern flank of the Mt. Irish Range there are eleven marked locations within the landscape of volcanic tuff knolls and outcrops, alluvial fans, and washes. Eight of these sites can be reached easily from the campsite via a short walk or bike ride.

Petroglyph Site IV

After setting up the camp we set out on foot up to the closest site; which happens to be number four. This is one of the largest rock art sites in the district and has 80 rock art panels exhibiting motifs in the Basin and Range tradition ranging from 4,000 to 1,500 years old.

We’ve spent far longer than intended here exploring and the shadows are beginning to lengthen, so it’s time to head back to camp for some dinner and relaxation; but not before taking in the surrounding area.

Sunset

After dinner, we relax around camp while the sun descends and watch it highlight the numerous mountain ranges to the east.

Petroglyph Site VI

The next morning we chose to ride our bikes up the fifth and sixth sites. Once we reach the parking area we sign the visitor’s register book at site six and begin following the trail markers and hunting for the numbered markers identifying where the petroglyphs are located. The trail is not easy to follow and there’s a lot of climbing over rocks to find what we’re looking for. But, this is part of the adventure and along the way we see a few of the local inhabitants and some really incredible views.

This is the largest rock art site of the district with 129 panels and is also one of the largest concentrations of bighorn sheep drawings (over 100) in eastern Nevada.

Petroglyph Site V

Next we head over to site five, sign the book, and follow the trail here. This one is much easier to follow and there’s not as much climbing; but the offerings are just as spectacular. There are 68 panels within this small; but well-defined tuff outcrop.

Petroglyph Sites VII through XI

After lunch we head the other way toward the Southern Locus and sites seven through eleven. These sites are scattered across tuff knolls just outside of the Mouth Irish Wilderness Area and are divided from the Western ones we visited this morning by Logan Creek.

There are no signs, guest books, trail markers, site markers, or even a defined trail here. So, it’s important to have a downloaded map as well as the guide book if you’re going to have a chance of finding anything here. In addition, if visiting here by car, the parking area is a ways away down a very rocky road.

Despite spending hours here, we never did find site X. This was a workout and it was a lot of fun hunting for the petroglyphs; but if you don’t have a lot of time, I’d recommend skipping these in favor of site IV, V, and VI.

Sunrise

On our final morning here we awake to the sun just beginning to peak over the mountains in the east. So, we spend the next 20 minutes watching it come up.

An Unexpected Arial Show

As we’re leaving the area we hear a loud boom and look up to see what appears to be one of the newer F35 stealth fighter jets doing maneuvers overhead. Further down the mountain, as we approach the main road, we see a few more jets running through the mountains in what may be a training exercise.

We had been warned that there was a testing/training facility near here and that we may hear an occasional boom; but this was a delightful, unexpected display to end an incredible few days.

We only had two nights here before a freeze warning forced us seek warmer temps further south; but we’ll definitely be back to explore more of this beautiful landscape in the future. We’ve barely scratched the surface of this 704,000 acre, dark sky, wonderland.

Next stop…. Gold Butte National Monument