101 Things to do in Nevada Pages 31-60

In or around Fallon

From casual visitors to history buffs, Fallon has many stories to tell in its journey from ancient hunting ground to strategic post during the building of the American west.

Fallon is also and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Whether you like to hunt, fish, boat, off-road or just explore, Fallon’s surroundings have it all. Find out more at www.visitfallonnevada.com

64 Sand Mountain Recreation Area Enjoy the “booming” sounds of the dunes

The Sand Mountain Recreation Area, just outside of Fallon on U.S. Highway 50, is a unique feature in northern Nevada. Big piles of sand are a magnet for ATV riders everywhere, but Sand Mountain also has a couple of other distinctive features that make it unique.

The sands of Sand Mountain are a rounded type of sand, which tends to transmit sound in ways that beach sand or salt sand do not. There are several dunes in the large mountain area (it’s almost 5,000 acres) that have

66 Grimes Point

A trail full of rock writings and a Hidden Cave

been known to make a singing or booming sound when the sand is set in motion down the face. This is thought to happen because of shearing happening between the layers of sand, but whatever the case, the best way to hear it is to climb to the top of the dune, then sort of ski down it — ankle deep in sand. The eerie rushing, roaring, booming sound should begin soon after you set the sand in motion. This area is managed by the BLM, and includes primitive campsites near the base of Sand Mountain.

65 Sand Springs Station Visit a protected Pony Express Trail and Station

In 1860, the Pony Express trail was just a scratch on the surface of the Great Basin desert. Much of Nevada is still wild, untamed country. But as the state has grown, non-native plants have invaded many of the areas where mining, ranching and recreational activities occur. Here at Sand Mountain, uncontrolled Off-Highway-Vehicle use in the past has destroyed much of the vegetation. Some animals that used to be common, such as the kit fox, now are seldom seen.

The Sand Springs Desert Study Area is a fenced 40-acre tract that preserves a remnant of the land the way it was during the

days of the Pony Express. There is a one-half mile self-guiding interpretive loop trail that winds through the study area and past the Pony Express Station. Along this trail you will find more than a dozen signs that provide information on the wildlife, plants, history and geology of the Sand Mountain area. If you are very quiet as you tour the area, you might be lucky enough to see some of the residents.

The Sand Springs Pony Express Station and The Desert Study Area are preserved for your use and enjoyment by the Bureau of Land Management.

Centuries-old Indian petroglyphs can be viewed at the Grimes Point Archeological Site. While the meaning of these strange markings on the rock is not known, that doesn’t stop the imagination from finding lizards, turtles, eagles and other animals among the markings.

The Grimes Point site is located 12 miles east of Fallon on Highway 50. The area is ready to accommodate visitors, and boasts interpretive signs, a clearly marked trail, restrooms and paved parking.

If you’re up for a hike, about a mile north of Grimes Point is Hidden Cave, another archeological site that offers a glimpse into life as it was long ago.

For info visit www.blm.gov/visit/grimes-point-hidden-cave-site

In or around Fernley

Fernley is a growing community of approximately 19,700 people and includes surrounding agricultural areas.

Fernley was established in 1904 as primarily an agricultural and ranching community.

Today, Fernley is a center hub for all kinds of fun and adventure. Parks, history, ghost towns and outdoor recreation are just in Fernley’s back yard.

67 Fernley Wildlife Management Area

Take a stroll through Nevada-native landscape

The Fernley Wildlife Management Area is a unique blend of Nevada-native plants and animals. The area offers many different trails as well as camping sites, and hunting is permitted during appropriate seasons. Depending on where you decide to stroll throughout the park, there’s a great chance you’ll run into one of the intermittent ponds throughout the area.

68

Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Wander the ruins of a once bustling military fort

Built in 1861, Fort Churchill was once an Army Fort built to protect the earliest settlers into the lush valley near Silver Springs. Carson Valley settlers were fearful of Indian attacks, and Fort Churchill was the result of their desire for a military presence.

During its heyday, the site was a bustle with activity. Many adobe structures were created, and though the Fort was abandoned by 1870, the ruins are preserved today.

Those coming to the Fort Churchill State Historic Site will find a Visitors Center complete with displays of wagons and cannons from the era, clothing and information about how the soldiers and citizens lived during that time.

But the best part of Fort Churchill are crumbling buildings themselves. Held in a state of arrested decay, the structures are a magnificent sight in the desert.

In or around Gerlach

Gerlach is a quiet little town near the Black Rock Desert. Many might have even been to Gerlach on their trek to Burning Man.

Gerlach and its neighbor the Black Rock Desert are home to the land speed record, Burning Man, rocketry and other unique outdoor activities.

Though it may be a small town, like most northern Nevada communities it has lots of history and natural wonders to behold. For more information visit www.visitgerlach.com.

69 Guru Road

Desert art installations created by a local

Guru Road aka Dooby Lane is an interactive rock art experience built by Dewayne “Dooby” Williams from 1978 to 1992.

The work is compromised of individual installations along a quarter-mile long dirt road. The road is lined with sculptures and stones inscribed with quips and witticisms.

Dooby used local stone and other odd objects to create tributes to family, friends and local residents.

No trip to Gerlach is quite complete without a stroll down Guru Road. Guru Road is located just north of town on Highway 34 on the left.

70 Fly Geyser

A colorful geyser created by accident

Fly Geyser is a manmade geyser located on the Fly Ranch, 20 miles north of Gerlach. It is said that a geothermal power company drilled a test well at the site in 1964, and left uncapped or improperly plugged. Over time the scalding hot water shot from hole and calcium carbonate deposits began to form, growing several inches each year.

The colorful three mounds now stand nearly six feet tall and are colored brightly red and green with thermophilic algae. The geyser still spews scalding hot water today, reaching about four or five feet into the air.

Though it is a sight to see, Fly Ranch is not currently available for public access. To get an up close view Friends of Nevada BlackHigh Rock offer three-hour guided tours of Fly Ranch.

In or around Imlay

The small community of Imlay is today only a remnant of its former glorious self.

Imlay was established by the Central Pacific Railroad during the settling of the American west. Founded in 1869, Imlay was a welcome respite for keeping the trains, passengers and cargo running smoothly. Today, about 250 hardy souls call Imlay home, and the area now serves travelers using a different vehicle — as Interstate 80 passes near both Imlay and Mill City.

71 Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary

Lions, tigers and bears and more!

Safe Haven is located on a 160-acre property in Imlay. Safe Haven provides trained volunteers and holding facilities for wild animals in need, at no cost—including medical care, feeding, enrichment, rehabilitation and release sites.

The group strives to provide lifelong care for several species of wild animals, including Siberian tigers, mountain lions, bears, foxes and others. Further, Save Haven coordinators work extensively to provide education and outreach services to youth groups, adult groups, and schools.

On-site educational programs are conducted outside the perimeter safety fence of the refuge. Safe Haven conducts tours and on-site and off-site educational programs by appointment. Please visit safehavenwildlife.com for more information.

72 Thunder Mountain Art monument that can be seen from I-80

The Thunder Mountain Native American Monument was built by Creek Native American artist Rolling Mountain Thunder in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is located adjacent to I-80 near Mill City.

Rolling Mountain Thunder used many eclectic artifacts, findings and plenty of concrete to create his monument in the desert. He worked 12 hours a day during his retirement years

to construct the large installation, and erected walls, buildings and many statues on the property.

Today, you can stroll through the monument and study the sculptures, inspirational writings and scenes evoking the hardships the Native Americans endured in this country. For more information you may visit the Web site: www.thundermountainmonument.com

In or around Lamoille

The village of Lamoille is a delight for travelers to find. Nestled at the foot of the Ruby Mountains, the area was first settled in the 1880s. Ranching and farming were the main means of prosperity for the area, but many counted the scenic beauty among the area’s riches.

The quiet lanes are perfect for an evening stroll. The area is lush with water and there are abundant birds and other wildlife to be found. Locals have debated whether the many deer in their yards are a blessing or a curse. Elko County visitors come into the area for the annual Lamoille Fair, or for an elegant evening meal at one of the local lodges, or just a day in rural seclusion.

73 Little Church of the Crossroads

Lamoille’s most pictured building

Dedicated on November 5, 1905 the church had cost $3,000 in donations from people in Elko, Lamoille and other valleys in northeast Nevada. The cornerstone contains a 1905 nickel and 1905 half-dollar.

Lamoille Valley’s Little Church of the Crossroads proudly stands because of the love of the town’s people and untold numbers of northeast Nevada residents. When the bell tolls it reminds all those within hearing that the church is a treasure, a personal treasure to each who donated money or gave time and materials to keep it standing and in use.

74 Seitz Canyon

A gem in the ruby mountains created by glaciers

75 Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail

The longest trail in the Ruby Mountains

Seitze Canyon is one of the major canyons and valleys within the Ruby Mountains. The canyon is 5.5 miles in length, it was sculptured by glaciers.

Within the canyon sits Seitz Lake, a glacial tarn, that sits at the head of the canyon.

The lake and canyon are protected by the Ruby Mountains Wilderness Area and the Seitz-Echo Research Natural Area.

A 33 mile long trail in the upper elevations of the central Ruby Mountains. The trail winds its way along the entire length of the range between its trail heads at Harrison Pass in the south and Lamoille Canyon in the north (the one closest to Elko).

Thru hiking the trail requires intermediate to advanced hiking skill depending on how many days you plan to spend in the backcountry—even avid hikers need a few days to complete the trek in its entirety, which makes the experience that much better anyhow.

If you aren’t up for a multi-day hiking adventure there are plenty of day hikes, many leading to alpine lakes, in the area as well.

In or around Lovelock

Lovelock is Pershing County’s largest community and has served as its county seat since 1919. Once known as Big Meadow, the town derives its special charm from the intriguing history originating at the time of great migration. Since the dawn of the 19th century, travelers have camped at the lush meadows and tule marshes that defined the end of the Humboldt River. Here, they would recoup and feed their stock before embarking on the grueling trek across the 40 mile desert. Today, Lovelock greets the visitor with miles of tree lined roads, a manicured park downtown, historical buildings and lush farmland in Upper and Lower Valley.

Lovelock serves as the ideal gateway to the Grand Basin Wilderness, a wonderland for those who have the urge to escape the artificial world of large cities, stress and information overload.

78 Lovelock Cave

The first archaeological excavation in the Great Basin

Based on an ancient Chinese tradition, Lovelock has created a sister city/mountain arrangement with Jui Gong Mountain in China, where couples lock their love. The local custom in China has people buying a padlock and then lock their padlock to the chain along the pathway of

the mountain so their love will last a lifetime. This tradition in mind, Lovelock created a similar attraction, including a gazebo structure with lots of places for couples to “lock their love. If the couple later parts, tradition requires that they return and somehow remove their “love lock”.

77 Lovelock Depot

A treasured piece of Lovelock’s history

Built in 1880, the Lovelock Railroad depot serves as a reminder of Lovelock’s founding, since the city was named after the settler George Lovelock who donated land to the railroad company. George Lovelock arrived at Big Meadow in 1862, and - foreseeing the region’s great potential - acquired land and secured the first water rights to the Humboldt River.

When the Central Pacific Railroad arrived in 1868, Lovelock donated 85 acres to the railroad company, dedicating it as a townsite and right of way for the railroad.

The depot served as a lifeline for Lovelock from 1880- 1930. Recently restored to its former beauty, the depot now represents the entrance to Lovelock’s “historic corridor”.

The Lovelock Indian Cave makes for an interesting geological tour, and is an important archaeological site as well.

The cave system is situated approximately 22 miles southeast of Lovelock, on the shores of what was once Lake Lahontan.

During their excavations — the Lovelock Indian Caves were the first archaeological excavation in the Great Basin — scientists found literally thousands of artifacts.

Today, the cave is known locally as the Bat Cave or Guano Cave. An exhibit on the cave and the excavation can be enjoyed at the Pershing County Marzen House Museum in Lovelock.

82 Tufa Park

Coral-like structures left behind from Lake Lahontan

The tufa rocks found near Lovelock were created by a strange combination of two common elementscalcium and carbon.

Tufa is created when calcium-rich water springs burble up from underground through the salty (carbonate) sea. This microscopic buildup of calcium continued over the millenium under Lake Lahontan, forming large, bulbous calcium deposits that now - since Lake Lahontan is no more - are revealed to us today in the desert near Lovelock. These landlocked remnants of an ancient salt sea dot the desert floor at several places in Lovelock Tufa Park. The tufa found there is large and plentiful. It looks a bit like coral - only bigger. Way bigger.

The greatest concentration of tufa in Nevada is at Mono Lake, but the desert near Lovelock yields a more accessible trove of tufa for those who enjoy a bit of a back-country drive.

The largest of these tufa formations are located just seven miles west of town, within sight of the highway.

In or around Reno

If cities are what you are looking for, you will not find one bigger than Reno in northern Nevada. Reno’s population is over 235,000 people and growing. Located in the southern part of Washoe County, nestled on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the area called the Truckee Meadows.

Despite its large population Reno and it’s surrounding areas offer unlimited outdoor and indoor recreational activities. Lake Tahoe is just a drive away and Reno residents enjoy a healthy outdoor life style like the rest of northern Nevada.

83 Bartley Ranch Regional Park

A historic park with a little something for everyone

Bartley Ranch Regional Park consists of 56 acres of scenic pasture, multi-use trails, horse arenas, picnic areas, the Historic Huffaker School and the outdoor Robert Z Hawkins Amphitheater.

“This land was part of the Wheeler Estate, owned as a farming and ranching enterprise by one of the first white settlers in the Truckee Meadows area, Daniel C. “Uncle Dan” Wheeler. By 1923, an Italian immigrant by the name of Demetrio Buscalia was prosperous enough to purchase this portion of the Wheeler Estate. Buscalia operated a small dairy farm on this property, making use of the Last Chance Ditch and Lake Ditch to irrigate his grazing lands. Gus Bartley, Demetrio Buscalia’s son, began to transform his father’s dairy ranch into a horse boarding and training farm (Bartley Ranch) after World War II. The ranch operated up until 1985, after which the property was sold to Washoe County. After years of development, the park opened in 1995.” - From Washoe County website.

84 Truckee River Walk

A pleasant place to stroll along the river

AThe Riverwalk encompasses hotels, restaurants, entertainments venues and a lovely park built upon an island. The northern end of the Riverwalk overlooks the beautiful Truckee River where few remnants of the Reno of old still stand, such as the Hughes Porter building, Colonial Apartments and the Twentieth Century Club.

Since the bustling years of the Comstock Lode and the early Divorce craze, Reno’s image along the banks of the Truckee river began to deteriorate and the once lovely areas around it began to suffer. In the mid-1990s Reno proposed to Redevelop the area along the river into the building of an official Riverwalk. Since this time, downtown Reno has undergone a steady revitalization of the area. The Truckee River Whitewater Park also runs through this area.

Find more information at www.renoriverwalk.org

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86 Virginia City

A town bursting with museums and history

In or around Sparks

Once a booming mining town, Virginia city is now a favorite tourist attraction. It isn’t a surprise with how beautifully many of the 18th century buildings have been maintained and restored.

The city is teeming with museums, art centers, relics of the past and if you are into it, ghosts. Down C Street, you will encounter The Way It Was Museum, the Wild West Muse-

um, antique stores, an old ice cream parlor, novelty stores, a train store, the Delta Saloon, and the Bucket of Blood Saloon. Virginia City is where Mark Twain made a name for himself, and where John Mackay made a fortune.

Just 20 miles southeast of Reno, Virginia City and its attractions are worth the drive. Find more information at www.visitvirginiacitynv.com

87 Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden

13 acres of lush gardens in the desert

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden grows over 4,000 native and adaptive plant species on 13 acres.

In an area that has only 120 days for growing and an elevation of 4,600 feet, and daily temperatures that can fluctuate 40 degrees or more few plants can survive these conditions without additional care and maintenance. The Arboretum’s mission is education, research, conservation, and to demonstrate how introduced plant species and native plants grow in a high desert environment.

Just a drive away from Lake Tahoe and Reno, Sparks is a town with a history more unique than most.

In 1902, there was nothing but swampland and ranches four miles east of Reno.

However, when Southern Pacific succeeded Central Pacific as the new owner of the main line across Northern Nevada, they decided to straighten the road and cut off a few miles. This effectively bypassed Wadsworth, which was the main hub for the roundhouse and maintenance shops of Central Pacific for 40 years.

Southern Pacific offered a deed to land and to move every house in Wadsworth free of charge to the new town. Sixty-seven lots changed title in 1903 and Sparks was born.

Learn more at cityofsparks.us.

88 McCarran Bridge

Stroll by at dusk to see the bats take flight

The S. McCarran Boulevard bridge over the Truckee River is a temporary home to a colony of Brazilian free-tailed bats.

In the evenings, over 40,000 bats take flight in an amazing display of aerobatics to feast on the evening bugs over the river.

Though it isn’t the largest bat colony in Nevada, this colony is the most accessible to watch.

The Truckee River Bike Trail runs under the bridge and the river is lined with big boulders that can easily be used to sit and enjoy the show.

This is a seasonal event though, the Brazilian free-tailed bats roost under the bridge from June through September and then leave to find a warmer climate for the winter.

89 Lunar Crater Back Country Byway

Discover the remains of extinct volcanoes

In or around Wells

The town was named Humboldt Wells because it lies at the headwaters of the Humboldt River. Even before its founding in 1869, this northeastern Nevada mainstay was catering to travelers. First with the pioneers of the California Trail, then railroad builders and later passengers who headed west on the steel rails, found Wells an ideal place to “stretch their legs” or overnight. Some of them stayed on, establishing ranches and mercantile, building churches and schools.

There is plenty in this likable little city to keep the locals – and the visitors – occupied.

Hunters and fishermen, especially will find Wells a most hospitable climate for their passions. Deer, antelope, and other big game populate the surrounding back country in abundance, and game birds are plentiful here as well. Anglers will find nearby lakes, reservoirs, creeks and streams much to their liking. Angel Lake, tucked into the East Humboldt mountain range, is a particular favorite for its bountiful fish and beautiful scenery.

The Lunar Crate Back Country Byway is a 24 mile long unpaved and bumpy byway full of volcanic wonders.

Lunar Crater has been a National Natural Landmark since 1973. The volcanic field is full of cinder cones and basalt flows, said to be similar to findings on the moon.

Easy Chair Crater is one of the first visible craters. At Lunar Crater you can see 20 other extinct volcanoes.

Find more information at www.blm.gov/visit/lunar-crater-backcountry-byway

90 Wells Historic Walking Tour

A trip to the Wells area would not be complete without stopping to see the Historic District and the many interesting buildings found there.

In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad founded this town at Humboldt Wells on the California Trail. The cow town connected Spruce Mountain and White Pine County mines to the railhead and packed Front Street saloons with gamblers, railroaders, ranchers, bullwhackers. Interpretive plaques on 19th Century buildings tell the stories of the ranchers, rustlers, peace officer, train robbers, saloon keepers, bootleggers and merchants who kept Wells lively.

Get the Walking Tour booklet at the Emigrant Trail Interpretive Center & Visitor’s Center at 6th Street & Lake Avenue which interprets California Trail, Wells and Metropolis stories.

91 Lehman Caves

Tour a colorful cave of calcite

93 Cherry Creek

A not quite deserted ghost town outside of Wells

The discovery of Lehman Caves, one of the treasures of Great Basin National Park, is credited to Absalom Lehman, a rancher living in the area in the late 1800s. In 1885, Lehman’s curiosity and experience as a miner caused him to investigate a mysterious opening near his ranch. Native Americans knew of the site, but Lehman was the first man known to have explored the underground world — and what he found was astonishing: Lehman Caves is full of calcite formations of many colors, sizes and shapes. Lehman Caves were designated a National Monument in 1922 and have been protected by the National Park Service since 1933 and as a National Park since 1986.

For more information visit www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/ lehman-caves-tours.htm

92 Spruce Mountain Drive to see the picturesque mountain yourself

Spruce Mountain stands 40 miles south of Wells at an elevation of 10, 262 feet.

The trip may be worth the view alone, however the drive to the summit pass also passes through a ghost town. Just one of many ghost towns along the mountain, Sprucetown is one of the best with the amount of structures to see. Most of the buildings date between the 1890s and the 1940s. A 4wd vehicle is suggested for the BLM road part of the trip.

Like many mining towns in Nevada, the story of Cherry Creek in White Pine County is one of boom and bust. It sprang up shortly after Peter Corning and John Carpenter located the nearby Tea Cup claim in 1872. Many mining companies flocked to the area, and the town grew until it busted just three years later because of dwindling ore supplies.

By 1882, new ore discoveries had again made Cherry Creek a bustling town. Cherry Creek was roaring during its peak, with twenty-eight saloons, five mercantile stores, two clothing stores, and a drug store. There were also several restaurants, two dairies, and a brewery.

Stage lines were established to transport freight and passengers to and from the town. Transportation quickly became a big industry in Cherry Creek, and one freighter employed as many as twenty-four mules on his line. In 1906, the Nevada Northern Railway passed just outside of Cherry Creek, eventually reducing the need for stage lines.

Early Cherry Creek had a mile-long horse track outside of town, complete with grandstands to seat race attendees. Other popular forms of recreation were mine drilling contests, bronco riding, and target practice at the Cherry Creek Rifle Club.

The town busted again in 1883, and the population deteriorated over time. There would be other booms and busts well into the 1900s, but the town’s character and population would never again equal that of its heyday.

Today, about twenty residents still live in Cherry Creek, and a solitary bar, called The Barrel Saloon, is still open for business.

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In or around Winnemucca

One of the state’s oldest continuously occupied areas, vibrant, enduring Winnemucca is a Cowboy Country capital.

Winnemucca is named for a Paiute Indian chief whose daughter, Sarah Winnemucca, became one of Nevada’s most remarkable historical figures, working tirelessly to inspire people, and to bring their story to the world. Winnemucca mixes Buckaroo history, Basque culture, mining, farming and gaming into a happy melange that can’t miss with every member of the family.

94 Winnemucca Mountain

The best place to view the valley

Test your skills on the Bloody Shins Trail

No matter what type of two-wheeled adventure you’re looking for, the hills and deserts around Winnemucca offer exciting terrain.

The ‘Bloody Shins Trail,’ a 7- to 12-mile trail that begins right on the edge of town, is a good place to start. This rolling single track course is divided into both beginner and intermediate grades and offers endless views of the distant mountain ranges.

The trailhead is located at the end of Kluncy Canyon Road. This location is convenient for both residents and visitors. The trails are open to non-motorized multiple uses.

Winnemucca Mountain towers nearly 4,000 feet above the valley floor, making it the most prominent landmark.

The top of Winnemucca Mountain today sports several buildings. These are the remnants of an Air Force Base that began operation in 1951. Less than 10 years later the equipment became obsolete and the base closed. Today, the buildings house communications equipment administered by local businesses, Nevada Bell phone company and city and county governments.

The road is paved all the way to the top and the mountain is an excellent place to view the valley below. The area is frequently used by stargazers and photographers.

In the fall of the year, when the setting sun elongates the shadows on the mountain, a strange shape appears. One of the shadows resembles a woman’s face in profile. Locals claim this is the face of Sarah Winnemucca, the daughter of Chief Winnemucca, for whom the town was named.

95 Winnemucca Sand Dunes

Acres of fun can be found at the sand dunes

The Winnemucca sand dunes, located just a few miles north of the city, offer ATV enthusiasts, campers and folks who just like to dip their toes in the sand ample opportunities for fun!

While less than 100 feet (30 m) tall, the dunes span an area of approximately 40 miles (64 km) from east to west across the

southern portion of the county. The large, drifting dunes are a favorite with area ATV riders, who love the gently rolling hills and expansive landscapes.

If you go, remember to pack plenty of sun protection, and bring your goggles, helmet and gloves — the whipping sands can pack quite a sting!

There is a kiosk at the trailhead and the trails are marked with carsonite signs. The trail surfaces on all the loops are a combination of dirt roads, two track and single track trails. Mini cattleguards have been installed next to all gates so mountain bikers and hikers do not need to open/close gates.

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97 Hinkey Summit

Wildflowers in abundance and colorful in

A welcome sight to those entering Nevada

The first thing visitors notice about Hinkey Summit are the wild flowers — thousands of brightly-blooming wildflowers cover the hillsides of the canyon leading to Hinkey Summit in late spring and early summer. However, the fall foliage is also quite spectacular. Located just above the town of Paradise Valley, Hinkey Summit area is located in the Humboldt National Forest in the Santa Rosa range of mountains. The drive from Paradise Valley is about 18 miles on a dirt road that ascends through alpine splendor to the 7,867-foot summit. The road continues over the top of the mountains and rejoins U.S. Hwy. 95 about halfway between Orovada and McDermitt.

Like most of Cowboy Country’s towns, the still-unincorporated McDermitt enjoyed its share of mining success. Gold, silver and mercury all have been pulled from its soil, but ranching always has been its mainstay, and sprawling cattle operations abound in the vicinity.

Located on U.S. 95, at the tip of the Silver State and near the confluence of Nevada, Oregon and Idaho, McDermitt began its life as an outpost -- a cavalry station during a time of turmoil between settlers and native Americans. The town was named for Colonel McDermitt, the commander of the fort, who lost his life in a scuffle with the indigenous residents.

Both the town and a nearby reservation bear McDermitt’s name, and the place is a unique combination of cowboy culture and Indian lore. It’s quite

appropriate that two of McDermitt’s biggest annual events are the Indian Rodeo in June, and the Ranch Hand Rodeo in July.

For most of the year, however, McDermitt enjoys a peaceful serenity punctuated by quiet events at the McDermitt Community Hall -- and residents like it that way. Some of them liken their place to “a modern ghost town,” with the present represented by the Say When Casino, two motels, RV park and Somewhere Out West Coffee Shop. The past is all around — particularly on the nearby reservation, where one original Fort McDermitt building survives, and still is used for occasional get-togethers.

Unique, friendly, steeped in community, McDermitt is a tiny jewel at the very top of Cowboy Country’s crown.

99 Winnemucca to the Sea Highway

The Winnemucca to the Sea Highway was developed with the idea to establish a continuous, improved route branching from I-80 in Winnemucca, Nevada through Medford, Oregon and on to the Pacific Coast to Crescent City, California. In the mid 1950’s there was no direct route linking these regions. The original proposal was to create one highway, number 140, applied to the complete route. However, this idea never came to fruition. The current traveler actually follows seven different highway numbers: US-95, State Route 140, US-395 State Route 62, I-5 US-199 and US-101. In 1962, the paving of 117 miles to Lakeview from Denio was completed. The Winnemucca to the Sea Highway was dedicated in September of 1962 at Doherty Slide, east of Lakeview.

Winnemucca displays a 13 foot diameter driftwood log that was washed ashore in Crescent City in a 1964 flood. It was dedicated as a highway marker in 1965.

100 Water Canyon

Water Canyon is located a few short miles from downtown Winnemucca, and offers a quick change of pace. In just a minute or two, your whole outlook on life can change as you admire the babbling brook, the quaking aspens and hear the birds singing. Whatever you enjoy, you can find a place and a way to do it in Water Canyon. It’s a favorite destination for mountain bikers, rock climbers, ATV riders, picnickers and bird watchers. During the spring the creek is full from snowmelt, and the wildflowers are in bloom, making it a perfect time to visit the canyon. The road to lower Water Canyon is accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles. Some of the higher roads, however, need a four-wheeldrive or a high clearance vehicle.

Paradise Valley is one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets, tucked between mountain ranges and surrounded by ranches.

Paradise Valley is about 40 miles north of Winnemucca on U.S. Highway 95. Unlike the craziness of a big city, where everyone is hurrying to get somewhere, the town lacks noise and chaos. It’s the kind of place that can be summed up as having a fire station, a church, a post office, a park, bar and grill, and a school.

Most of Paradise is ranches; along State Route 290, cat-

tle graze everywhere in large fields — and sometimes in people’s yards. Further into town, you can visit an old cemetery and old buildings that existed during the mining years.

Small streams and a large creek — Cottonwood Creek — run throughout the town and local ranches, and can be great for fishing.

Paradise Valley is a great place to get away and relax. Hunters, crafters, photographers, nature lovers or those looking for a piece of Nevada’s past will be glad they discovered this part of hidden Nevada.

Index of 101 Things to Do

WIINNEMUCCA, NV

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WELCOME TO GOLD COUNTRY!

Northern Nevada is home to the world’s largest single gold producing complex in the world. Nevada Gold Mines is a joint venture between Barrick (61.5%) and Newmont Corporation (38.5%), combining their significant assets across Nevada.