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
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Grimes Point
A trail full of rock writings and a Hidden Cave
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
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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.
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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