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Very Important: The driving directions to this site have not been updated since late 2006. There is an excellent chance that the roads and/or road conditions have changed significantly. Contact the BLM, Forest Service, Park Service or whomever, to get the most up-to-date road and trail information. |
A few things to note:
White River Narrows is located approximately 150 miles north of Las Vegas and 90 miles south of Ely Nevada. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and is administered by the Ely Bureau of Land Management.
A couple of reminders for the area: Please stay on the "Existing Roads" and do not cut across the open areas just because it is quicker. Also watch out for rattlesnakes as they are common in this area.
For people who have visited the site in the past, or have not been there in a few years, you will notice that you can no longer go from the "Amphitheater" (Stop 4) back up onto the highway. The road through the Amphitheater is now closed to motor vehicles, so you will have to back track to the South Entrance - where you came in - and then back up onto SR 318 to get to Stops 5, 6, and 7.
For the purposes of this web site, I have divided the public sites in White River Narrows into "7 Stops" corresponding to the 7 sites listed on the BLM brochure, which is available at the sign-in kiosk at Stop 4 or from the Ely BLM office (775) 289-1800. The "Stops" will run from south to north.
Please Note: The roads are dirt and normally in good condition, but I would caution against using a passenger car. As you know, road conditions can -- and do -- change rapidly in the desert.
All mileages and coordinates given on this web sites are approximate. Use common sense and caution when following any directions.
The directions for this site will go from South to North
Going north on Hwy 93, zero your GPS or odometer at the intersection of Hwy 93 and SR 318 in Lincoln (see overview map). Continuing north on SR 318, watch for LN CO mile marker 23. At approximately 23.8 miles, or about .5 of a mile past mile marker 23, you will see a dirt road going to your right (east) with a Cattle Guard Crossing. This is your starting point.
Zero your GPS and/or your odometer at this turn off (cattle guard crossing/gate). You now have a choice: you can either continue north on SR 318 to sites 5, 6, and 7, or turn right through the gate and see sites 1, 2, 3, and 4. (See overview map)
All mileages are from the Gate / Cattle Guard
Stop #1 - Cane Site: Click here for details and GPS
With your mileage at zero, proceed through the gate across the cattle guard. At approximately .12 of a mile you will see a smaller road going off to your right ("Y" 1). Stay to the left (straight ahead). At approximately .21 of a mile you will come to another fork in the road ("Y" 2). Take the right fork - you will be driving a short distance on the top of a berm to the end of the road. Total distance from the gate to the parking area for Stop #1 is approximately .41 of a mile. Park here and walk straight ahead down into the wash to the rocks. Stop #1 petroglyphs are from the middle of the rocks to the far end.
Turn around and drive back to "Y" 2, and turn right. You are now heading towards Stop #2.
Stop #2 - Calendar Fence: Click here for details and GPS
Stop #2 is .97 of a mile from the gate, or .76 of a mile from the second fork "Y"2.
At approximately .96 of a mile from the gate you will see a small road leading to your right. Take this road about 100 yards or so, and you will be parking right next to the site.
Stop #3 Turn: Click here for details and GPS
The turn for Stop #3 is 1.47 miles from the gate, or .5 of a mile from Stop #2. You will make a left turn off the "main" dirt road.
Stop #3 - Martian Home: Click here for details and GPS
Stop #3 is 1.67 miles from the gate, or .2 of a mile from the Stop #3 turn.
Stop #4 - Amphitheater: Click here for details and GPS
Stop #4 is 2.4 miles from the gate, or .73 miles from Stop #3.
Park at the kiosk and walk close to the bluffs. It is about a half mile walk to the far end of the amphitheater and the petroglyphs are scattered along the entire way.
The road through the Amphitheater is now closed to motor vehicles, so you will have to back track to the South Entrance - where you came in - and then back up onto SR 318 to get to Stops 5, 6, and 7.
Once back at the gate, zero your GPS and/or odometer or keep track of your mileage.
Stops 5, 6, and 7
Stops 5, 6, and 7 are accessed from SR 318. Zero your GPS and/or your odometer at the turn off for the cattle guard and continue north on SR 318.
Stop #5 - Shoshone Frog: Click here for details and GPS
Stop #5 is 3.0 miles from the gate. Park on the shoulder of the road. The site is on the west side of the road (your left going north) about 150' from the road.
Stop #6 - Single Rock: Click here for details and GPS
Stop #6 is located 3.3 miles from the gate, or .3 of a mile north of Stop #5. The rock is on the east side of the road (your right going north) about 50' from where you park. The petroglyphs are on a big rock, are worn, and with some graffiti.
Stop #7 Turn: Click here for details and GPS
The turn for Stop #7 is 4.2 miles from the gate, or .9 of a mile north of Stop #6. You will turn west (left going north).
Stop #7 - North Entrance Site: Click here for details and GPS
Stop #7 is 4.8 miles from the gate, or .6 of a mile from the turn off of SR 318. Just before reaching the site, you will see a large rock next to the road on your right. The site will be on your left about 100 yards beyond the rock.
All mileages and coordinates given on this web site are approximate.
Use common sense and caution when following any directions. If it does not look right, don't do it.
Disclaimer to keep my butt out of the proverbial wringer: Check with multiple sources to make sure all your information is up-to-date and accurate. Do not rely on only one source (such as our web site) to be the final word. Contact the BLM, Forest Service, Park Service or whomever, to get the most up-to-date road and trail information. Things can, and do, change very rapidly in the desert due to road construction, flash flooding, and other natural and/or man-made causes. Do the prudent thing and check before you venture out. Also please view the information on our "A Few Tips for Hiking in the Desert" page.
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