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trail RIDES

To preserve the integrity of fragile high alpine meadows, it is better to camp at lower elevations and take day rides to visit these locations. Horses, goats and llamas — the majority of the trails in the Arc Dome, Alta Toquima, and Table Mountain Wildernesses permit stock use, and there are a number of licensed outfitters in the area that can provide you with a memorable day- or overnight trip. Several trailheads provide stock loading facilities and Pine Creek campground permits overnight stays with stock. Check with the Forest Service in Austin or Tonopah for more information about permitting, or contact one of our local guide/outfitters.

 

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HIKING

There are lots of hiking trails, at all levels of difficulty, throughout the MountainSage area. Here is a list of a few of the trails available in the three wilderness areas.

Arc Dome Wilderness

• Cow Canyon Trailhead
• Peavine Canyon Trail
• Toms Canyon Trail
• Jett Canyon Trail
• South Twin River Trail
• Arc Dome
• North Twin River Trail
• Toiyabe Crest Trail
• Stewart Creek Trail
• Green Monster Trail
• Clear Lake Trail

For detailed directions and downloadable maps, go to www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/recreation/wilderness/arc_dome.shtml

Alta Toquima Wilderness

• Jefferson Trail
• Pine Creek Trailhead
• Bucks Canyon
• Pasco Canyon

For detailed directions and downloadable maps, go to www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/recreation/wilderness/alta_toquima.shtml

Table Mountain Wilderness

• Morgan Creek Trail
• North Mosquito Creek Trail
• South Mosquito Creek Trail
• Barley Creek Trail

For detailed directions and downloadable maps, go to www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/recreation/wilderness/table_mt.shtml

Toyabe Crest Trail
For a description of the Toyabe Crest Trail, CLICK HERE

 

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rock ART

Toquima Cave Rock Art Site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/maps/brochures/toquima_cave_brochure.pdf

Austin Ranger District – Toquima Cave

Toquima Cave is not really a cave, but a prehistoric rock shelter formed from volcanic rock. This "cave," however, provides you with a rare opportunity to glimpse into the lives of ancient peoples of western America. Through the rock art found in Toquima Cave, these people worshiped and recorded their history and important stories. Please explore and discover this unique archaeological site with care.

Rock art describes designs painted on or carved into rock surfaces. Pictographs are painted on rock surfaces. Petroglyphs are carved or scratched into rock surfaces. While the most ancient rock art consists of pits and grooves, more recent styles show greater complexity by incorporating abstract, linear, geometric, human  (anthropomorphic) and animal (zoomorphic) shapes. Over 300 independent images have been recorded in Toquima Cave, with two rock art styles represented: the Great Basin curvilinear style (dots, circles and squiggles) and the rectilinear style (lines, chevrons and tally marks).

Painting in color

Four different minerals were used to make pigments in Toquima Cave: Gypsum (the primary ingredient in plaster) was used for white; Hematite and Goethite (both iron oxides) for red and yellow pigments; and Charcoal was used to produce black. Other pigments were created from a variety of natural resources. Depending on the color desired, clay, chalk, bird droppings, plant juices, nut shells or berries, were used. These resources were harvested, collected, or acquired from faraway places through ancient trade networks. Preparation of the pigments involved crushing, drying, or cooking the natural ingredients. Containers used for mixing and holding pigments might have been stone slabs or bowls, shells, large leaves, bark trays, gourd bowls, bone bowls, or clay pots.

Ancient peoples used a variety of tools to apply pigments to rock surfaces. A majority of pictographs in Toquima Cave are finger paintings. However, other applicators might have included: human or animal hair brushes, sticks, chewed twigs, grasses, split bones, feathers, fur, moss, or leather.

The Western Shoshone

Rock art was just one way these ancient people expressed themselves. It also played an important role in their spiritual lives. Even today, Native American Indians acknowledge a belief in the sanctity of rock art. According to Indian tradition, rock art was located in places of spiritual power where, with the aid of images themselves, their shaman could communicate with the spirit world.

Thousands of years ago, inhabitants of western America left a message to their gods, ancestors, or perhaps those traveling behind them. As visitors, we are privileged to see these messages and must treat all rock art sites as special places-much like a museum or place of worship-to be enjoyed, preserved and protected for the benefit of future generations.

To Protect and Preserve Rock Art Sites

• Never deface rock art.
• Do not attempt to remove rock art.
• Never build fires near rock art sites.
• Avoid climbing or leaning on rock art.
• Never chalk, trace or apply anything (even water) to rock art panels.
• Do not touch pictographs. The oils from your hands damage or change the pigments

 

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hot SPRINGS

Spencer Hot Springs

Hot springs, filled with steaming, soothing mineral water are a popular way to sooth away the aches and pains after a days of hiking, riding, and other activity. Spencer is a cluster of natural springs on unimproved public land. Previous visitors have made some rudimentary improvements to the area to enhance the experience, The largest "bathing hole" has water of about 140 degrees flowing into a concrete tub. There is no fresh water, restrooms, or amenities. Visitors may park nearby in their campers or RVs or just drive out for a soothing soak before settling in one of the neighboring towns for the evening.

Directions: Located off SR376, just east of the junction to Highway 50. Watch for the turn-off near mile marker 99, take the dirt road approximately 10 miles. The Springs are to your left.

Caution: Always test the water before you commit. Hot springs can change temperature without notice and every hot spring is unique. Do not endanger yourself by staying in hot water too long. If you think the water's too hot, stay out or wait for it to cool. More than half of hot springs found on public lands in Nevada are hotter than 140š Fahrenheit (skin is scalded within three seconds in 140š water). However, while extreme hot water is one serious danger posed by hot springs it is by no means the only danger. Others include loss of consciousness from chemical fumes, cuts from sharp rocks or broken glass, and bacterial infections. ALWAYS WATCH CHILDREN.