Hickison Summit

Close-up of elaborate petroglyphs by campground. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

View south from scenic trail to summit. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

View westward from the summit reached by the scenic trail. This is the area where the long loop trails are. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

View from lower scenic trail. The scenic trail running to the summit on the left is visible on the open sagebrush slope skyline. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Block with elaborate petroglyph panel near campground. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Petroglyphs off trail. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Petroglyphs off the interpretive trail. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

View eastward from scenic trail to summit. Campground below, with the access road from US-50 visible. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Petroglyphs off the interpretive trail. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

About 24 miles east of Austin, Nevada, the “Loneliest Road” crosses Hickison Summit, a relatively low pass separating the Simpson Park Mountains to the north from the Toquima Range to the south.

It is the site of a rest area and campground, located less than a mile off the highway, as well as several well-preserved petroglyphs. An ADA-accessible interpretive trail runs by the petroglyph sites, and a couple of short scenic trails provide views of the surrounding area.

In addition, a trailhead about 1/3 mile north of the campground gives access to several loop trails, each several miles long and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. These are open to horse traffic, as well as hikers.

Know Before You Go

The turnoff to the campground and interpretive site is well-marked. It's just east of the summit, where a graded access road runs for less than a mile to the west of US-50.

There are vault toilets at the picnic site, as well as at the campground. However, there is no water or electrical hookups, and cell phone service is nonexistent. The nearest supplies are in Austin or Eureka.