Lander County: Petroglyphs, Ranch History and Landscapes

Lander County encompasses 2.6 million acres of public land managed for multiple uses. Activities available there include hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife watching. Historic railroad connections, churches, a ranch cookhouse and petroglyphs also offer different themes for a trip.

Landscapes and Trails

At 9,678 feet, Mount Lewis is the highest peak in Lander County. A rocky, remote OHV trail winds through Lewis Canyon to the summit. Those traveling on foot can explore the canyon via the gravel road to the Mount Lewis summit. The options described therefore differ mainly in mode of travel and trail conditions.

Steep climbs, sparse tree cover and long stretches without water are all factors to consider when planning a route on the Toiyabe Crest Trail. Careful provisioning is required for the route.

History and Cultural Sites

From 1880 to 1938, Battle Mountain was the operational headquarters of the Central Nevada Railway, and from 1881 to 1890, it was the headquarters of the Battle Mountain and Lewis Railroad. The two periods represent different chapters in the town’s railroad history.

The Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum is housed in an authentic 1920s ranch cookhouse originally from the Battle Mountain area. Exhibits include artifacts from local Paiute and Shoshone groups, cattle-ranching relics, items from the local schoolhouse, a camera collection and old copper stills. The building and its collection thus connect ranch history with several aspects of local life.

Austin was established after William Talcott discovered silver there on May 2, 1862; in 1863, it became the county seat of Lander County. Churches are another specific aspect of its history: Austin preserves three churches that are nearly 150 years old. St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and St. George’s Episcopal Church are currently active. St. George’s was consecrated in 1878 and still holds weekly services.

St. Augustine’s Catholic Church was built in 1866 from local bricks and stone fired or worked at the Austin Brickyard. Stokes Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Admission is free, but the grounds are fenced; check current visiting options before you go.

Experiences and Trip Planning

Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area features ancient petroglyphs and is suitable for walking, picnicking and camping. Mill Creek Recreation Area can be reached via a signed turnoff from SR 305, 20 miles south of Battle Mountain; a maintained gravel road continues from there. The petroglyphs and the recreational activities listed offer different ways to spend time in the area.

Near Battle Mountain, the World Human Powered Speed Challenge uses a five-mile section of Nevada State Route 305. Various sections of the Pony Express National Historic Trail in Nevada can be explored by car, on foot, by bike or on horseback. For this trail, the options listed apply to sections, not to a single, uniform use of the entire route.

The information about churches, the museum and railroads offers different points of interest from the routes and recreation areas mentioned.

Discover more destinations: Battle Mountain, Douglas County, Lyon County, Churchill County, Storey County, Carson City, Washoe, Elko County

For the main travel overview: Nevada.