Mount Irish Rock Art and Archeological District

History:

In 1865 prospectors were driven out of the area by Southern Paiute Indians. The prospectors returned the following year and developed the Silver deposits in the region, opening a post office in Logan City in 1867. Both historic and prehistoric artifacts have been found in the Mt Irish area.

Location:

The Mt Irish Mount Irish Rock Art and Archeological District is located west of Hiko, Nevada (about 110 miles south of Ely and 130 miles north of Las Vegas). Access from state route 318, about 1 mile south of the Key Pitman Wildlife Management Area Headquarters. Once you leave the pavement it is about eight miles of rough and rocky road to the closest rock art panels. High clearance vehicles are strongly advised. Click here for a topographic map of the Mt. Irish Archeological District.

Rock Art Etiquette:

To explore the Mount Irish Art Site (as well as other sites in Nevada), you will need a comfortable pair of walking shoes (hiking boots or sneakers are preferable), comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Also, keep a watch out for rattlesnakes. Never put your feet or hands where you cannot see them (ie., in deep nooks and crannies of rocks and boulders while climbing). Most importantly; always bring water. Even though you may only plan to go for a short hike, be sure to always have water with you.

When examining rock art, please be sure to observe the following; Do not ever touch rock art and do not ever walk on it. The rock art is very fragile and the application of any material, including water and especially oil from your skin, can cause irreparable damage. If you yourself see any vandalism taking place, please call the Bureau of Land Management's resource protection hotline (1-800-722-3998) or the Ely District office at HC33 box 33500, Ely, Nevada 8931-9408. (phone 1-800-633-6092 , 702-289-1800). Also please remember that excavation, collection, damage or destruction of archeological resources (pottery, chipped stone, rock art and other resources) is prohibited under the Archeological Resources Protection Act (43 CFR Part 7). Please report any such discoveries to the archeologists on duty at the Ely or Caliente BLM offices. Always exercise courtesy while visiting archaeological sites and do not disturb any artifacts you may find.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Leave What You Find, Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly

Leave What You Find means retaining the special qualities of every wildland area for the long term. One of the most exiting aspects of traveling through America's deserts is coming upon relics from the past. The arid environment preserves human history and you often find rock art, potsherds, corn cobs, and ruins tucked up in canyons or spread across the mesas. Discovering such evidence of earlier cultures is exhilarating. Cultural sites add to the mystery and allure of the desert, but take care when you come upon a site. Watch where you walk and try not to touch anything. There can be no compromise if we wish to protect these irreplaceable and fragile treasures. Visit cultural sites with care, respect, and impeccable Leave No Trace techniques. Leaving such things as we find them helps us to pass the gift of discovery on to those who follow.

If you detect any vandalism, suspicious activity or desire further information please contact the Ely District office at HC33 box 33500, Ely, Nevada 8931-9408. (phone 1-800-633-6092, 775-289-1800). Also please remember that excavation, collection, damage or destruction of archeological resources (pottery, chipped stone, rock art and other resources) is prohibited under the Archeological Resources Protection Act (43 CFR Part 7). Please enjoy your visit.

Always remember to practice Leave No Trace skills and ethics and Tread Lightly minimum impact camping techniques.