About White Rivers Archeological District:

White River Narrows Archeological District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The area is outstanding not only for rock art but also for the impressive rhyolite cliffs. The District is located entirely on lands administered by the Ely District Bureau of Land Management.

When exploring the White River Narrows be sure to watch your step. Rattlesnakes are common in the area. Help protect the rock art for others to enjoy. Do not drive off of existing trails. It is important that you do not touch the rock art (oils from the skin can contaminate the dating of the panels and abrade surfaces). Do not apply any substances to the rock art surface (such as chalk or aluminum powder or even water). Also please do not build camp fires or bury wastes in the archeological district.


Location:

The White River Narrows is located approximately 90 miles south of Ely and 150 miles north of Las Vegas on State Highway 318 (also known as the Sunnyside Cutoff). A detailed map showing the area is reproduced on the reverse. Click here for more photography of White River Narrows Archeological District.


Rock Art Etiquette

To explore the White River Narrows Rock 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). 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.