Nov 3, 2008
Located in Nevada’s Great Basin, the Lovelock Cave Back Country Byway is a 20-mile stretch of road that abounds with fascinating history of both Native Americans and early Nevada settlers. The byway begins in the town of Lovelock, a historic town over a century old that boasts rich cultural history and intriguing structures from the late 1800s. It traverses through the countryside, once inhabited by the Paiute people, and ends at Lovelock Cave, known as the “cradle of Great Basin archaeology.”
The byway begins in Lovelock, home to the historic Marzen House built in 1874. Here, you’ll find a showcase of fascinating artifacts and history from Lovelock’s rich past, from mining equipment to Native American artifacts. The museum also includes an exhibit on the archaeology of Lovelock Cave and the Humboldt Sink. Pick up a self-guided tour book at the information kiosk, and you’ll be ready for your next destination.
Lovelock is also home to the Pershing County Courthouse, a symbol of Pershing County’s success in separating from Humboldt County. Its unusual circular design and sharp acoustics make it a memorable stop along the byway. As you pass the railroad tracks, notice the renovated train depot to your left, the oldest standing Central Pacific depot in Nevada. As you venture through downtown Lovelock, watch for ruins of Chinatown, which was organized by Chinese immigrants seeking work along the Transcontinental Railroad in the late 1800s.
As you leave Lovelock and enter the country, you’ll pass a trace of the California Trail. The trail, one of the main immigrant routes to the west, led many to California and its promised riches. Examine the slopes of the West Humboldt Range to your left and notice step-like horizontal lines etched into the mountains. These lines represent the varying shoreline of Lake Lahontan, an enormous ancient body of water which was so deep at times that it transformed the mountain peaks around you into insignificant little islands. Just ahead to the right, you’ll notice a weathered windmill built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Finally, you’ll reach Lovelock Cave and the Nature Trail. Enjoy a picnic and restroom break before venturing into the cave or along the nature trail. Investigate interpretive signs and a separate nature trail brochure to learn all about the plants and animals that were once essential to the Paiute way of life. You’ll also be entertained by the traditional Paiute story about the battle between their Paiute ancestors and redheaded giants known as the Sai’i. The most famous artifacts found in the cave are the oldest found duck decoys in the world, which date back over 2,000 years. As you explore the area, please remember to leave it as you found it.
So, check your tires, fill up your gas tank, pack a picnic, and leave your troubles behind. Come discover the Lovelock Cave Back Country Byway's bounty of historical, cultural, and natural marvels that are waiting just for you.
