BLM Nevada
Lovelock Cave Back Country Byway is a short, easy 20-mile route through the Humboldt Sink in northwestern Nevada that ends at one of the most archaeologically significant cave sites in the Great Basin. The route runs paved State Route 397 from Lovelock for 6.5 miles, then turns onto graded South Meridian Road for nine miles to the cave parking area. Standard cars and SUVs handle the surface in dry conditions.
The cave was excavated starting in 1912 and produced thousands of well-preserved artifacts dating back roughly 4,000 years, including a cache of tule duck decoys still considered the oldest in North America. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided half-mile trail loops past the cave entrance.
Trailhead: 39.96254, -118.55858
- Technical Difficulty
- easy
- Length
- 20 miles
- Direction
- Out and back
- Vehicle
- Standard car or SUV. The dirt section is well-maintained and high-clearance is not required.
- Nearest town
- Lovelock, Nevada
- Terrain
- Paved highway then well-graded dirt, no washboarding or technical sections
- Cell coverage
- None at the cave
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
- Trailhead
- 39.96254, -118.55858
Resources
Directions
From Interstate 80, take Exit 105 at Lovelock and follow South Main Street through town. Turn south on State Route 397 (also signed for Lovelock Cave). Drive 6.5 miles on pavement, then turn onto South Meridian Road. The cave parking area is nine miles further on the well-graded dirt road. Approximate cave coordinates: 39.96254° N, -118.55858° W.
Photos · 2
Getting Oriented
The byway sits in Pershing County, off Interstate 80 between Reno and Winnemucca. Lovelock anchors the northern access at I-80 Exit 105. The cave itself is roughly 18 miles south of town in the Humboldt Mountains, where prehistoric shorelines of Lake Lahontan are still visible on the hillsides above the cave entrance. The Humboldt Sink is the dry remnant of that ancient lake.
Trail Overview
From Lovelock, paved State Route 397 runs 6.5 miles to the start of the unpaved section. South Meridian Road continues for nine miles as a well-graded dirt road that's posted at 25 mph. The road ends at a small parking area with a vault toilet, picnic table, and information kiosk. A wooden deck extends to the cave entrance, and a half-mile interpretive nature trail loops counterclockwise from the parking area. The full visit takes two to three hours from Lovelock.
Points of Interest
- Lovelock Cave. The cave entrance is fenced for protection but visible from the wooden viewing deck. Excavations starting in 1912 produced more than 10,000 artifacts.
- Tule duck decoys. A 1924 cache of eleven decoys, dated to roughly 2,000 years old. The decoys are housed at the Smithsonian and the Nevada State Museum in Carson City.
- Lake Lahontan terraces. Wave-cut benches on the surrounding hillsides mark prehistoric shoreline levels.
- Self-guided nature trail. Half-mile interpretive loop with signage on geology, archaeology, and Northern Paiute use of the area.
- Information kiosk. Brochures and interpretive panels at the trailhead.
Where to Camp
Overnight stays are allowed in the designated parking area, though the site is primarily designed for day use. There are no developed campgrounds along the byway. Lovelock has lodging and dispersed camping is available on BLM land off the byway. The closest fee campground is at Rye Patch State Recreation Area, 22 miles north of Lovelock on I-80.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit spring or fall. Summer temperatures top 100°F with limited shade.
- Bring water; there is no potable water at the site.
- Do not enter the cave or disturb any surface artifacts. The site is federally protected.
- Cell service drops out at the cave; carry an offline map for navigation.
- Pack out trash; the site has no waste service.
- Contact the BLM Winnemucca District Office at 775-623-1500 for current conditions.
Hazards
- Summer heat. Temperatures over 100°F from June through August. The cave area has no shade structures.
- Snakes. Rattlesnakes are common in warmer months; watch foot placement on the trail.
- No water. The site has no potable water source. Carry enough for the visit.
- Wet-weather conditions. South Meridian Road can rut after rain. Check after recent storms.
- No cell coverage. Service drops out a few miles south of Lovelock.
- Cultural site. Removing or disturbing artifacts is a federal crime under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.