The question came up, maybe you don’t write about the Incandescent Rocks. Well, here it is, such a unique environment I can’t help but to hope people visit it, respect it, and share it with others. What I could not figure out was how after living here and being a part of the outdoor community for 15 years how this place was a complete secret to me. And everyone I have asked about this place was equally in the dark.

I was originally interested in this area from seeing it at a distance from Winnemucca Ranch Rd and Moon Rocks. When I looked it up on a map only the Painted Hills were mentioned. I made two trips out to the Painted Hills and both provided such unique scenery that even as the terrain got steeper the views made the effort worth it, just ask my companion Tom Driggers.

My second companion Dean Magnuson thoroughly enjoyed the terrain and geology. He is always looking for that unusual spot to explore, and in northern Nevada that usually includes water and unique geology. Dean had initiated our Lagomarsino Cyn outing, still a favorite ride to date.

We explored two canyons off Winnemucca Valley. The first canyon was the Incandescent Rocks Scenic Area which was a 4 wheel drive road that ended at a trail along a wash that was fed by a vernal fall coming off a significant headwall.

The second canyon had several 4 wheel drive road options into the Painted Hills which continue to a ridge top road. Those will have to wait for the next visit. As always there are more roads to explore.