Toquima Cave
"The BLM road extending across the valley leads to Toquima Cave, approximately eight miles from this marker. The surrounding valleys around Austin offer more than meets the eye; and, in a valley as big as Big Smoky Valley, it isn't hard to see why ..." -- October 2009
![[136]](http://www.nv-landmarks.com/Landmark%20Photos/la/shl136.jpg)
| Along SR 376, 12 miles south of Austin |
39.399901, -116.941905Original Date Visited: 10/27/09
Signed: Both lanes of SR 376
Street View
Here's what you'll see!
![[136] Marker 136 plaque](http://www.nv-landmarks.com//Landmark Photos/la/136-2.jpg "[136] Marker 136 plaque")
![[136] Marker 136 at the north end of the Big Smoky Valley](http://www.nv-landmarks.com/Landmark Photos/la/136-4.jpg "[136] Marker 136 at the north end of the Big Smoky Valley")
![[136] Toquima Cave, 15 miles east of Marker 136](http://www.nv-landmarks.com/Landmark Photos/la/136-5.jpg "[136] Toquima Cave, 15 miles east of Marker 136")
![[136] Toquima Cave](https://travelnevada.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Toquima_Desktop-2048x1152.jpg "[136] Toquima Cave")
Exact Description:
East of the summit, north of the highway, and under a basalt flow lies Toquima Cave. Red, white, and yellow aboriginal drawings (pictographs) decorate its walls.
Usually located near springs, as here, and on migratory big game trails, painted or pecked petroglyphs are associated with food gathering localities of Nevada's prehistoric inhabitants.
There are no known specific meanings attached to the particular design elements. Presumably, these people created the designs as ritual devices to insure success in the hunt.
Most petroglyphs, therefore, probably are not "messages" or conscious "art forms."
Visiting Toquima Cave
COVERED IN MY US 50 ROAD TRIP
Next Marker
Related Links & Markers:
The Toquima Cave Gallery Toquima Cave (Finding Nevada Wild)
Have you been to this marker? Tell us all about it here!