About Hidden Cave
Hidden Cave is a prehistoric archaeological site within Grimes Point Archaeological area that reveals thousands of years of geologic and human history. Ancient Lake Lahontan, a massive body of water that existed during the last ice age, carved the cave about 20,000 years ago. When Ancient Lake Lahontan receded, animals began dwelling within the cave. Around 3,800 years ago, ancestors of the Toi-Ticutta (literally Cattail-Eaters, today the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe) began to use the cave. They did not live inside Hidden Cave but used it as a cache site. They created pits in the cave and buried tools and supplies there, knowing those objects would be safe until they came to retrieve them.
The site can be visited either in person on an official tour (scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for a private tour!), or in VR using kiosks at the Churchill County Museum, Churchill County Library, or Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Community Learning Center. In 2013, we partnered with @One Digital Media of the University of Nevada Reno Libraries, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Nevada DOT to create the following documentary discussing the history and importance of Hidden Cave:
Hidden Cave Tours
Since the 1980s, the Churchill County Museum has collaborated with the Bureau of Land Management to offer tours of Hidden Cave to the public. Public tours are held every 2nd and 4th Saturday, other than on Holiday Weekends. Please arrive at 9:15, as orientation begins promptly at 9:30. No reservations or tickets required.
All tours meet at the Churchill County Museum. You will watch an introductory video in our multi-purpose room. Then, the guide will lead a caravan out to Hidden Cave. Be sure to bring hiking shoes, water, sunblock, and a hat. The hike is about 3/4 mile with some steep terrain and is not wheelchair-accessible. Tour lasts about 2 hours. Please call (775) 423-3677 for more information.
2023 Tour Dates
January 28
February 11
February 25
March 11
March 25
April 8
April 22
May 13
June 10
June 24
July 8
July 22
August 12
August 26
September 9
September 23
October 14
October 28
December 9