Spirit Mountain Wilderness
A sacred desert wilderness with ancient petroglyphs, offering spiritual connection and rugged natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures for hiking
Spirit Mountain Wilderness
Best Time
Cooler temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred desert wilderness with ancient petroglyphs, offering spiritual connection and rugged natural beauty.
"This place is sacred... a place of dreams and breathtaking views."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires significant hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The terrain can be rugged and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs
Grapevine Canyon
Explore over 700 ancient petroglyphs, including spirals and animal figures, left by the Mojave people.
Spirit Mountain Views
Summit areas
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and geological formations.
Unique Desert Flora
Throughout the wilderness
Discover resilient desert plants adapted to the arid environment, showcasing nature's tenacity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect Sacred Ground
Plan for Desert Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires significant hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The terrain can be rugged and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
Respect Sacred Sites
This is a culturally significant area. Be mindful and leave no trace.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation.
Cottonwood Campground Big Bend National Park. Anyone have any suggestions on things to do?? Heading that way tomorrow.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Desert hiking requires significant hydration. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The terrain can be rugged and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable hike.
Respect Sacred Sites
This is a culturally significant area. Be mindful and leave no trace.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Ensure you have maps downloaded for navigation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the profound spiritual significance and breathtaking desert landscapes of Spirit Mountain Wilderness. The ancient petroglyphs in Grapevine Canyon are a major draw, offering a unique connection to history. However, the extreme desert climate and rugged terrain require careful preparation, especially regarding water and sun protection.
"This is a sacred area for my People, Pipa Aha Macav, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, I've dreamt my about this place and it looks like a place of dreams. Medicine Men and Kwanamais, Warriors, Leaders dream about this place, Matavilya, God, went up into the heavens while His Son, Mastamho, young night, the overseer of the world, made his home here. Our time here begins after the great deluge. This place is sacred to 3 tribe's east of here, all the way to Payson, AZ, 4 south of here, down into Northern Mexico and 3 West of here, all the way to Saj Diego, CA, respectively."
Anth Garcia
"Wow ! We have done many hikes. This one wore us out!
The different terrain is unbelievable!
Bring snacks , plenty of water. This is best in fall and winter time to hike.
Leave no trace !"
Dawn Craig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spirit Mountain Wilderness is located near Laughlin, Nevada. Access is typically via unpaved roads from nearby towns. It's recommended to use a vehicle with good ground clearance. Check local conditions before you go, as roads can be affected by weather.
Public transportation options are very limited in this remote desert area. It is best to have your own vehicle, preferably an SUV or truck, to reach trailheads and points of interest.
The closest town with amenities is Laughlin, Nevada. Other nearby communities include Bullhead City, Arizona, and Needles, California, offering various services for visitors.
Grapevine Canyon is a popular destination within the wilderness. Follow signs from the main access roads; it's usually well-marked. An offline map is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no specific entry permits are required for day use in Spirit Mountain Wilderness, but it's always wise to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for any current regulations or restrictions.
There are typically no entrance fees for the Spirit Mountain Wilderness itself. However, some developed areas or campgrounds nearby might have associated fees.
Spirit Mountain Wilderness is generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, access roads may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
Dispersed camping is often allowed in designated areas, but regulations can vary. It's crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles and check BLM guidelines for specific camping rules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The petroglyphs are scattered throughout Grapevine Canyon. Take your time to explore the canyon floor and walls. Wear sturdy shoes and be respectful of the ancient art.
While some areas have informal trails, much of the wilderness is undeveloped. It's important to be comfortable with off-trail navigation or stick to known routes like Grapevine Canyon.
You might encounter desert wildlife such as reptiles, birds of prey, and small mammals. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals.
Families can enjoy the unique experience of seeing petroglyphs and exploring the desert landscape. However, the rugged terrain and heat require careful supervision and preparation.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes, and a first-aid kit. A map and compass or GPS device are also highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones. The golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of the natural and cultural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast desert landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Use natural light and avoid using flash, which can damage the ancient rock art. Focus on capturing the patterns and textures without touching the carvings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cooler months of fall or winter for a more comfortable experience. Pack plenty of snacks and be prepared for uneven terrain. The sheer scale and history of the area can be awe-inspiring for all ages, providing a memorable adventure into the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Experienced hikers can venture further, but it's crucial to be prepared for off-trail navigation and the challenges of the desert environment. Always inform someone of your hiking plans, carry essential safety gear, and be mindful of the sacred nature of the land. The best times for hiking are during the cooler fall and winter months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Significance of Spirit Mountain
Understanding this sacredness is key to a responsible visit. The wilderness area is not just a recreational spot but a living cultural landscape. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the tribes associated with the area and to tread lightly, leaving no trace of their presence. This includes staying on designated paths where they exist, not disturbing any natural or cultural artifacts, and being mindful of the quiet and contemplative atmosphere that is integral to the site's spiritual significance.
Exploring Grapevine Canyon's Ancient Art
These petroglyphs are believed to hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning, potentially serving as historical records, astronomical calendars, or representations of spiritual visions and ceremonies. Visitors can explore the canyon on foot, marveling at the artistry and imagining the lives of those who created them. It's essential to view these carvings from a respectful distance and avoid touching them, as oils from human skin can cause damage over time. The experience of walking among these ancient messages is a powerful connection to the past.
Navigating the Desert Terrain
Due to the arid climate, water management is paramount. Temperatures can soar, especially outside of the cooler fall and winter months. It is strongly advised to carry significantly more water than you anticipate needing, along with high-energy snacks. Sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, is also essential. For those venturing beyond well-known spots, carrying a map, compass, or GPS device is highly recommended, as cell service can be unreliable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit