Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs
Discover ancient Native American rock art in the stunning Spirit Mountain Wilderness. Over 700 petroglyphs await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient Native American rock art in the stunning Spirit Mountain Wilderness. Over 700 petroglyphs await!
"An incredible place to explore, so close to nature and the past."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Opt for closed-toe shoes like hiking boots or sturdy sneakers; sandy and uneven terrain requires good grip .
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a desert environment with little shade. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Petroglyph Panels
Canyon Entrance
Marvel at over 700 ancient carvings by the Mojave people, depicting spirals, animals, and human figures.
Spirit Mountain Wilderness
Surrounding Area
Explore the stunning desert landscape and geological formations surrounding the petroglyph site.
Desert Wildlife
Canyon Floor
Keep an eye out for desert lizards and other native wildlife that call this arid environment home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Ancient Art
Respecting Sacred Ground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Opt for closed-toe shoes like hiking boots or sturdy sneakers; sandy and uneven terrain requires good grip.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a desert environment with little shade. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The gravel road can be rough. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended for easier access.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the ancient art, but avoid touching or disturbing the petroglyphs for your shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Opt for closed-toe shoes like hiking boots or sturdy sneakers; sandy and uneven terrain requires good grip.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is a desert environment with little shade. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The gravel road can be rough. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended for easier access.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the ancient art, but avoid touching or disturbing the petroglyphs for your shots.
🚻 Restrooms Available
Basic outhouse-style restrooms are available at the parking lot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the impressive collection of ancient petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon, calling it a 'cool hike' with 'amazing' and 'detailed' rock art. The easy access to the main panels and the beautiful desert surroundings are frequently praised. Some note that the gravel road can be rough and that certain glyphs appear to have been enhanced, which detracts slightly for some.
"Fairly long drive off the highway along a decently graded gravel road to the trailhead. The main attraction of this place is the numerous petroglyphs on the rock walls at the head of the canyon, which is a relatively short walk from the parking lot. Lots of sand, I wouldn't wear sandals, but you don't really need boots to see the main area of glyphs, unless you continue further in, where it gets more scrambly in nature. The glyphs seem to continue further into the canyon, and the rocks and boulders get bigger and bigger. We went probably half a mile or so, but from what I understand it does get pretty difficult to continue further in.
This is a good stop if you want to see a bunch of glyphs that are somewhat more "advanced" and detailed in nature, but some of them have been "preserved" by pecking out the rock more to enhance them, which in my mind kind of destroys the original nature of them."
Allan Ruyters
"Really cool hike near Laughlin, NV. Tons of petroglyphs. Beautiful surroundings."
Scott Wilson
"Easy access and short walk in to see petroglyphs. My grandson also took some pictures of a couple different types of lizzards."
Karma Boll
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs are located near Laughlin, Nevada. The trailhead is about a 50-minute drive from Kingman, AZ, and is accessed via a gravel road off Highway 163. Some recommend entering from 163 to avoid going over Christmas Tree Pass.
The road to the parking area is a rough gravel road. While many cars can manage, a higher clearance vehicle or 4WD is recommended, especially if you plan to explore further into the canyon.
Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs are approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a feasible day trip for those looking to explore beyond the city.
GPS can be helpful, but be aware that cell service can be spotty in the area. It's advisable to download offline maps or have clear directions before you go.
No, there is no public transportation directly to Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs. A personal vehicle is required for access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs. It is a free public access site.
Grapevine Canyon is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee for Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs. Access to the site is free for all visitors.
While the canyon is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the inability to see the petroglyphs clearly.
No permits are required for general visitation to Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs. However, if you plan on any commercial filming or large group activities, you may need to check with local authorities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike from the parking lot to the main concentration of petroglyphs is a short, easy walk of about a quarter-mile on a relatively level path.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on sand and uneven terrain. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the desert climate.
Yes, the main petroglyph panels are easily visible from the trail. Some visitors note that some glyphs have been enhanced by pecking, which can alter their original appearance.
Yes, the trail continues beyond the main petroglyph area, but it becomes more challenging with larger rocks and boulders. It can get quite difficult to proceed further in.
There are basic outhouse-style restrooms available at the parking lot. No refreshments or other services are available on-site.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and highlighting the carvings. Avoid midday sun which can wash out details.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or local authorities regarding drone operation in this area, as it may be restricted due to its cultural significance.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the canyon and petroglyphs.
Absolutely not. Touching the petroglyphs can cause damage and is strictly prohibited. Respect the ancient art and photograph it from a distance.
The main concentration of petroglyphs at the canyon entrance offers the most iconic views. Explore the surrounding rocks for unique perspectives, but always stay on the trail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers from Laughlin/Kingman
The easy access to the petroglyphs means you can enjoy the main attraction without a strenuous hike, making it a perfect half-day excursion. Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Spirit Mountain Wilderness for a full day of desert adventure.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The variety of ancient carvings provides ample opportunity for creative shots. While the main panels are easily accessible, exploring further into the canyon (with caution) can yield unique perspectives. Remember to pack your camera gear, a wide-angle lens, and be mindful of the fragile nature of the site when composing your shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Art of Grapevine Canyon
+1 These ancient rock carvings are estimated to be hundreds, if not thousands, of years old, with some possibly dating back as far as 900 years. The glyphs feature a variety of imagery, including spirals, grids, human figures, animals, and abstract forms.+1 The exact meaning behind these carvings remains a subject of speculation, but they are believed to represent spiritual visions, storytelling traditions, or even ancient calendars.+1Visitors can find a significant concentration of these petroglyphs at the entrance of the canyon, easily accessible from the main trail.
Some reviews mention that certain glyphs appear to have been enhanced by pecking, which some visitors feel detracts from their original nature.The Spirit Mountain Wilderness area, where Grapevine Canyon is located, is also significant to various Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute people.
The petroglyphs are a tangible link to this rich history and cultural heritage, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the past. The surrounding desert landscape itself is also a point of interest, with unique geological formations and occasional sightings of desert flora and fauna.Navigating the Terrain and Access
The hike from the parking lot to the primary petroglyph panels is relatively short and easy, covering about a quarter-mile on a level path.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit