Background

Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs: Ancient Rock Art

Discover ancient rock art at Grapevine Canyon near Laughlin, Nevada – a window into the lives of early Native American cultures.

4.9

Explore the Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs near Laughlin, Nevada, a remarkable site featuring hundreds of ancient rock carvings. Believed to be created between 1100 and 1900 AD, these petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Mojave and other indigenous tribes who once inhabited the area. The site is easily accessible via a short hike, making it a perfect day trip for history and nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

  • 68G7+Q9, Laughlin, Nevada, US

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on sand and uneven terrain.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Avoid touching the petroglyphs to help preserve them for future generations.
  • Visit during the cooler months (fall, winter, or spring) for a more comfortable hiking experience.
  • Bring binoculars for a closer look at the petroglyphs without climbing on the rocks.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Laughlin, Nevada, travel west on Highway 163 for approximately 6 miles. Turn right onto Christmas Tree Pass Road (a well-maintained gravel road) and continue for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Grapevine Canyon Road for the last tenth of a mile to the large trailhead parking area. From the parking area, walk approximately 0.25 miles up the sandy wash to reach the canyon entrance and the petroglyphs. There are no fees for parking or entry.

  • Walking

    From the Grapevine Canyon parking area, the petroglyphs are a short, easy walk up the wash. Follow the well-worn path into the canyon. The majority of petroglyphs are located within a quarter-mile of the canyon entrance. Be aware that the wash is sandy, and footing can be uneven.

Unlock the Best of Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

Grapevine Canyon, nestled within the Spirit Mountain Wilderness Area near Laughlin, Nevada, is home to one of the largest and earliest petroglyph sites in Southern Nevada. This canyon holds deep cultural significance for the Yuman- and Numic-speaking tribes, including the Mojave, Hualapai, and Southern Paiute, who consider Spirit Mountain a sacred place. The petroglyphs, estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old, are etched into the rocky walls at the canyon's entrance. These carvings depict a variety of symbols, animals, and human figures, offering insights into the beliefs, rituals, and daily lives of the ancient people who created them. While the exact meanings of the petroglyphs remain a mystery, they are believed to represent creation mythology, communication, storytelling, or religious expression. The hike to the petroglyphs is a relatively easy 1.5-mile round trip. The trail leads through a sandy wash, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert. As you approach the canyon entrance, the density of petroglyphs increases, covering the boulders and rock faces on both sides of the wash. Remember to respect this fragile rock art by not touching or climbing on the rocks. Beyond the petroglyphs, more adventurous hikers can continue up the canyon, following a seasonal stream past cottonwood trees and granite narrows to a small waterfall.

Popular Experiences near Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

Popular Hotels near Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

Select Currency