Grapevine Canyon Petroglyph Trail

Grapevine Canyon Petroglyph Trail is a short walk from the signed Grapevine Canyon Trailhead to the rock-art gap at the canyon mouth. It is about 0.3 mile each way, or roughly 0.6 mile round trip. Choose this route if you want the petroglyphs without continuing farther up-canyon. The sandy wash is nontechnical, but the soft footing slows the walk. I would allow about 30 to 45 minutes to walk out, look around, and return.

The path starts at the far end of the lot, drops into Grapevine Wash, then follows it upstream and uphill. The wash is broad and sandy near the beginning; granite walls close in as you reach the gap. There is no long climb, but expect loose sand underfoot rather than a hard-packed path.

Petroglyphs appear on granite walls on both sides of the gap. Some are at eye level and others sit a little higher; many of the panels are within a minute's walk of the mouth. Look for animal forms, spirals, stars, and geometric designs. For a photo, keep the carved rock and surrounding granite in the same frame so the panels stay in their setting. Stay on the ground and do not touch or climb on the panels.

Grapevine Canyon is considered a spiritual gateway to Spirit Mountain, sacred to Native peoples of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. This short walk reaches a broader cultural landscape even if you only go a few hundred yards. Give the panels time and leave every marked rock undisturbed.

In non-drought years, a natural spring supports cottonwoods, grapevines, cattails, and rushes in the canyon. That greener strip can attract desert bighorn sheep. After a wet winter, water may flow at the canyon mouth before disappearing into the sand; in drier periods, the wash is dry. The spring is not a visitor water source.

The short petroglyph route ends at the gap. Continuing upstream toward Grapevine Falls is a separate, longer canyon hike. Farther in, soft sand gives way to slick, water-polished granite and boulder scrambling. That rougher continuation is not included in this trail's 0.6-mile round-trip distance, so turn back at the panels if you came for the short rock-art walk.

From Laughlin, take US 163 west and turn north onto Christmas Tree Pass Road. After about two miles, turn left at the Grapevine Canyon sign onto Grapevine Canyon Road and continue to the trailhead lot. Restrooms are available at the lot, but no drinking-water supply was found there or on the route. Winter and spring are more comfortable seasons; summer desert heat can be dangerous. Pets are allowed on park hiking trails and must stay on a leash no longer than six feet.