Mouse's Tank (Petroglyph Canyon)

This is the park’s rock‑art showcase: a short, easy out‑and‑back through a narrow red‑sandstone wash lined with prehistoric petroglyphs, finishing at the natural rainwater “tank” named for the Southern Paiute outlaw Little Mouse. Expect soft sand underfoot, big canyon walls, and a high wow‑to‑effort ratio. Total distance is roughly 0.7 miles round trip.

The route follows a mostly flat sandy path between Aztec sandstone walls. Petroglyphs appear early and often—scan both sides as you go, with an extra careful eye on the north wall where panels are especially concentrated. The canyon narrows in places, with photogenic curves, small arches, and sticky sandstone that invites gentle, low‑risk scrambling off the main tread. Please admire the rock art without touching or climbing near it.

The trail ends at Mouse’s Tank, a natural rock basin that holds water after rains. The story goes that Little Mouse hid out in this canyon in the late 1800s, and the tank likely helped him do it. Wildlife lives here (desert bighorn sheep among them), but sightings on this particular walk are uncommon.

Crowd levels can be high because it’s short and rewarding. The sand makes the walking a bit slower than a sidewalk, and there’s very little shade, so bring water and sun protection. Dogs are allowed on leash. Facilities are convenient for such a short stop: there’s a small parking lot at the Petroglyph Canyon trailhead with overflow nearby, plus a vault toilet.

Best time to hike: Fall through spring for cooler temps. In summer, heat can be intense—go early or late. For photos of the petroglyphs and canyon walls, softer light in the morning or late afternoon is ideal.

If you’re sampling the park’s quick hits, this pairs nicely with other short routes like White Domes, Fire Wave, or Elephant Rock to round out a half‑day of classic Valley of Fire scenery.