Petroglyph Canyon Trail - Image 1
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Petroglyph Canyon Trail

4.5
·31 reviews·Henderson, United States

Discover ancient rock art and desert beauty on this moderate hike in Sloan Canyon, Nevada.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Petroglyph Canyon Trail - Image 1

Petroglyph Canyon Trail

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient rock art and desert beauty on this moderate hike in Sloan Canyon, Nevada.

4.5
(31 reviews)

"A moderate hike with petroglyphs everywhere at the top of the dry falls!"

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Bring LOTS of Water!

Crucial for this desert hike. Sunscreen is a must too!

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Loose rock and some climbing sections require good grip.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Petroglyphs

Ancient Petroglyphs

Top of dry falls

Discover nearly 1,700 ancient rock carvings, a glimpse into the past.

Desert Flora & Fauna

Desert Flora & Fauna

Throughout the trail

Spot vibrant wildflowers, cacti, lizards, and even bighorn sheep.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Various viewpoints

Enjoy the rugged beauty of the desert landscape and unique rock formations.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the heat and crowds by hiking early morning or late afternoon. Construction on the parking lot has been noted, so check for alternative access points before you go. TikTok

Hydration & Safety First

This desert hike offers zero shade. Bring ample water and wear sunscreen. Be aware of potential wildlife, including rattlesnakes, and flash flood risks. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Wildflowers bloom, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We do this hike weekly whenever we want to get our steps in. But we finally just reached the petroglyphs recently and it is so cool! I was able to record majority of the hike with my @raybanmeta glasses 😎 They’re currently doing construction on the parking lot so there are directions to access it from another side when you get there. Obviously don’t take anything, leave no trace and respect the...
@sin_city_secrets
3.6K likes • 67.7K views

💧 Bring LOTS of Water!

Crucial for this desert hike. Sunscreen is a must too! Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Loose rock and some climbing sections require good grip. Reddit

Have you been to Valley Of Fire state park? 🩷 #valleyoffire #Hiking #Outdoors #nature #goats #firewave #elephantrock #whitedomes #petroglyphs #atlatlrock #campground #dogfriendly #dogs #arch #lasvegas #paradise #henderson #vegascreator #summerlin #lasvegasvlogger #nevada #vegasactivity #vegaslocal #travel #vacation #latina #hispaniccreator #Foodie #foodcreator #foodvlogger
@lasvegaschicas
2.5K likes • 66.8K views
Explore the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Trail through a new virtual experience created in partnership with CyArk, the BLM Red Rock/Sloan Canyon Field Office, the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. 👉 Start exploring today: https://tapestry.cyark.org/content/sloan-canyon Home to more than 300 rock art panels and nearly 1,700 designs, Sloan Canyon offers a window into the lives of...
cyark
49 likes • 1.1K views

🐍 Watch for Wildlife

Spotted rattlesnakes are a possibility. Stay aware of your surroundings. Reddit

🗺️ Trail Navigation

Keep going past initial spots to find the main petroglyph areas. Reddit

You read that right, you can see petroglyphs in Las Vegas at Red Rock Canyon! ✨Petroglyph Wall Trail ✨is the shortest trail in Red Rock Canyon (just .15 miles). It took us under 30 minutes to complete. Get all the details and tips for this hike at outandaboutlasvegas.com (link in bio).
outandaboutlasvegas
275 likes • 12.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Bring LOTS of Water!

Crucial for this desert hike. Sunscreen is a must too! Reddit

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Loose rock and some climbing sections require good grip. Reddit

🐍 Watch for Wildlife

Spotted rattlesnakes are a possibility. Stay aware of your surroundings. Reddit

🗺️ Trail Navigation

Keep going past initial spots to find the main petroglyph areas. Reddit

🚗 Parking Lot Construction

Be prepared for detours or extra walking from alternative access. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(31 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Petroglyph Canyon Trail to be a rewarding hike, especially for its ancient petroglyphs and desert scenery. While some find the trail itself less engaging until the end, the historical carvings and potential for wildlife sightings are significant draws. Be prepared for the desert heat and potential construction impacts.

"Really cool trail. Lots of cool plants and wildlife. We took about 3 hours because of stopping, smelling flowers, taking lots of pics. But if youre planning on a quick walk, it could be about a 1-2 hr hike."

Keith Watts

"Moderate out and back hike with petroglyphs (everywhere) at the top of the dry falls! *note top as you have to climb a bit to see them, but well worth it.

Most of this trail is wide with loose rock. Great spring hike with orange and yellow flowers, cactus, and variety of rock formations. Some lizard and bird activity too.

Trail is pretty well marked, but if you're looking for the petroglyphs, keep going past the first couple of spots where it almost seems to end. You'll know when you reach the spot as it's about 30-50 minutes in pending speed and the narrowest/highest section of dry falls.

To see the petroglyphs there are some spots at the end - 3 or 4 - that require the ability to climb.

Keep your eyes peeled for spotted rattle snakes and make sure to be aware of the weather as a flash flood in the area would be incredibly dangerous and likely deadly.

Free parking, small building (didn't go in), 3 spot-a-pots with hand washing station.

Enjoy the hike!"

Adam Van Bavel

"Nevada is not all about The Strip! Our curiosity to find what's around lead most of our recent hikes in the desert parts of the state. With 27 state parks, 2 national parks and plenty of national recreation areas, we're always looking for something different to see.
•Located in Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. A geological, scenic and tranquil trail to lose yourself for a few hours in every Nevadan's backyard at no cost."

Claudine M.

What People Like

Ancient petroglyphs
Desert wildflowers
Wildlife spotting

What People Dislike

Lack of shade
Parking lot construction
Some find trail monotonous

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trail is located in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. While some mention construction impacting the usual parking lot, check for alternative access points. TikTok It's a drive from the Las Vegas Strip, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Public transportation options are very limited for this desert location. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a ride. Reddit

Historically, there's been free parking, but recent TikToks mention ongoing construction that may affect access and require adjustments. TikTok There are usually a few porta-potties with handwashing stations available. Reddit

While both are popular hiking areas near Las Vegas, the Petroglyph Wall Trail is specifically within Red Rock Canyon, whereas Petroglyph Canyon Trail is in Sloan Canyon. They are distinct locations. Instagram+1

Some sources mention Valley of Fire State Park (which has petroglyphs) as dog-friendly. TikTok However, specific regulations for Petroglyph Canyon Trail should be verified with the managing authority (BLM) to ensure compliance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Petroglyph Canyon Trail in Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is generally free to access. Reddit

As an outdoor trail, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for any specific restrictions or recommended visiting times, especially considering the desert heat. Reddit

No advance booking or tickets are required for this free trail. Reddit

Generally, no special permits are needed for day hiking on the Petroglyph Canyon Trail. Reddit

Visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and potential wildlife encounters. Stick to daylight hours for your visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the petroglyphs and scenery. Reddit

It's generally considered a moderate out-and-back hike. There are sections with loose rock and some scrambling required to see the petroglyphs at the top of dry falls. Reddit

You'll find petroglyphs in several spots, but to see the main concentration, you need to continue past the initial areas and climb a bit at the dry falls. Keep your eyes peeled! Reddit

Unfortunately, there is virtually no shade on this trail, making it essential to hike during cooler parts of the day and stay hydrated. Reddit

Expect to see desert flora like cacti and wildflowers, as well as lizards and birds. Some visitors have also spotted bighorn sheep. Be cautious of rattlesnakes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the desert landscape. TikTok

Drone usage is often restricted in protected areas like National Conservation Areas. It's crucial to check BLM regulations regarding drone operation before flying. Reddit

The areas with the petroglyphs themselves offer the most compelling photographic opportunities. The surrounding desert vistas are also quite scenic. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast desert landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. TikTok

Yes, photographing the petroglyphs is generally accepted, but it's important to do so respectfully. Avoid touching them and be mindful of the historical significance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Petroglyph Canyon Trail offers a unique educational opportunity for families. It's a relatively short hike, making it manageable for children, though the scrambling sections might require assistance for younger ones. Instagram The chance to see ancient petroglyphs can spark curiosity about history and indigenous cultures. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Reddit Consider making it a morning or late afternoon activity to avoid the harshest desert sun. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

This trail is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers as it's free to access and offers a rich cultural and natural experience without any admission fees. Reddit The main costs will be transportation and your own supplies like water and snacks. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Nevada beyond the Las Vegas Strip without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Petroglyphs

The Petroglyph Canyon Trail is a gateway to a remarkable collection of ancient rock art. Home to over 300 rock art panels and nearly 1,700 individual designs, these petroglyphs are believed to have been created by the Ancestral Puebloans and other indigenous peoples centuries ago. Instagram+1 These carvings offer a unique window into the beliefs, stories, and daily lives of the people who inhabited this region long before modern settlement. Some researchers suggest alignments with celestial events, hinting at a sophisticated understanding of astronomy and timekeeping. Instagram

Exploring these ancient markings is a profound experience. It's important to remember that these are not just drawings but sacred artifacts. While social media creators capture the visual appeal, the true value lies in their historical and cultural importance. Instagram Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully and avoid touching the rock art to ensure its preservation for future generations. The virtual experience created by CyArk offers a way to explore these sites digitally, further emphasizing their significance. Instagram

Navigating the Trail and Safety

The Petroglyph Canyon Trail is an out-and-back hike that can take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you dedicate to exploring. Reddit While the trail is generally well-marked, some visitors note that the main petroglyph sites are located at the top of dry falls and require a bit of scrambling to reach. Reddit It's crucial to wear sturdy footwear with good grip for these sections. Reddit

Safety is paramount on this desert trail. There is virtually no shade, so carrying ample water (more than you think you'll need) and applying sunscreen is non-negotiable. Reddit Be aware of your surroundings, as wildlife such as rattlesnakes can be present. Reddit Additionally, flash floods are a serious risk in desert canyons, so always check the weather forecast and be prepared to turn back if conditions become dangerous. Reddit Some recent visitors have noted construction impacting the parking lot, so be prepared for potential detours or longer approaches. TikTok

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