Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

If you’re looking for a unique desert experience that combines rich history, stunning landscapes, and sacred cultural significance, a visit to the newly established Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada should be on your list. Known as Spirit Mountain to the local Indigenous tribes, this awe-inspiring area is a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.

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A Sacred Place of Ancient Stories

Avi Kwa Ame, or Spirit Mountain, is more than just a mountain. For the Yuman-speaking tribes, including the Mojave, Hualapai, Havasupai, and others—it is the spiritual birthplace of their people. These sacred lands are intertwined with ancient stories of creation and connection to the Earth. The Southern Paiute also revere the area, which is celebrated in their sacred ‘Salt Songs’ that speak of journeys through the desert. As you explore the monument, you’ll feel a sense of reverence that stretches back thousands of years.

Joshua Tree Wilderness

Majestic Joshua Trees at Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness

One of the highlights of Avi Kwa Ame is the nearby Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area, a smaller wilderness teeming with ancient Joshua trees. “Wee Thump,” meaning “ancient ones” in the Paiute language, is a fitting name, as some of the Joshua trees here have been standing tall for over 900 years. Take the 15-mile backcountry loop drive around Wee Thump, where you’ll see some of the oldest and largest Joshua trees, towering up to 30 feet in the serene desert landscape. Some of this is on dirt roads and although 4-wheel drive isn’t necessary, high clearance vehicles are advised. If you’re a birdwatcher, the Wee Thump area offers the chance to spot species like gilded flickers, red-tailed hawks, and even golden eagles. Wee Thump has one official hiking trial, the Eldorado Trail, which is on the southern edge of the area, which is an old wagon trail. It is an easy to moderate trail. It is accessible from Nevada Highway 164.

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Newberry Mountains

Christmas Tree Pass: A Scenic Drive Through the Newberry Mountains

For those who love a good road trip, the Christmas Tree Pass Scenic Loop Drive through the Newberry Mountains is an unforgettable experience. This 12-mile drive on a gravel road offers spectacular views of the rugged granite formations and vibrant desert landscapes. The pass is flanked by the Spirit Mountain Wilderness on one side and the Bridge Canyon Wilderness on the other, immersing you in the heart of the Mojave Desert’s rich biodiversity.

As you drive, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Avi Kwa Ame itself, with its jagged peaks and spiritual significance rising in the distance. Although there is a hiking trail here, it is considered a very challenging trail. You can access by driving south on U.S. 95 from Las Vegas past Searchlight. Turn left onto Christmas Tree Pass Road about 2.3 miles south of Cal-Nev-Ari. It is the second turn for Christmas Tree Pass.

Grapevine Canyon

Discovering Grapevine Canyon’s Petroglyphs and Desert Springs

A short detour from Christmas Tree Pass leads to Grapevine Canyon, home to one of the most significant petroglyph sites in the American Southwest. The canyon walls are adorned with intricate carvings of mountain sheep, stars, and spirals, dating back to 1200 to 1800 A.D. These petroglyphs are believed to be part of rituals and spiritual journeys tied to the nearby Spirit Mountain. Please respect these sacred sites and follow the leave it as you found it rule. Don’t touch them or take anything from the area.

Grapevine Canyon also offers a surprising oasis in the Mojave Desert—freshwater springs. This source of life attracts bighorn sheep and other wildlife, while lush grapevines and cottonwood trees thrive in the canyon’s unique microclimate. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet, reflective hike, where you can imagine what life was like for the ancient people who once lived and traveled through this sacred land.

Grapevine Canyon is accessible from Christmas Tree Pass Road. There are signs directing you to this area. There is parking with primitive restrooms but no amenities. See our blog about our trip to Grapevine Canyon to learn even more. And check out our video of the petroglyphs.

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Walking Box Ranch House

Walking Box Ranch: A Glimpse into Nevada’s Hollywood Past

Just a short drive away from Avi Kwa Ame, history buffs will enjoy a visit to Walking Box Ranch, once owned by silent film stars Rex Bell and Clara Bow. This 160-acre ranch, steeped in Old Hollywood glamour, also showcases the region’s ranching history. The name “Walking Box” was inspired by the box camera mounted on a tripod. The Spanish Revival home on the ranch grounds reflects the elegance of its era, and the surrounding desert landscape offers insight into Nevada’s ranching heritage. In 2005, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) purchased the ranch which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Hiko Spring Canyon

Hiko Spring Canyon

Hiko Spring Canyon is a three-mile-long desert canyon that is known for its natural spring and petroglyphs. The best time to visit is in the spring when the brittlebush and cacti are flowering. A short hike downstream from Hiko Spring is where you will find ancient petroglyphs etched into the granite rock. Some of these are thought to be over 1000 years old. This is a little trickier to find. From Las Vegas you’ll head south on U.S. 95 toward Searchlight. Once on Nevada Highway 163, head 8 miles and look for an unmarked dirt road on the right just before a sharp turn in the highway. Hiko Spring is a half mile down this road.

Castle Mountains

Castle Mountains Scenic Drive

The Castle Mountains and Castle Peaks Scenic Drive offer diverse desert habitats and amazing landscapes. This is a 10-mile drive that offers views of sawtooth mountains, Joshua trees and desert wildlife. Keep an eye out for desert tortoises and big horn sheep. You will see unique volcanic formations and eroded pinnacles that make for stunning photos. From Las Vegas head south on U.S. 95 to Searchlight then once on Nevada Highway 164, drive 7 miles to Walking Box Ranch Road. Continue 10 miles to the California state line where the Castle Mountains National Monument begins.

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Acknowledging the Land’s Sacred Stewardship

The lands within Avi Kwa Ame National Monument are not just for recreation—they hold deep meaning for at least 12 Indigenous tribes. The monument’s designation honors the cultural and spiritual connections these tribes have maintained with the area for centuries. Visitors are encouraged to approach the land with respect and mindfulness, acknowledging its sacred significance.

Plan Your Visit

Avi Kwa Ame National Monument offers a wide range of experiences for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking spiritual renewal. Whether you’re driving through the desert’s rugged landscapes, hiking among ancient Joshua trees, or exploring ancient petroglyphs, this unique national monument invites you to connect with nature and the deep history of Southern Nevada.

A visit to Avi Kwa Ame is more than a trip, it’s an invitation to step into a world where nature, history, and spirituality come together in a timeless desert landscape. This Nevada cultural landmark is a place not to miss. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, camera, and a sense of wonder, as the desert has a way of revealing its beauty slowly, but profoundly.

Conclusion

Avi Kwa Ame is rich with history and a great place to see the wonders of the Nevada desert. If you enjoy exploring outdoors, then this is the place to find your adventure. From all the hiking trails, wildlife and scenic views there is something for everyone. For me, the petroglyphs made the trip worth it. I love Native American history and art, so this was special to me. We love to share our experiences and knowledge with you so you can find places you want to explore. We hope to encourage people to find their adventure, even if it’s a day trip near home. You never know what you might discover! Have fun and enjoy every day! See some of our travel videos here.

By Greg and Peggy

We are two people who love to travel, thrift and play slot machines. We love going to new places, especially if there is a casino! We just want to share our adventures with people and hope to inspire them to explore and have fun!

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