Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations

Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs

Thousands of glyphs created by an unknown culture decorate the rock formations of this canyon.  

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Grapevine Canyon is a small, desolate region just southwest of the Grand Canyon filled with ancient petroglyphs. Researchers believe the drawings were created somewhere between 1900 and 1100 B.C. by an unknown culture.

The glyphs can be found in the canyon and along Spirit Mountain. While they are dispersed across the region, a section known as Christmas Tree Pass represents the largest concentration of glyphs. Around 700 etchings and rock shelters are located along the pass. 

Although the meaning behind the glyphs has remained unknown, it’s believed that the drawings depict a creation myth. The entire site may have been regarded as a sacred location by the cultures indigenous to the region. 

Know Before You Go

Grapevine Canyon is approximately 5-8 miles north of Laughlin, Nevada which is 90 miles south of Las Vegas.

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November 16, 2019

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