National Monument · NV

Grapevine Canyon

Grapevine Canyon, located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is renowned for its stunning ancient petroglyphs and captivating desert landscape.

National MonumentNot specifically designated, part of Lake Mead NRA1+ Trails

LakeNATIONAL MONUMENT

DesignationNational Monument

Total Wilderness AreaNot specifically designated, part of Lake Mead NRA

Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Grapevine Canyon

Grapevine Canyon, located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is renowned for its stunning ancient petroglyphs and captivating desert landscape.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Grapevine Canyon is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada, close to the Arizona border. This canyon is famous for its extensive collection of petroglyphs, offering one of the finest instances of prehistoric art in the region. The geography features stunning rock formations and desert plant species, providing stark contrast to the lush riverine growth found nearby. In addition to its historical significance, the area is a popular destination for hiking, exploring indigenous cultures, and enjoying the stark beauty of the desert environment. Wildlife in the area includes the desert bighorn sheep and various species of lizards and birds. Besides its petroglyphs, the canyon also provides excellent opportunities for photography and bird watching, making it a versatile visit for those interested in both history and outdoor recreation.

Field Guide · National Monument

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Grapevine Canyon

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Over 700 petroglyphs etched into the rocks over centuries.✦ The chance to spot desert bighorn sheep in their natural habitat.✦ Exploring the diverse desert plant life, including creosote bushes and yuccas.✦ A gently flowing spring within the desert canyon, providing a unique oasis.

Signature Wilderness Experience

“Over 700 petroglyphs etched into the rocks over centuries.”

AdvCollective Field Record · National Monument

Geographic Location

Grapevine Canyon

State / Region:NV

Coordinates:35.2500° N, -114.6831° W

Public Land Status:National Monument

Ranger Field Tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun and catch dramatic lighting on the petroglyphs.

Temperatures can soar during the summer, so plan visits in cooler seasons like fall or spring.

There are no amenities on site, so prepare to bring sufficient water and take all trash with you.

Wear sturdy shoes for navigating rocky and uneven ground within the canyon.

Park Specifications

Acres ProtectedNot specifically designated, part of Lake Mead NRA

Miles of TrailsApproximately 1.5 miles within the canyon

Annual VisitorsNot separately tallied, part of Lake Mead's 7 million

Year EstablishedLake Mead NRA established in 1964

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Grapevine Canyon

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Grapevine Canyon

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Grapevine Canyon

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Grapevine Canyon

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Grapevine Canyon

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Grapevine Canyon.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees but entry to Lake Mead National Recreation Area may apply.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Grapevine Canyon

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Willow Beach Campground

Located by the Colorado River with access to boating and fishing.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Echo Bay Campground

Provides serene desert vistas with access to Lake Mead activities.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Grapevine Canyon

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 7.12 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Katherine, Arizona

Katherine, Arizona offers rugged desert hiking, rich bird watching, and exceptional stargazing under dark skies. Ideal for adventurers seeking quiet backcountry trails and natural beauty away from crowds.

Late Fall through Early Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 8.42 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin blends desert and water adventures along the Colorado River. Enjoy paddling, hiking, and fishing in this unique riverside destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 9.58 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Bullhead City, Arizona

Bullhead City, Arizona, offers desert landscapes and river adventures along the Colorado River. Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing year-round, with mild winters and plenty of sunny days perfect for outdoor exploration.

Winter to early Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 19.98 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Searchlight, Nevada

Searchlight, Nevada offers rugged desert adventure with hiking, off-roading, birding, and stargazing in the Mojave’s vast and historic wilds. A true getaway for those craving wide-open spaces and quiet nights.

Fall through Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 28.61 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Needles, California

Needles, California, sits along the Colorado River offering desert hikes, paddling adventures, and off-road trails. With warm winters and striking canyon views, it’s a quiet basecamp for exploring the Mojave Desert’s wild landscapes and riverfront escapes.

Fall to Spring

Explore Town

⌖ 33.10 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Dolan Springs, Arizona

Dolan Springs, AZ offers rugged desert adventures with prime off-roading, scenic hiking, and unforgettable stargazing. This remote town is the perfect base for adventurers craving solitude, wild landscapes, and authentic Mojave experiences.

Fall through Spring

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Grapevine Canyon

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Solo on Glass: Self-Guided SUP Rentals Through Black Canyon

ADVEXPEDITION

Willow Beach, Arizona

SUPADV Bookable

Solo on Glass: Self-Guided SUP Rentals Through Black Canyon

Self-guided stand-up paddleboard rentals launched from Willow Beach let confident paddlers explore the Colorado River through Black Canyon with supplied boards, safety gear and a digital map in 3–5 hour rental windows.

SUPPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

10' x 22' Boat Slip Rental — Dock at Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave

ADVEXPEDITION

Katherine, Arizona

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

10' x 22' Boat Slip Rental — Dock at Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave

Rent a 10' x 22' transient boat slip at Katherine Landing (rates from $55/day) with straightforward check‑in/out and complimentary decontamination for vessels on site seven days or longer.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Paddle Board Rental at Katherine Landing: Bullhead City's water‑side access point

ADVEXPEDITION

Bullhead City, Arizona

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Paddle Board Rental at Katherine Landing: Bullhead City's water‑side access point

A concise, practical guide to the Paddle Board Rental in Bullhead City operated by Katherine Landing Recreation Company — who to contact and what to expect.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

At the Water’s Edge: 45' End Slip Rental at Katherine Landing

ADVEXPEDITION

Katherine, Arizona

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

At the Water’s Edge: 45' End Slip Rental at Katherine Landing

Rent a 45' end slip at Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave — straightforward daily moorage with set check‑in/out times and complimentary decontamination for stays of seven days or longer.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Willow Beach Kayak & SUP Rentals — Round‑trip Shuttle from the Las Vegas Strip

ADVEXPEDITION

Willow Beach, Arizona

KayakADV Bookable

Willow Beach Kayak & SUP Rentals — Round‑trip Shuttle from the Las Vegas Strip

A guided rental package that includes shuttle transportation from Mandalay Bay, choice of single or double kayaks and SUP boards, basic instruction, and onboard safety gear—useful for riders arranging logistics from Las Vegas.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

Jet Ski RentalADV Bookable

Yamaha VX WaveRunner

Launch a Yamaha VX WaveRunner from Laughlin and hit the Colorado River for one-hour thrills or full-day loops past basalt bluffs, cottonwood pockets, and open-water sprints. High-end machines and clear local route guidance make this a smart, fast way to experience Southern Nevada water and desert scenery.

Jet Ski RentalAges 18+ • 1, 2, and 8 Hour Rental OptionsCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

Boat TourADV Bookable

London Bridge Jet Boat Tour

Take a high-speed, 58-mile jet boat ride from Laughlin to Lake Havasu City with a two-hour stop at the famous London Bridge. This six-hour roundtrip pairs canyon scenery, wildlife sightings, and a unique waterfront stop for an easy, unforgettable day on the Colorado River.

Boat TourEnjoy 58 Miles of Stunning Colorado River Views + 2 Hours at the London BridgeCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

Jet Ski RentalADV Bookable

Yamaha VX WaveRunner

Spend a full day on the Colorado River aboard a high-end Yamaha VX WaveRunner—private beach access, powerful handling, and an eight-hour rental window make this the definitive Laughlin jet-ski experience. Perfect for riders who want distance, speed, and the flexibility to explore quiet coves and river bluffs.

Jet Ski RentalMust be 18+ to Rent • 8 Hours • Private Beach Access!Certified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

Boat RentalADV Bookable

Pontoon Boat Rentals

Trade traffic for tide and spend a full day aboard a roomy pontoon on the Colorado River out of Laughlin. These eight-hour rentals with private beach access make for an easy, social riverside escape for families and groups.

Boat RentalMust be 18+ to Rent • 8 Hours • Private Beach Access!Certified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

RentalsADV Bookable

Jet Car Boat

Trade Laughlin’s riverfront resorts for an 8-hour high-speed Jet Car Boat trip on the Colorado River. Expect private beach stops, cliffside views, and wildlife sightings—perfect for visitors craving speed and shoreline seclusion.

RentalsMust be 18+ to Rent • 8 Hours • Private Beach Access!Certified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

RentalsADV Bookable

Sea-Doo Speedster

Trade a slow river cruise for high-speed maneuvers on the Sea‑Doo Speedster—an eight-hour, captain-led jet-boat experience on the Colorado River out of Laughlin, NV. Small groups, private beach access, and desert river views make this a full-day adrenaline and scenery combo.

RentalsMust be 18+ to Rent • 8 Hours • Private Beach Access!Certified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Patriotic 90-Minute Salute Afloat: Freedom Fridays on the Colorado River

ADVEXPEDITION

Laughlin, Nevada

Boat TourADV Bookable

A Patriotic 90-Minute Salute Afloat: Freedom Fridays on the Colorado River

A Friday-only narrated cruise in Laughlin that pairs historic American storytelling and patriotic music with river views, on-board service, and a special hero discount—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip