A gentle walk through a narrow sandstone canyon leads to Mouse's Tank — a natural basin in the rock — with thousands of petroglyphs carved by Ancestral Puebloans and later Native American peoples. The canyon narrows dramatically in sections and the red sandstone walls are extraordinary. Best in morning light when the canyon glows.
The Petroglyph Canyon Trail, also called Mouse's Tank Trail, is the most culturally significant hike in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest and largest state park, located approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas near Overton, Nevada. The 3.2-kilometer out-and-back route follows a shallow sandy wash through a narrow sandstone canyon, passing the largest concentration of Native American petroglyphs in Nevada. The trailhead is located near the center of the park along the main road, well-signed from the Valley of Fire Visitor Center. Parking is free in the designated lot; a $15 per-vehicle entry fee applies for out-of-state visitors, $10 for Nevada residents. No public transit serves the park; a personal vehicle is the only practical option. The trailhead has a covered ramada, interpretive panels, and vault toilets. From the trailhead the path enters Petroglyph Canyon almost immediately, descending gently into the wash between walls of vivid Aztec Sandstone, ancient Jurassic dune sand compressed and uplifted over millions of years to create the red, orange, and beige formations Valley of Fire is celebrated for. The canyon walls narrow in sections to just a few meters wide, creating an intimate passage through the rock. Petroglyphs appear throughout the trail's length, etched into surfaces coated with dark desert varnish, a mineral patina that forms on rock exposed to the elements over centuries. The carvings were made primarily by Ancestral Puebloan people between 2,000 and 800 years ago, depicting bighorn sheep, human figures, spirals, and geometric designs. Mouse's Tank itself is a natural depression in the bedrock that collects and holds rainwater, named for a Southern Paiute individual who used the area in the late 19th century. No water is available on the trail. The canyon offers partial shade from its walls but the trail approach is exposed. In summer, temperatures in Valley of Fire regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit; the trail is potentially dangerous in midday heat from June through August.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Valley of Fire State Park, Overton
- Best season
- October to April (avoid summer extremes above 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
Highlights
- 2,000+ year old petroglyphs
- Narrow sandstone canyon
- Mouse's Tank water basin
- Easy family access
Tips for visiting
- Visit between October and April to avoid extreme heat; summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Valley of Fire
- Morning light illuminates the canyon walls most vividly; the canyon faces east and glows richly at sunrise
- Bring at least 1 liter of water even for this short 2-mile trail; heat dehydration risk is high in the desert
- Petroglyphs are protected cultural resources; observe from the trail only and never touch or chalk the carvings
- Smooth sandstone can be slippery with sand in the wash; light hiking shoes with grip are safer than sandals
- Combine with the White Domes Trail and Rainbow Vista for a full day in Valley of Fire State Park
When to visit
October through March offers the most comfortable temperatures. Sunrise visits in any season provide the best light on the canyon walls, though mornings can be cold from November through February.
Accessibility
The Petroglyph Canyon Trail follows a natural sandy wash with uneven sandstone surfaces; it is not accessible to standard wheelchair users. The trail approach near the trailhead has some flat compacted sections, but the wash terrain becomes irregular and is not suitable for mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mouse's Tank and why is it named that?
Mouse's Tank is a natural pothole in the bedrock that collects and holds rainwater. It was named after a Southern Paiute man called Mouse who reportedly used the area as a hideout in the 1890s. The canyon is also known as Petroglyph Canyon for its extensive rock carvings.
Can petroglyphs be touched or photographed?
Touching, chalking, or defacing petroglyphs is illegal under federal and state law and damages the fragile desert varnish. Photography is encouraged and does not harm the carvings. Visitors should stay on the trail and view carvings from a respectful distance.
How hot does Valley of Fire get in summer?
Summer temperatures in Valley of Fire frequently exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), with ground temperatures on rock and sand substantially higher. Hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from June through August is not recommended and can be dangerous.
Is the Petroglyph Canyon Trail suitable for toddlers?
The short, mostly flat trail is manageable for toddlers in the cooler months from October through March. Parents should keep children on the trail and prevent touching the petroglyphs. Sun protection and water are essential even for very young hikers.
Are guided tours available at Valley of Fire?
Valley of Fire State Park rangers offer interpretive programs seasonally; check the schedule at the visitor center on arrival. Self-guided interpretive panels along Petroglyph Canyon Trail explain the cultural and geological significance of the formations and carvings.