Griffith Canyon Petroglyphs is a 1.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sparks, Nevada that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from April until November.
There is no marked trail here. This is more of an unmarked wash leading to petroglyphs. Users have reported that the road leading to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles.
January 18, 2021Our group drove to the parking area in two non-4WD/AWD cars--a Chevy Bolt EV and a Honda Fit. Watch out for ruts and rocks along the unpaved dirt road for the last mile and a half or so, but definitely do-able. Parked in the pull-out area and crossed the road to head downhill. A little scrabble going down to the path (not developed) but after that you just have to watch your feet for loose rock--not hard walking or major elevation changes. We saw a single petroglyph not too far in, but go a little farther (around a half mile) and you'll find two separate wall sections with LOTS of imagery--what a wonderful collection. Our favorites were the "bullseye" whorls--maybe suns? AMAZING!!!
January 11, 2021What a cool trail. Lots to see. Love the giant Juniper with the dried out roots. Took pics of the petroglyphs. Wanted to keep going but it gets chilly in the canyon.
January 2, 2021
December 30, 2020Follow the trail from parking area, (basically a bend in the road), down the canyon bed. Trail is not official, but made by hikers. It weaves between trail and the rocky creek bed. It's a little rough, but short and worth it to see such history.
December 13, 2020December 2, 2020Cold, rocky, and short but worth seeing the petroglyph. I see that "modern day" artists are already add to the originals.
November 29, 2020November 29, 2020Hard to find but worth it
September 9, 2020Short and fun but challenging rocky terrain
September 8, 2020Nice family hike for all ages (6-60) with a few trees for shady breaks. While hike is not long, the uneven grounds can be challenging. Canyon and rock formations are quite nice and it’s exciting to find the petroglyphs! Quite a few of them together in one area about 30 minutes in to the hike. Don’t go without water and a hat.
September 6, 2020odd parking spot but a nice short hike
September 4, 2020It is a really cool trail, but it is very hot and there is no shade. It is extremely rocky, but everything about the trail was beautiful. I recommend doing it either first thing in the morning or more towards the evening when it starts to cool down. I would do it again!
July 6, 2020Trail was in a ravine and consisted of mainly horse trails and rocky river bed. If you have kids with you definitely look for the horse trails. The petroglyphs are stunning! We got to what was marked the end of the rail on AllTrails map and sat under a couple of the few trees available on the trail for a picnic. About 2.5 hours with 2 adults and 2 5yo
June 22, 2020It was a hot, shadeless, rocky hike. But it was. beautiful! Take lots of water and sunscreen and wear a hat. So many beautiful lizards along the way! I loved the orange ringed ones.
June 21, 2020Easy enough 2 mile “trail”just have to scramble over rocks and broken slate, you’re mainly walking in the dry creek bed. Very easy to spot many petroglyphs along the route.
June 14, 2020I was blown away by the Petroglyphs! The way there is a scramble thoughh. Don’t expect a nice trail. Lots of loose rock, hiking through a riverbed... but so worth it. Not recommended for small kids.
June 10, 2020Beautiful canyon with petroglyphs!!
June 7, 2020The trail is rocky. Hard for younger kids to walk it. Be prepared with backpacks or carriers to throw the kids in. There are a couple smaller places with petroglyphs along the way and one big major wall on the right. It’s impossible to miss. We enjoyed the hike it was as expected based on reviews. Canyon is super pretty. Lots of wild flowers and great rock formations. The group ahead of us found an arrowhead while they were walking.
