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.
Our 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!!!
Nice 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.
It 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!
Trail 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
I 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.
The 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.