Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank (1/2 mile round trip) -
Many fine examples of prehistoric Indian rock art (Petroglyphs) were within easy view of the trail. Trail markers identified several common desert plants and other natural features in the canyon. |
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Petroglyph Canyon at Valley of Fire State Park is probably the most accessible way for visitors to view petroglyphs. The walk was short and very easy in the sandy bottom of this narrow canyon. Everyone must resist the temptation to touch the petroglyphs because they are easily damaged and cannot be repaired or replaced.
Absolutely no one alive today knows for certain what these ancient markings mean, but there was an informational sign at the trail entrance which explained some of the most commonly accepted interpretations.
As the two RV Gypsies walked through this canyon, it
was easy for them to imagine that they were transported back in time.
The grandeur and solitude (if you are as lucky as the two RV Gypsies
were on this date) of these brilliant red sandstone cliffs was almost
overwhelming. In the summertime, the heat in this canyon is stifling
and intense and therefore best viewed early in the morning or just before
sunset; daily summer highs usually exceed 100 degrees, and 120 degrees
is considered common. The two RV Gypsies recommend that everyone carries
water year-round when visiting this area. |
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Below: Can you see the ELEPHANT and the scary faces in the photos below?
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The petroglyphs in the two photos below
are fairly easy to spot because they were always in a dark spot of the
rock. |
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Below: The two RV Gypsies reached the end
of the trail - Mouse's Tank, which was named for a renegade Southern
Paiute Indian who gave other Indians and settlers in this region great
trouble during the 1890's. One of his favorite hideouts was this wild
and (then) inaccessible canyon. The "tank" is a stream
worn basin hidden among the rocks which traps and hold precious water
during long dry periods. There is a small route up the left side of
the hill and some people climb up there to get a better view of it,
but the two RV Gypsies did not. |
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Below: Now the two RV Gypsies hurried out
of this trail and back to the car because it looked like it was going
to rain. On their way back to the car, they saw several people just
entering the trail, despite the weather. The two RV Gypsies got in their
toad and continued driving through the park, and were soon caught in
a flash flood. They wondered if the people on the trail were okay. |
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