Mouse's Tank

This short hike takes you through a red sandstone canyon covered in beautiful Native American rock art. The incredible amount and concentration of petroglyphs on this hike make this a must-see in Valley of Fire State Park.

There is a parking lot roughly one mile north of the visitor center where the Petroglyph Canyon Trail starts. There is also a nice covered picnic area across the street from the parking lot if you are trying to find some shade. 

Before you start the hike, be sure to check out the sign with the symbols you might see on the hike as well as their potential translations. 

The trail follows a sandy wash for 3/4 of a mile and ends at Mouse's Tank. Keep your eyes on the upper portions of the canyon to view the petroglyphs carved into the sandstone faces. Be sure to stay in the wash as climbing on the rocks could damage the rock art. 

The trail ends at Mouse's Tank, a natural water catchment made out of sandstone that holds water even during dry periods. The tank is  named after a Native American, called Mouse, who used the canyon as a hideout. 

There is also the option to continue up the canyon for a few hundred yards to view a natural sandstone arch in a narrow slot canyon.