Home to ancient petroglyphs and a desert waterfall, hiking the Grapevine Canyon Trail in Avi Kwa Ame National Monument is spectacular. The hike is not too strenuous but has enough twists and turns to make it exciting.
The road to the trailhead is dirt/sand but in decent condition. You should be okay in a low-clearance car.There's a large parking area with a primitive toilet. There's no water here.
Gear Recommendations
If you just want to hike to the petroglyphs, it will only take a few minutes, and you don't need anything special. I'd recommend fitness or light hiking gear for the entire hike. Trail runners will help with the different rocks and surfaces. And this is the desert; it can be deadly in the summer. Save the hike for a time when the temperatures are cooler, and bring at least 1L of water and sun protection.
Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.
Grapevine Canyon changes as the wind and water shift the landscape over time. There isn't an established trail but a series of trails and washes that head up the canyon. Looking for the most footprints is a good clue as to which way to go.
Hike into and up the wash from the interpretive displays at the trailhead.Hike up the wash toward the entrance to the canyon.When you get to the mouth of the canyon, look up on either side to see the petroglyphs.The petroglyphs are thought to be about 1000 years old, and can be seen on either side at the mouth of the canyon. Be respectful and do not touch or damage them.
If you only want to view the petroglyphs, simply turn around from here.
Continue up the canyon. When the trail splits, take the one with the most footprints. If it dead ends, go back and try the other route.
Grapevine Canyon is named after the grapevines that grow here. The canyon is lush because of freshwater springs.
When you get to the steep wall of granite, look for a path around the left side.Continue up through the washes and small trails.Cross over the big granite slab and stay left.At this point you can go two ways, up the small slot canyon, which involves a small scramble, or around the canyon on the bypass trail to the left.Shortly after the canyon you'll see the trail start to dead end ahead. Hike around the boulder to the right.And here you are at the waterfall! From here just turn around and go back the way you came.