christmas tree pass

The weather was perfect as it is out in the desert. This is a nice trip to make as there are several Christmas trees decorated out in the desert. Be sure to take an ornament to hang on a tree or feel free to decorate your own tree. I thought this was unusual and cute. Whoever thought of this had a great idea.

This is a dirt road that can have very large ruts after the occasional rains in the area. Periodically gets regraded to smooth it out. Four star when road isn't rutted. Some people put Christmas decorations on the scrub trees and shrubs along part of the trail but BLM no longer permits this and goes along and removes the decorations. Runs from hilly, curvy road area near Grapevine Canyon on the east end near Laughin across to meet the the north/south Needles Highway to Las Vegas road on the west end of the pass road.

Free excursion. Self guided. History. Hiking. Indian petroglyphs. NPS area...do not deface or damage. Hot in the summer. Bring water.

All good. Great easy 1/4 mile hike. Most of the stuff was taken good care of and we did see a ranger drive up to the area. This is the Grapevine area.

The road through Christmas Tree Pass is in good condition but if a heavy rain or snow season could change that. We did not need a high-clearance vehicle but the opportunity to photograph rock formations, cacti and the landscape was exceptional.

it was a great side trip to see. The people there decorate the trees along the road. they put some heart into it just for everyone to enjoy. If your lucky you will see some wild burros

loved getting out of the lights and into nature. easy enough hike to the petroglyphs and every bit of culture one can mop up is always good. definitely worth the trip out of town.

It's a wonderful time to share with friends and family decorating a natural tree without cutting it down. Have fun with the tree! Beautiful family tradition.

I'm not sure where anyone got the idea that this was a short-cut. It is a hearty, off-road trail through the mountains. Our Jeep muddled through past the decorated trees (year round), beautiful vistas, and copious scenery, with only a few stops for pictures. There really is nothing on the trail, so gas up and go to the bathroom before you leave. Also, a snack might be nice, as there are a bunch of nice places you could stop, eat, and enjoy the view.

This was an easy walk to the first petroglyphs and then a nice hike into areas with even more petroglyphs. Beautiful area. Easy to get to from the road. It is an excellent day trip from Laughlin and you can take a half hour to see the petroglyphs or make a whole day of it.

Traveling only to grapevine pass is easy but if you choose to go further, be prepared for a very rough road. Wonderful view and you really get the feel for being in the desert.

Make sure you bring a Christmas ornament with you, you may want to take a couple. Stop & pick a tree & hang it up. I love how the locals keep this tradition.

Heading south to Bullhead City or Laughlin from Las Vegas I highly recommend taking the left hand turn when you see the "Christmas Tree Pass" sign. At first a straight road as boring as the one you just left, when you reach that row of small mountains the scenery becomes so beautiful. You twist and wind on a primitive but graded road and drop down into the river valley, exclaiming as you go. At the end you still have to come out onto the highway to get all the way to the river, so it's not a shortcut - it's a totally worth it detour. PS. You don't get the same effect if you go UP the pass, the view is all behind you.

The road isn't paved; I knew that going in. What I didn't know, because there was no signs warning drivers that their car could get stuck on rocks in the middle of the paths, is that you really need a truck/SUV to make this trip. We went in a two doot coupe...kinda low to the ground. We didn't get stranded, but only because I had no love for my car. Again, this is NOT A SHORTCUT TO OR FROM LAUGHLIN. The going is slow, with or without a truck because to the rutted road.

Christmas Tree Pass can be accessed from Nevada Highway 95 on the west side of the mountain and hwy 163 on the east is is 15 miles end to end.The area is maintained by both BLM and the NPS. Most people visit the NPS side which runs from 163 to the center of the mountain ridge.While the signs say 4x4 recommended, any car can make it. You just may have to go slow in some spots due to washboard surface at some spots. The Petroglyphs are along this road about 2 miles in from 163. A short road to the left will bring you to the parking lot.There are no "official" trails to hike; you may go where you want at your own risk...on FOOT. Since it is a Federally protected wilderness area, you MUST NOT drive off of the approved roadway. There are a few spots to pull off the road and wander around.Hunting is allowed so don't freak out if you hear shooting. It is mostly in the winter and doesn't occur that often. Most hunters are gone before visitors arrive anyway.Some of the wild life you'll see are mostly birds and lizards. Dove, quail, chucker are common. You may get lucky and see a coyote wander past. If you get REALLY lucky, you may see a big horn. Look long the hills and focus on the skyline where the hills meet the air. Thats the best way to see them if they are on the hill - otherwise, they blend in VERY good by not moving.The "Christmas Trees" are on the BLM side. (West of the middle ridge). These are usually decorated Junipers, mesquites, and various cedars that locals throw decorations on (although they are not supposed to - don't get caught by the Rangers...you could be cited)If you decide to get out and hike, bring the appropriate gear or clothing. The desert floor is littered with cactus remains and will easily go through many shoes. If you are visiting in the summer BRING WATER! And not just a 20oz bottle. Bring one to two gallons for each person. Even if you don't leave the car you may break down and not see anyone for hours. It takes the Rangers sometimes an hour or more to respond if they are coming from other areas.