Christmas Tree Pass Reviews

We rented a SUV, and one day drove thru Christmas Tree Pass. We are from Wisconsin and this landscape was very new and different to us. I am sure people from the western states would not be impressed but we were!!

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

Recommend entering off 95 the 2nd entrance to the pass, the drive would be downhill and better view of the formations. Late afternoon drive would be spectacular with sun hitting the mountains. Watch closely for birds.

We went late in the afternoon. Not crowed and the weather was great. Short hike to where the petroglyphs are and a flat walk too. Wonderful rock formations - - great views of the Arizona hills, and a wonderful feeling of peace and tranquililty. Do go and enjoy. Very worth the short - and not difficuilt - dirt road to the parking area.

We took the bypass retuning from the casino's in Laughlin to Las Vegas. The beginning of the road is not bad at all until you get maybe a third of the way. There was a couple of day's of heavy rain and a lot of the road had washed away. There were big rut's everywhere. There was a bunch of us and one young lady was still under the weather from the night before so the major bumps in the road didn't help her upset stomach. It took quite a while to get through and by the time we got out it was dark.
If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle this would be a blast, also tav's. Don't try this road with a car or mini van like we did, you could rip your under carriage out and be stuck till someone comes along.

The drive is very nice into the Desert. Speed limit 25 MPH, the road is a bit bumpy. Lots of Cactus, and a chance of Wild Burro's".
Unique rock formations.

Indian stone carvings after a short hike along a seasonal stream bed. Dirt and gravel road to the site with a state park explanation of the area. Easy walk to the carvings if a little uneven. Not paved.

I love finding new places and driving through the desert. I stopped and hiked around on some of the rocks. It was great to see the christmas decorations out in the middle of the desert.

This is a 15 mile drive on dirt roads of varying quality. The road in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, the southern 10 miles, is well maintained, although slow going. The last five miles is a very different story. There are places when the road seems to fork, but you can wind up in deep sand and not on the main road if not careful. The pass itself is a fun climb into the mountains with amazing views. There are wide places to stop and take pictures. We did not see another vehicle the entire time. The trip took 1-1/2 hours to go the 15 miles, including a stop at Grapevine Canyon. Take water and sunscreen. We had a two wheel drive Nissan Rogue rental that handled the road just fine.

I love to take this dusty and rutted road that cuts through from Laughlin en route to Las Vegas. I've never had the time to park up and hike, but I usually see a parked car or truck and assume that it what they are doing. If you are lucky you will see some of Nevada's wildlife, fret not if you don't though as the view is spectacular throughout the short trip. Well worth the detour!

Go slow in the road very bumpy but worth the drive and time, good time to go is Sept and Oct one of a kind and easy hike

Not sure why it's Christmas Tree when they have no trees (haha). Average outing, nice to be outdoors and take a small hike. Not much else to do or say.

We have driven this Pass every year for the past eight years and seem to always find something that we missed the trip before - beautiful scenery and is good to use your 4WD every once in a while!!!

This was really fun, had no idea what to expect and wont bloow it for all of you. I can only say, if you get the chance to see it, you should. rent a car or ATV and get out in the desert

This the the largest display of pictographs I’ve seen. Be prepared for a walk in loose sand to see them. Otherwise, a nice drive in the desert

The views were terrific and quite a surprise at the top of the pass. Decorated Christmas trees! Wasn't expecting that at all. Because we had a Jeep we were able to drive the whole pass from end to end. Definitely worth the trip there!

“Christmas Tree Pass” was a complete waste of time. The drive out 153/66 to Oatman is MUCH MORE entertaining if you want to see Christmas trees in the desert. However, seeing the petroglyphs in Grapevine Canyon was pretty cool, but make sure to enter off of 163 NOT 95. Your vehicle will thank you.

This sign (4x4 recommended) is displayed as you enter the pass, and now I see why. You will not get through this 12-mile pass with a car. A truck or high-profile vehicle is necessary, and if it has rained recently, you will definitely need 4x4. Nevertheless, it is worth the drive. Unbelievable views of the mountains that you can't see anywhere else. Take a sack lunch, find a pull-off area (there are a half-dozen or so) and take in the view. The decorated trees aren't worth looking for...this is just a gimmick to go with the name of the pass.

Last spring we took a ride over Christmas Tree Pass. I recommend a four wheel drive or a vehicle with high clearance. The road is all gravel and very dusty. Very interesting senery, don't dfrive the pass in rain or snow conditions.

Christmas Tree Pass is one of those places most people just drive past on the way to/from Laughlin from Las Vegas. When I would drive past it, I always wondered why it was called Christmas Tree Pass.

One day, I had some time and decided to take Christmas Tree Pass from Laughlin Highway. The route takes about an hour, if you don't stop too often, but I recommend taking longer and consider taking a hike in some of the wilderness areas along Christmas Tree Pass road. There is plenty to see, including some very interesting rock formations. Near the top of the pass by Spirit Mountain, you have a great view to the West. I found out why it's called Christmas Tree pass, but it's something you have to see for yourself.

It can be accessed from Highway 95 or off of Highway 163 (Laughlin Highway). The road is dirt/gravel and accessible by most vehicles. If you don't have a four wheel drive vehicle, just take your time and you can drive on this road safely. There is one parking area about a mile from Laughlin Highway with hiking trails leading into the wilderness. Make sure that you have water with you as it can get very hot and no facilities.

Great views. Some petroglyphs if you are paying attention. Wild flowers in the Spring make it an all around nice drive. Most vehicles are good, but an SUV would be best.

My wife and I turned off Rt. 163 when we saw the sign for Grapevine Canyon. Talked with a Ranger and decided to drive over Christmas Tree Pass to Rt. 95. It was a beautiful drive on a dirt road for I think about 18 miles. A few places you had some stones in the road, but were not a problem if you went slow. The view was constantly changing and only Mother Nature could produce the rugged beauty of this area.

Christmas Tree Pass is only 15 miles long, but will likely take about 2 hours to drive. It is a dirt road with lots of beautiful scenery. It is worth doing. You don't need a 4x4, but you might prefer it. We did it in a minivan and had no problems. If you can, take some cheap Christmas ornaments and decorate a pine tree along the way, if it's close to Christmas time.

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.

Although signs warned that four wheel drive was recommended, we drove a rented Mustang convertible up the pass. The roads are packed sand and gravel but it was worth the car wash! The scenery is spectacular. What a change from Minnesota green. I am not sure about the decorated trees since I like the natural beauty but to each his own. The cactus flowers were starting to bloom and the desert in spring is enchanting. Take the drive, it is worth a car wash!

I drove this on the way to Grapevine Canyon. I never saw one Christmas Tree or any rock formation that looked like one. It's a nice drive, but how did it get its name?

If you love scrub, here's your drive. Rocks, tiny tourist traps and a few gas stations make a boring drive through the desert.

Don't go to see the trees, I thought it was more like littering. Not kept up and messy. The canyon walk was gorgeous though!! Worth the trip!!!

Two couples visited this site on 10/15/15. I drove a Jeep Liberty in 2WD - a passenger car can make this route as long as the car has good tires. Early morning is a better time to travel (until the winter months arrive) due to heat if you stop. We entered just W of Laughlin (Hwy 153) and drove the entire length coming out on on IH95. There are other side roads off this Pass so leave yourself enough time to look around.

My mother wanted to see the petroglyphs and one of our local friends told us about Christmas Tree Pass. It's quite the drive and not really recommended for those without 4 wheel drive. But we saw roadrunners and other birds and some of the rock carvings. Very cool, but kind of scary dirt road once you get up in to the pass.

When visiting Laughlin last year - I had seen the sign leading off the Hwy to Christmas Tree Pass and it had peaked my curiosity. Did some research and decided this was a place to return to. The road is gravel but fairly well maintained but is still rough. We drove it in good weather and the vehicle we were operating was a full size car so there was no problem. I wouldn't want to drive the road in a smaller car as it would be tougher and a smaller vehicle would feel the bumps in the road. This is an isolated area so be prepared for that - we only saw two other cars the entire time. The beauty of this area is stunning. Very peaceful and serene. This is also the route you take to access Grapevine Canyon ( see separate review for that location). Highly Recommended.

What a great drive, close to Laughlin NV. Great place to enjoy the beauty of the desert. High clearance vehicle, didn't need to put it in 4 wheel drive.

We took a short road trip to here from Laughlin. Well worth it. Plenty of space to roam and explore. Great for all ages. Highly recommend it. Plan to spend an hour or two if you want to hike around and climb stuff. Amazing.

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.

Very beautiful. You must do the WHOLE 15 mile drive. (Some say 12 miles but I clocked it at 15.) The area and the rock formations are so majestic. I did not visit Grapevine Canyon, on this trip, but will do on my next trip as the area features over 700 petroglyphs and many rock shelters. Christmas Tree Pass is part of the Spirit Mountain Wilderness, a place so sacred to 10 Indian tribes in Nevada, California, Arizona and Mexico, as it is considered the beginning of creation to them. You have to go to see to believe!!

Nice little off road adventure. Need a high clearance vehicle but probably 2 wheel drive OK. Around the Holidays people decorate the shrub brush with Christmas decorations. Nice little distractions. There is a nice area with petroglyphs to hike too. Easy 1/2 mile hike or so. Summer gets hot in excess of 100 degrees. This is more of a winter activity.

Amazing drive through the desert. If you love the desert, you will love this. Beautiful scenery for the desert lover and wildlife if you look close. Don't miss this drive. Pack plenty of water just in case of a break down as cell phone use may be spotty.

Great place to visit. Boneing up on petroglyph symbols prior to trip will make it more interesting. Easy walk to site. Plenty of photo ops.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing the first time. Juniper trees and bushes decorated in the desert. Twinkling and flashing as they catch the sunlight. Loved it.

It's a nice drive, we had a small rental SUV and made it with no issues. If you want a shorter route to see the grapevine canyon pictographs, take 95 to 163 and it's only two miles and it's a nice dirt road. The pictographs are a must see.

What a wonderful place. I could've spent all day out there if it wasn't for it raining that day. Very interesting. Love to take the family

The drive from Vegas is close enough for a memorable visit to present and past. Just past the most enormous solar cell field about 12 square miles of panes, you arrive at a dirt road suddenly, with good signage leading to a fir, sagebrush, yucca, mistletoe and cactus wilderness with fantastic neolithic early man drawings on granite. The messages told are highly disputed and now it's your turn. The are many rocks and much heat so bring a hat and hydration, no 7 11s back here. We understand that magnesium brought to surface on the granite after many millennia have been scratched off by the mysterious primatives and may take more millennia for those areas to again be blackened, absorbing their art. The road is very bumpy but manageable for a vehicle made for off roading, dont take your grandpa's Cadillac. A quick bite by the Colorado river in Laughlin prepares you for a pleasant trip back. Enjoy

I drove this as I was curious about it. I live in Laughlin and wanted to see what everyone was saying was true. I would never do this again!! In many parts it’s not even a road, more like a burro trail! I would definitely NOT take a car thru there! It’s a Jeep road at best or rent one of those desert runners for your trip. One scrawny little tree with decorations on it is not worth the drive! Nothing but rocks and road runners for 20 miles....

As we were turning onto the dirt road I was sure that we were going to end up lost in the desert ... the husband insisted ... so one we went.

I am so glad that he didn't listen! This was a beautiful drive and well worth the time. Overall it took us about 2 hours to travel the pass. We made a few stops on the main route.

There were not many trees decorated, but it didn't matter. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

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.

Decided on a whim on the way back to Vegas to take this road. Probably a dumb thing to do but we did make it and the scenery was amazing! Can be treacherous becaus of no pavement but worth doing once!

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.

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.

This is a fun drive to take and see some quirky things in the desert. The name is derived from years of Christmas decorations along the roadway in the natural landscaping.

The signs warning about poor road conditions and recommending 4wheel drive made us reluctant to take this road. The tripadvisor reviews reassured us to give it a try. It was a dirt road, bumpy in some places. There was one area that was quite narrow and I was glad there were no cars from the other direction. I would imagine after a hard rain that the road would be difficult in areas. Our rental was an SUV but a car would have made it, at least with the road condition at the time we went. I'm glad we took the trip. There were some nice views. Scattered areas of Christmas "trees" decorated along the way. Next time we may bring an ornament or two to add to the collection.

Drive thru the desert, no pavement. when going between laughlin,Bullhead City and Las Vegas. Very well marked. Car should be a suv, station wagon/crossover. NO sportscars. Little common sense here as you are in the dessert.
Bring you camara

I couldn't believe my eyes when we ran across these Christmas trees on that unpaved road through the desert.

This is a very scenic alternate route between Laughlin NV and Las Vegas. The road is rocky and rough, but passable for cars. A stop to see Grapevine Canyon is part of the trip - an area of MANY petroglyhs....very interesting. Quite a few wildflowers, depending on the season. If in doubt, go ahead and do it!

This place is amazing!!!!!!! Take the trail through the desert down to the old caves and check out the old Indian carvings and drawing left from when they lived there, get a feel of history and go back in time, only about 3 miles outside of Laughlin, something to do if you are not a gambler !!!

This is by far my favorite place to visit outside of fishing, if you love to hike stop by Grapevine Canyon and see the ancient writings up the canyon, a small hike north west of the parking area, well marked too, Christmas tree pass is best seen in December and a four wheel drive or high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Nice hike, very hot but a lot to see. Beware of snakes!! Take lot's of water, stay hydrated. Close to all the Hotels

This place is acessible by only two ways.One way is to go south ( or north) and exit appx. one mile south of Cal Nev Ari. or west of Laughlin on 163.Check weather and carry lots of water.A truck, Suv or ATV is recommended ,however a car will do but go slow! One may also contiplate a daytime hike or biking.The geology and scenery is excellent. In the pass you will see Christmas. Check the trees carefully-you may discover Santa, I have!

You start out with a nice hike to see the petroglyphics Driving half way through the pass, one would think you were on the moon. You do not need a 4 wheel drive but it would be cool to see from a Jeep or a convertible( we had a minivan).

this is a great little detour when in the area. the north part is probably the prettiest as you come over the hill and see the colorado river valley. be sure to stop at grapevine springs trail too.

Christmas Tree Pass offers some great hiking and views. Be careful for snakes and critters! Your best time to visit is the fall and spring when it's nice and cool out.

You will also find some great rock carvings as well so be sure to bring a camera or your smartphone!

- JerseyGirlinVegas.com

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.

Easy in and out, the best part, we got to share this with a group of visitors that has never seen a petroglyphs before. So being Docents at Petroglyph Preserve and have the love of sharing....what can we say, so worth the trip. Next visit, we're bringing back our 4x4, should be fun!

drove through and took awhile because it has narrow roads. Lizards crossing the road so careful not to run them over.

This is by far the Best off-road pass between Laughlin and Searchlight. Of course it is also the only off-road pass between Laughlin and Searchlight. If you are on a dual-sport bike or an SUV, check it out. You won't be disappointed.

I went in to Christmas Tree Pass Road from the Laughlin Highway side.
After the big rain, there was a spot where the tires would just spin and not get the car forward so I turned back.

petroglyphs, open area, a great adventure. get away from the sounds of the casinos and walk and listen to nothing. maybe a bird, but total quiteness.

After reading some reviews on here, I was confident that we could get through the pass in our Ford Focus. It was drizzling a little bit but the road didn’t seem bad at first rocky but solid. Out of nowhere, it got very soft and sandy. We made it through then managed to hit a rock and get our tires stuck in sand. We could not get out and apparently AAA here doesn’t do dirt roads. The tow truck had trouble getting out. We wasted three hours and $600 and are completely broke now. It’s beautiful but so not worth it.

Rough drive but worth the extra time, views are great! Dirt road whole way but graded nicely. There are hiking trails with parking areas

We took this route back from Laughlin to Vegas so we could stop by Grapevine Canyon. Spectacular views out in the middle of nowhere - no cell service, so come prepared. The route is traversable with a standard car, but we had a Ford Explorer and encountered a few rough spots. Very peaceful and so much to see. Be prepared for lizards and jackrabbits.

You NEED a 4 wheeler to go through.In the very beginning there are petrigliphs those were interesting but it was all downhill from there.It is VERY LONG and you can only drive around 20 mph as of the holes-if you chose to go please see the petragliphs and go back,

Wow. It's amazing that you can get that close and personal with historical petroglyphs. Five miles west out of Laughlin and a short trip north on Christmas Tree Pass and you are right there.

Park the car and walk down into the wash. Make a left and walk the 150-200 yards and you're surrounded by these memories of the indigenous peoples that walked this land before. This trip was in September so we made sure we had wide brim hats and ample water with us even though the whole stop was less than a couple of hours.

This was our second trip to the petroglyphs. Our previous visit was during the President's day holiday (February) and the rainy season had left the desert in full bloom. You may want to walk to or from the car via the upper edge of the wash if it's the rainy season. You might be fortunate enough to see the desert flora in bloom. What a treat!

We did this stop the last morning on the way out of town in the morning and it was gorgeous.

Whether you just stop to view the petroglyphs or plan a long day-hike up and over the rocks, you will enjoy putting this stop on your itinerary.

Did I mention that this is all free and they have restrooms at the parking lot for convenience.

If you are coming because you want to see a bush covered in decorations, then you are missing out on the actual wonder of this place. Follow down to the Grapevine Canyon turn. This canyon has spectacular rock ridges where coyote cucumber and chuckwallas live. Look up and see the ancient petroglyphs carved into the patina. Follow the stream as it cascades down in sporadic waterfalls. I've seen many mostly harmelss snakes so watch where you step and you will have no scares.
The tattered and faded Christmas decor hanging on scrub bushes is the least attractive part of the trip.

I would recommend taking this Jet Boat tour from Laughlin down to Lake Havasu you will see Christmas tree pass and many other sites so beautiful worth every dollar it was only $70 a person for a 6 hour tour.

We had rented a car and decided we wanted to take a drive up Christmas Tree Pass to see the petroglyphs. We headed up Hwy 163 out of Laughlin towards Las Vegas and you will see the signs for Christmas Tree Pass. We turned right onto Christmaas Tree Pass and went about 2 miles or so down the dirt/sand road which was pretty bumpy after the heavy rains that Laughlin got so be warned. You will come across a road that goes off to the left and I believe there is a brown sign that indicates grape vine canyon. You will also see the roof of a little building in the distance. This road leads to a small parking lot and you just follow the trail downward and off toward the rocks. When you get to the rocks, just start to look around and you will see all of the old petroglyphs on the rocks. It is really amazing to know that the Native Americans did this possibly as long as 900 years ago and they still are viewable on the rocks.

My husband and I kept hearing have you done Christmas Tree Pass yet? Well we were on our way to Vegas and decided we had an extra hour on our hands so why not get adventurous! So we took the turn off and okay no turning back! It was breathtaking and exhilarating all at the same time. The road was rugged so you have to drive slow but the views were awesome! The farther we got in the more beautiful it got. It is truly a drive through the mountains. We saw the largest rabbits I had ever seen among other wildlife, my only regret was since we had an appointment to get to, I would have loved to pull off and walk around. All I can say is just do it...you won't regret it!

My husband and I drove through in our 4 wheel drives. This time going through was definitely rough for about 2 miles. I wouldn't recommend anything less than a 4X4. Most of it is very well maintained but it's a canyon with some monsoons can decimate sections of the road.

It was blue skies and 85 degrees. Took a hike with my dogs and what struck me is the absolute silence. The Spirit Mountains are a thing of beauty.

Bring lots of water. No services out there.

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.

Very nice and scenic area for a drive or plenty of spots to get out and hike around. Fairly smooth dirt road.

we took the road to the petroglyphs from the main road, approximately 4 miles, hiked about 1/2 mile, and WOW!!!!! lots of petroglyphs. They were everywhere. the hike was easy to moderate depending on the path you choose, riverbed or top side trail. There are restrooms and a history fact board explaining them. It was fascinating

Hubby & I drove our Jeep through this pass while driving from Las Vegas NV to Bullhead City AZ. Took about 45 minutes to get through the pass while we enjoyed a couple stops to take in the beautiful views of the hills and valleys. We came upon only one other vehicle the entire trip. Definitely need a high clearance vehicle as there are rocks and ruts to get around. Worth the ride!

I would make sure to have a vehicle with some ground clearance. The road is dirt and sand in place.
I personally would not do it without 4 wheel drive. Been there a few times and every time road is in a different condition.
It is a nice scenic drive and plenty of hiking to do if you wish,.

Stay in Laughlin and miss this? Very close and you cannot get lost! You can take a car. Unless it's raining hard, a lot of washes that cross. Good desert views and a small hike that takes you to petroglyphs not fenced in. Whole drive and hike can be done less then two hrs...unless the casinos 24hrs a day are your thing.

We did this on a whim with a rental SUV. 4 wheel drive not needed, but I would not bring a low slung car on this road - some serious bumps, dips, ruts, etc. Plan on driving 10-15 miles and hour at the most, so leave plent of time to drive, and to see the sites. Coupls of blind turns where you have to inch around carefully in case someone is coming the other way. However, on the entire drive, we only passed 2 vehicles. There is a turnoff about 2 miles in from the Laughlin end that brings you to a short hike, 1/4 mile or so, to petroglyphs. Very beautiful.

Take the time to visit this area you won't be disappointed. Scenery is breathtaking and the hike is not strenuous

Christmas Tree Pass is off HWY 163 north of Laughlin about 8 miles. Exit and your able to drive any vehicle about 2 miles to the parking area by petroglyphs. Then walk 4-5 blocks through some soft sandy terrain. Not sure many seniors would be able to walk this, ours did not. I don't know what they are trying to say by the writings, most of it not identifiable as pictures. The are many drawings on both sides. The best drawing is up high, with animals, and it is the picture that is on the information board at the parking area. Bring binoculars for better visual, as I believe your not supposed to be climbing the rocks and defacing the area in any way. We went right at sunset when it was way cooler, and had a nice breeze flowing through the mountain ridge. It was amazing being in this wide open area that you can smell the plants. There were several rabbits running around on our walk also. The parking area also has a restroom, very thoughtful. It was worth this one visit, did not take too much time out of our day. From Laughlin, the visit, and back, 60-75 minutes.

Took a jeep thru chirstmas tree pass was great trip.Was a few turn off to exclearance hereplore. You definitely need high clearance here.

We were traveling from Las Vegas to Laughlin and spotted the turn purely by accident and decided to take it. It was beautiful and fun. We got or of the car several times for short walks and photos. Loved our and glad we spotted the turn.

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.

On vacation in a rental car, driving towards Laughlin on HY 163 we saw the sign "Christmas Tree Pass" turned onto it and just started driving. A gravel road, and there is plenty of signage advising the use of vehicles with a high ground clearance. We soon saw a car similar to ours driving in the opposite direction so we kept going. The entire road is about 12-13 miles. About two miles in is a little parking area where you get out to walk about a quarter mile to an awesome rock formations. Driving further back towards HY 95 through a mountain pass enjoying all the plants and ever changing geological formations. We really did not have any problems with the small car, but it is obvious that wash-outs could be an issue if there was a storm. Cell service is spotty at best, so good judgement prevails. IF you really appreciate wilderness and being outdoors, this is a place you should not miss. Yes, we saw the Christmas ornaments.

Tired of The Strip? Head to friendly little Laughlin for lunch, then take the Christmas Tree Pass route back to Searchlight and on to Las Vegas. The road is dirt and gravel which is easily passable by two-wheel drive trucks and SUVs. Likely not advisable after heavy rain. Grapevine Canyon is located on a well marked left branch off Christmas Tree Pass Road. BLM Parking and restrooms are located at the trail head for a short walk to the mouth of the canyon. There you will find hundreds of very old petroglyphs on both of the canyon walls.
On up the road, bring your old Christmas Tree ornaments and choose a Juniper bush near the summit for adornment. Not sure when this tradition began, but had to be a very long time ago. Lots of bird life and interesting geology.

We were staying in the Laughlin area and wanted to do some exploration and hiking and had read about this area and road and decided to take a gander. We had a 4x4 vehicle in case we encountered any mud holes etc so we were good to go. We took the road thru all the vistas and it was beautiful and breathtaking seeing all the canyons and scenery. You really get a feeling of peace and serenity being in these areas and i love it every time im back. This time we came with our kids and mother in law. We got out of the car a few times to hike a few areas and saw all kinds of cool rock formations and even some Tarantulas. Always wear proper footwear for these Adventures. The main attraction was the Grapevine canyon exit which was awesome. Just a 1 mile hike to the area of petroglyphes! Christmas tree pas is a must visit if in this area.

Great ride take your time enjoy what is out there no hurry nice sunday ride car or truck ... if you have a lawn mower rice burnner that sits 4 in. off the ground don't go stay home it is not for you... Please don't leave your trash out here drunks and pigs need to stay home ..love this ride will be going again very soon.... short walk up Grapevine Canyon..

Slow going through this pass offers stunning views and decorated cactus and trees! Take your time and you’ll see a winter bloom or two.

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

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.

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.

We travelled this 15 mile trail right at dusk and finished after dark. We had a 2019 Ford Escape FWD & did just fine. The Laughlin end is narrow at times with frequent ups & downs, but the further you get down the road easier to travel. The Christmas trees were nice. That someone took the time to do this was thoughtful We were hoping to see wildlife, but did not. I would suggest if you are traveling between Boulder City & Laughlin take the time to enjoy the scenery.

My husband and I loved this area and spent quite a long time here. Will definitely explore more on another visit. Not to hot this time of year but recommend correct shoes/clothing and a 4 wheel vehicle to go over the mountain. Explore but don't disturb.

It was a beautiful drive. Amazing , views, mountains and vegetation.

I will return there from Wi to hike. The road was a typical desert mountain road with washboards sections of blind corners, buried boulders and rugged washouts. You would be best served in a jeep truck or other SUV. Bring water just in case. Took about an hour to get through about 20ph.

We love to take this drive on our way to Vegas from Laughlin, very interesting things to see, and not too much added time

Scenic pass on the way to Laughlin. Not a place to drive miles out of the way to view. but if you are on that highway enjoy the sight and vistas.

If you have a 4x4 or an SUV with a bit of ground clearance and you're in the Searchlight or Laughlin, Nevada area, you NEED to do the Christmas Tree Pass drive!!

It's not too difficult and only (+/-) 12 miles long, but the views and scenery are fantastic. Plan on a 2nd or (at best) 3rd gear slow drive as the road weaves & winds through the pass.

Hey, bring some ornaments too as when you get to the heart of the pass, you too can help decorate a Joshua Tree!!!!

If i told you everthing about CHRISTMAS TREE PASS, it may ruin all the fun and excitement. . BUT I WILL say this is a sacred mountain to the local native Americans and the beliefs are before entering the HAPPY HUNTING GROUNDS one must pass through. .. thats all i can say, and that you wont be the same when you get back,, a person can see the mountains where the place is from almost every casino facing west,,

The pass road was definitely a different kind of trip .. Nice views of the surrounding mountains and desert 🌵 with Gravel / Dirt / Kinda road most of the 12-13 miles ...

This was an absolute joy to find. We hiked 3 different trails and spent the entire day their...Your in the dessert take water and snacks..We are going back next month to hike the trails we did not have time for.

What a breath taking ride. We often ignore the beauty in the desert but this one is worth seeing. The ride is rough. We were doing 25 miles per hour. Make sure you have a suv or truck. There are few trees you can put ornaments on. But the scenic wow. Just breath taking. We didn't see any car at all so we just stop anywhere we want and enjoy the view. It will add about 30 minutes or more in your trip to Laughlin or Vegas depends on which end you go in.

His is a short walk up to a natural spring. We took the whole family and checked it out. Wear good shoes and have drinking water. There is a natural spring and it's beautiful. The petraglifs are really meet too!

I do not recommend this for a regular vehicle. SUV or 4 wheel drive for a great time. Leaving Laughlin heading to Vegas, as you go up the mountain you'll see a turn to the right, it's a sand - dirt road hence 4 wheel or suv it's a cool turn to take n then gets you back on the road to Vegas before Searchlight

This is a stretch to say this is an "attraction". It is simply desert land with cactus that folks have "decorated", littered with Christmas items. Yes it did bring a smile to the face to see it but was driving in that direction anyway. I would not advise anyone to go out of their way to seek it out though.

Personally we went once and that was enough!!It does have interesting petraglyphes to view.It is very long and winding you better not go over 20 mph!!!!

We decided on a whim to check out this road. It took us to Grapevine Canyon and a few other canyons along the way. Great hikes and beautiful desert. We loved it!

I've been over the pass several times and a regular car can make it, but I've seen a RV attempt it and he damaged the rig. This pass goes from the main highway south of Searchlight through the mountains to the highway about 10 miles west of Laughlin. Interesting rock formations and colors in late afternoon. Although I've never attempted it, I'd suggest NOT going if it's raining as it is dirt/gravel and subject to washouts.

Cactus is decorated with beer cans, articles of clothing, ( I especially laughed the hardest with the "underwear" Cactus. You need to see, to appreciate it. Funny!

Just posting this as the location appears to be incorrect near Laughlin Air force base in Del Rio Texas. Actual location is near Laughlin Nevada.

We've driven by the Christmas Tree Pass sign a few times and on our last trip coming back from Vegas to Laughlin my wife says to me, "How about we check out that Christmas tree pass". I thought that this was weird as she isn't too adventurous and I said "great! let's go". I asked her why and she wanted to go and she said she wanted to see all the trees that have been decorated as Christmas trees. (we had heard talk of this before) We saw the little sign on the highway and pulled in. There was a small sign that recommended a 4X4 vehicle. We had a Ford Flex thing rental and I said "It can't be that bad let's go!" We crossed a cattle gate and we began the adventure. Adventure it was as the road was wide and got narrower as we went. The desert beauty was everywhere and I thought how could anything live out here under these conditions? Well I was wrong as we spotted a couple of rabbits running around but nothing else, no other animals, humans, or vehicles. I hope your car doesn't break down as it could be a while to get help. As the road narrowed it got very hilly and sharp turns. One hill was so steep, I slowed up as I crested the hill and stopped as we couldn't see below. The hood of the car hid the road. I crept over the top and it was just like a roller coaster ride from then on. This was so cool to drive. We loved it and about 40 minutes later we arrived at the Trail head for the native petroglyphs canyon paintings. We pulled in and we used the restroom that was there. (very nice that it was there) This part of the journey is not handicap accessible as the trail is a footpath about 1/4 mile in. I'm 59 and not in the best physical condition but it wasn't that bad to navigate. There was some cool stuff to see. Some, I physically couldn't get to. Younger people could hike down a short ways into Grapevine Canyon to see more than we did. It was altogether fun and I would highly recommend this to every one who likes a little adventure. Live a little and learn too!

In the past while driving from Laughlin back to Las Vegas, we noticed the signs for Christmas Tree Pass. It looked interesting so this trip we drove it.

The cautions; Yes, drive a high clearance preferably 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Other than that one note, the drive is spectacular and a super find for anyone. The day was sunny and dry so no issues driving. There are times when its narrow and bumpy, but nothing a rented vehicle can't handle.

Both start and finish are relatively flat. The middle area is where its interesting. Stunning rock formations and greenery. Loved the decorations that folks put up on the trees. We actually saw a family with Santa hats on and working the trees.

Fun side trip if you're in the area. Although its only about 15 miles long, leave yourself plenty of time because you won't be driving fast and you'll stop often to enjoy the beauty.

Great side trip when travelling from the Las Vegas area to Laughlin. Dirt road takes you through the mountains. Takes longer than the main (paved) roads but worth the extra time!!

I just enjoyed see the beautiful view, all those maestic mountains, beautiful colors and the fresh air, to hear the soft wind, it feels so peaceful and relaxing! Simple, love it!

This is our third visit to Christmas Tree Pass. We went to see the petroglyphs. On this visit we heard water running and followed the small stream up as far as we could go. It was very green and beautiful. Met other travelers and shared experiences.

We drove through Christmas Tree Pass on January 20 and there were three volunteers taking the decorations off the trees, putting them in garbage bags and hauling them away. We were so disappointed because we decorated a tree last year and enjoyed all the trees. We drove out again on January 24 and there's lots of decorated trees again! Thank you to all the people who took time to decorate. Christmas Tree Pass looks beautiful!

Plan this if your journey takes you from Las Vegas to Laughlin, Nevada or reverse. Dirt road. I did it in a rental car, I would not in my own car. I would not advise taking Christmas Tree Pass if there is rain. Very well maintained. Simply beautiful rock formations. Bring your camera. PLEASE DO NOT VISIT IF YOU PLAN TO DEFACE THIS AREA.

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.

Hubby just bought a new 4WD car and wanted to go off roading, and the drive through Christmas Tree Pass came recommended as an easy one for beginners. I'd agree with that assessment. I would say anyone with a 4WD vehicle could easily handle the well-manicured dirt roads.

The drive took us about 45 minutes with LOTS of stops to take photos, walk around, and enjoy the desert landscapes. It was very peaceful and quiet, and we only passed one other vehicle the entire time we were driving!

It's free, clean, and fun, and you can't ask for more than that! The landscape is (obviously) dry desert, with pretty rocks and flora and fauna. We saw plenty of lizards, birds, chipmunk looking things, and a couple of snakes, so be alert and respect the wildlife! Don't pick anything and don't harrass anything.

We drove in early July, when the temperatures were over 110. We brought plenty of water "just in case," and there are several areas where you can wander off on foot (but again, watch for snakes)! I was impressed with how clean it was along the Pass, I did not see one piece of trash anywhere!

The roads are graded but the sand gets a bit deep in a few places, where we slid a little while driving. It was fun because the road is very wide with plenty of room.

At one end of the Pass, there's an area with well preserved petroglyphs. It does require a bit of a hike which isn't that far distance-wise, but it's in deep sand that's difficult to walk through (especially when the temps are high). I made it maybe a third of the way and turned back. I'll try again in the fall or winter. There's a hole-in-the-ground toilet facility by the petroglyphs if you need it.

I am not outdoorsy in the least, but I had a really fun time riding along on this drive. If you're traveling between Las Vegas and Laughlin, it's a fun little "cut through" to get through the desert. Highly recommended.

Best to go in the evening, not unless you enjoy chaos.

Looking for some quiet time start the hike during sunset, after observing the petroglyphs continue the trail until you encounter a break on the left side of the trail. At that point you will veer into the mountain side where you will find a very narrow opening continue (very peaceful) area. Right after you view the last petroglyph you will see the break in the trail.
You will observe beautiful granite ...we were pleased we did not see a soul, uhhh quiet at last.

Dogs are great (love them) however constant unending barking is so disruptive :/

Will try this again at sunset!

This is a nice drive through the mountains on your way to or from Laughlin and Vegas. It's best to ask some one about the condition of the road before you go because of wash outs and deep ruts. It's a slow drive with beautiful scenery. Be careful if you get out and look around, I still have a picker of some sort in my finger that I thought I'd pulled out, and this is close to a month ago!

With a short walk you can see some of Nevadas best landscapes. There are indian petroglyphs here that are unbelievable

This is the same road as Grapevine Canyon but you continue going on the dirt road instead of turning at Grapevine Canyon. I've driven this in my car and my truck, you don't need a 4x4 but watch out for parts that look like loose sand and stay to the other side of the road. It's called Christmas Tree Pass because of the Mesquite Bushes the people have decorated like Christmas Trees including my wife and I. The pass comes out on Hwy 95 about 12 miles from Searchlight Nv. Bring Your Camera!

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.

We took our Jeep and headed into Christmas Tree Pass. The rock formations, the petroglyphs, the wildflowers were wonderful. Such a beautiful place. I wish the trees weren't decorated but I also wish I could decorate one. You can imagine pioneers crossing the land and the native Americans hiding in the canyons.