Most People Don’t Know Nevada’s Christmas Tree Pass Even Exists
If you’re looking for a pleasant drive or hike this holiday season, consider the aptly named “Christmas Tree Pass” in southern Nevada. This drive features spectacular views of the mountain with an optional side trip hike for those who enjoy Native American history.
Christmas Tree Pass is a 16-mile scenic drive near Laughlin, NV.
The road is gravel for the most part, although a few spots can be rough on a regular car. Having a high clearance vehicle for the drive is recommended.
If you're driving the pass from the 163, you can reach Grapevine Canyon via an unmarked road about two miles in.
Grapevine Canyon is known for its petroglyphs and is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. Over 700 petroglyphs can be seen in the canyon and they are believed to have been made around 1100 to 1900 AD.
The highest peak in the Newberry Mountains is Spirit Mountain, which can be seen rising above the canyon. Several local Native American tribes consider the mountain to be sacred and it's the first Native American land in Nevada to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The name of the pass comes from the juniper trees in the Newberry Mountains. A tradition grew around decorating the trees with Christmas decorations and the name eventually stuck.
Many visitors will bring ornaments to hang on the trees as part of their hike. If you plan to do so, remember that many animals live in this area and avoid bringing items that might be hazardous for them.
To get to the pass, take the US 95/93 South and take Highway 163 by Searchlight and look for the signs for the Christmas Tree Pass. From Laughlin, take the 163 going West.
Have you had a chance to visit Christmas Tree Pass? Share in the comments!
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Mychelle Blake is a freelance writer, website designer and social media consultant. She happily tolerates the insane Las Vegas heat with her three wacky pit bulls, one fish, one bird and one husband.
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