The Spirit Mountains (located near Laughlin, NV) – also know as Avi Kwa Ame by the local indigenous people –  are part of the Newberry mountains.  The landscape is immensely beautiful, with massive granite boulders and outcroppings.  These mountains are considered sacred by many native people of the Mojave & Sonoran deserts, as it is their belief that this area is the center of creation (in fact, some Native Americans consider this land so sacred they still won’t enter this area).  One way to access this area is to start by exploring the amazing petroglyphs at Grapevine Canyon, but then continue your hike onward past the canyon (where 99% of people stop). Nearby is also the world’s largest Joshua Tree forest at Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area. You’ll come across amazing granite structures, a cottonwood stand in a natural spring, water-carved narrows and eventually a dry waterfall.  Beautiful!

Please click the images below – please note the two videos below the pictures: