The Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is home to a fascinating natural attraction known as Mouse’s Tank, a natural basin in the rock where water collects after each rainfall. This unique feature is named after a Southern Paiute Indian named Little Mouse who hid out in the area in the 1890s.
Exploring the Mouse’s Tank Trail
The half-mile round trip trail leading to Mouse’s Tank from the trailhead is an easy route that takes an average of 15 minutes to complete. The trail is on loose sand through a shallow canyon, and hikers should keep an eye out for petroglyphs, which are primarily on the left side and visible from the trail.
Petroglyphs and Cultural Preservation
The petroglyphs found along the trail are fragile, non-renewable cultural resources. Visitors are encouraged to avoid touching them, stay on the trails, and not create new trails or trample vegetation. Photography and sketching are allowed, but visitors should not introduce any foreign substance to enhance the carved and pecked images for photographic or drawing purposes.
Reaching the Tanks
The tanks, which are well shaded and likely hold water most of the year, are located in a narrow gap between the sandstone. Visitors can scramble up the rock to the left of the tanks to get a view down into them. After enjoying the tanks, hikers can continue up the canyon a few minutes further to see a short slot with an arch up to their right.
Respecting the Natural and Cultural Significance
Pets must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after, and artifacts, such as sherds (broken pottery) or lithics (flakes of stone tools), should be left where they are found. Visitors are encouraged to respect the site and follow guidelines to protect it for future generations.
Accessibility and Fees
The Valley of Fire State Park is approximately 58 miles northeast of Las Vegas and is accessible via Interstate 15, with a well-signed route leading to the park. The entrance fee for day use is $10 as of 2018.
Conclusion
Mouse’s Tank is a unique and fragile cultural resource located in the Valley of Fire State Park. The hike to this natural attraction offers the opportunity to see petroglyphs and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. By respecting the site and following the guidelines, visitors can help preserve this special place for future generations to explore and appreciate.