Welcome

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area’s 48,438 acres provide peace and solitude for those who visit the unique scenic and geologic features and extraordinary cultural resources. Surroundings can vary from lowland dry lake beds to volcanic rock peaks reaching more than 5,000 feet.

The centerpiece of the area is the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, one of the most significant cultural resources in Southern Nevada. Archeologists believe the more than 300 rock art panels with 1,700 individual design elements were created by native cultures from the Archaic to historic era.

What is a National Conservation Area?

The West offers some of the most remarkable landscapes found on the public lands. Many of these places have received special recognition and protection through congressional or presidential conservation designations. National Conservation Areas are designated by Congress to conserve, protect, enhance and manage public land areas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Sloan Canyon was designated as a National Conservation Area in 2002 and responsible use of the area is encouraged.

Directions to Sloan Canyon

1. Take I-15 south to exit 25 (Sloan exit) and turn left at the stop sign.
2. Turn left onto Las Vegas Blvd. Travel north on Las Vegas Blvd about .1 mile.
3. Turn right on a dirt road heading east (this road is opposite the north bound freeway entrance for I-15. This road will follow the power line.)
4. Follow the power line road for approximately 4 miles. Just past power pole number 12084 look for a two-track road on the right. This road is signed “Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area”
5. Follow this road south for approximately 1 mile. The road will fork, keep to the right.
6. Road will dead end at the entrance to Petroglyph Canyon.

 Respecting Rock Art

Sloan Canyon is one of the premier rock art sites in Southern Nevada. To keep the petroglyphs pristine, please do not touch the rock art because contact with the oils in skin will damage them. You may take photographs and sketches, but rubbings are not permitted. Avoid climbing near rock art sites.

How to enjoy the area responsibly

Please help conserve your public lands by staying on designated roads or trails, checking on fire restrictions before your visit and respecting rock art.

While the final management plan is being prepared, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area has different rules for usage depending on your location. Once management documents are completed for the area, regulations will be clearly outlined. Please refer to map and rules on the inside of this brochure for guidance.

The northern half of the conservation area is subject to rules that were approved in 1998. Only one entrance is accessible and only street-legal vehicles may use this entrance. Camping and shooting and off-highway vehicles are not allowed in the northern portion. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are encouraged on existing roads and trails.

Wilderness

The North McCullough Wilderness is located with Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and rules that apply in this wilderness are the same in all congressionally-mandated wilderness areas. Non-mechanized/non-motorized travel is not allowed, but activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching are encouraged. All vehicles, including mountain bikes, are prohibited within the wilderness boundary. Only hiking is encouraged in the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Area.

Volunteerism

A variety of volunteer opportunities exist at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area including visitor contacts and trash clean-ups. Please call for more information.

Management Planning

Management plans are being developed for the conservation area and its wilderness area. The plan will provide guidance for BLM’s management of the area. The guidance will enable the BLM to manage and allocate use of the lands and resources within the area.

Sloan Trail Uses Map

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Trails Final Environmental Assessment

Sloan Canyon Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Educational Programs

2010 Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area Manager's Report