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

Take I-15 south to exit 25 (Sloan). Turn left at the stop sign (to Las Vegas). Turn left onto Las Vegas Blvd. Travel north on Las Vegas Blvd 0.1 mile. Turn right on a dirt road heading east (opposite north bound entrance for I-15.) Follow road 3.9 miles (the road will become a powerline road.) At power pole number 12084, travel 0.25 miles further and watch for a two track road the right. There is a rock pile marking the start of the two track road. Follow the two track south about 1 mile to the rock barrier.

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.

Northern Half

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.

Southern Half

Until the management plan is completed, all existing uses allowed on public land are allowed on this portion of the NCA. Camping, shooting and off-highway vehicle use on existing roads and trails are allowed.

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 Canyon Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement