BLM to increase recreational access at Red Rock and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Areas
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LAS VEGAS – With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by Nevada officials, the Bureau of Land Management today announced that it is increasing recreational access at Red Rock and Sloan Canyon National Conservation Areas. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.
Beginning June 1, 2020, the BLM Southern Nevada District will reopen access to:
- Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
- Red Rock Overlook
- Late Night Trailhead
- Red Spring Boardwalk
- Calico Basin and Kraft Mountain Trailheads
- The Sloan Canyon NCA parking area at Nawghaw Poa Road
During this phase, the Scenic Drive will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Late exit and overnight permits will not be issued until further notice. Parking is only permitted in parking lots and not along the Scenic Drive. When the parking lots are full and the area hits capacity, the gates will be temporarily closed until the area drops below capacity.
The Red Rock Campground will remain closed, as it closes annually between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.
The Sloan Canyon parking area at Nawghaw Poa Road will be open Friday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With public health in mind, the following facilities/areas remain closed at this time:
- The Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center
- Red Spring Picnic Area
- All campsites at the Red Rock Campground
- The Sloan Canyon Visitor Contact Station
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Red Rock Canyon NCA, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website, https://www.blm.gov/red-rock-canyon-nca, and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.