Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

This quiet, rugged and pristine environment is situated on the edge of the Las Vegas Valley, south of Las Vegas and Henderson. It is famous for the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, featuring over 300 rock art panels, and the 14,790-acre North McCullough Wilderness. The entire area consists of over 48 thousand acres of protected Mojave Desert landscape in southern Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for its high-value cultural and natural resources. For its cultural significance, it is often called the "Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site," and is one of the most significant cultural resources in Southern Nevada, with 1,700+ designs created by indigenous cultures. The area is very popular for hiking, wildlife viewing like desert bighorn sheep, bird watching, and photography. It is also adjacent to the North McCullough Wilderness (volcanic landscape) to the northeast. There are many ways to access the site, but the main Petroglyph Canyon trail is accessed through the Sloan Canyon Visitor Contact Station at 1601 S Las Vegas Blvd, Henderson, Nevada. If you do plan a visit, it is best during the fall, winter and spring and make sure you bring water, sunscreen and notify someone of your plans. NOTE: the main access road and parking areas are undergoing construction, so checking their website for updates is advised. We entered from the Hidden Valley Trailhead on the southwestern side when we were out off-roading. Also, be advised no motorized vehicles are allowed.