Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

If you're a nature and outdoor enthusiast, consider exploring the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA.) While it is one of the Las Vegas conservation areas, Sloan Canyon is outside Henderson, Nevada. The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages the 48,428 acres and was designated one of Nevada's conservation areas in 2002.

Sloan Canyon is the perfect destination for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists looking to explore the nature trails in the NCA. Visitor information and trail closure updates for Sloan Canyon are at the Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station.

One of the astounding Sloan Canyon facts is the more than 1,700 petroglyphs in Sloan Canyon. A petroglyph is an image chiseled out of rock by indigenous people of the past. Access to the Sloan Petroglyph Canyon is at the Sloan Canyon Visitor Contact Station. The park only allows 20 people at a time into Petroglyph Canyon and is open from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.

The scenic views in Sloan Canyon are idyllic for photographers, and the NCA is home to wildlife like the roadrunner, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, jackrabbit, and Mojave green rattlesnake. 

Camping in Sloan Canyon is allowed in the North McCullough Wilderness, and the area is ideal for rock climbing, hunting, and backpacking. The BLM has strict guidelines for all activities on its website for you to plan the perfect getaway.

Visiting Sloan Canyon Conservation Park is free and the perfect family-friendly outdoor activity in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.

Fun Facts & Cool Features 

I was in Vegas and wanted to do an outdoor activity. After some online digging, I unearthed a gem: the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Trail. 

All Trails considers the hike moderately challenging, so I was glad I came prepared with hiking boots, backpack, hiking pole, and a water container. I left at dawn to avoid the heat and took the 25-minute drive to the Sloan Canyon Visitor Contact Station.

The sandy, rocky trail is 4.4 miles roundtrip and has 564 feet of elevation gain. When I reached the fork to the loop, I continued clockwise and didn't take the Cowboy Trail, which goes uphill.

When I reached a dry, rocky waterfall, I was glad I'd come this way. While I had to climb the short ascent, descending the slide-like surface would be tricky.

I'd read about the canyon being home to the Mojave green rattlesnake, so I was careful where I put my hands and used my walking stick to swat dry scrambling to scare any away. 

Reaching the petroglyphs was the highlight of the trek. I marveled at the chiseled artwork and what life was like for the people living here long ago. 

I continued and started up Cowboy Trail. The summit had a jaw-dropping view of the Vegas Valley and Cowboy Trail. I'm glad I was going down and not up!

The Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Trail was worth the effort and time. I got a great workout and saw firsthand rock art made by indigenous people from generations ago. 

Getting There

From Las Vegas or Henderson, get to St. Rose Parkway. 

Follow St. Rose Parkway and turn south on Executive Airport Drive.

Executive Airport Drive turns into Via Inspirada and curves sharply, changing into Bicentennial Pkwy.

Turn right onto Via Firenze.

Turn left onto Savella Avenue.

Turn right back onto Via Firenze. 

Turn right onto Democracy Drive. 

Follow until you reach Nawghaw Poa Road, the first paved road to your left.

Turn left onto Nawghaw Poa Road. 

The Sloan Canyon Visitor Contact Station is at the end of Nawghaw Poa Road.

Cost

Free!