OVERVIEW

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is located on the southeast edge of the Las Vegas Valley, bordering the south edge of Henderson, and includes the black volcanic mountains and ridges that can be seen from most parts of town. The scenery is spectacular, and the petroglyphs in Petroglyph Canyon is amazing. During winter, full-sun hikes at Sloan Canyon NCA can be warm and delightful.

Sloan Canyon NCA (48,438 acres) provides peace and solitude for hikers visiting the geologic features and cultural resources. The landscape ranges from the lowland edge of a dry lake to volcanic peaks exceeding 5,000 feet in elevation. The area is best known for the Sloan Canyon Archeological District (Petroglyph Canyon), one of the most important Native American cultural sites in Southern Nevada. More than 300 petroglyph panels with 1,700 individual petroglyphs were created by native artists from the Archaic to the historical era.

GETTING TO SLOAN CANYON NCA

Link to map.

Sloan Canyon, the main entry point, now has a paved road and trailhead with a visitor contact station at the end of Nawghaw Poa Road (Paiute language for Bighorn Sheep Road). Several other trails originate from the higher neighborhoods of Henderson (Anthem area). Access can also be made from Las Vegas Blvd, south of the urban area, and by dirt roads that penetrate BLM lands surrounding the NCA.

Petroglyph Canyon is accessed via Nawghaw Poa Road, which starts from Democracy Drive near Via Firenze. The best access is from Bicentennial Parkway in Henderson. From Bicentennial, drive south on Via Firenze to Savella Ave. Turn left onto Savella and drive east at block to Via Firenze (yes, Via Firenze splits and runs one-way around Adventura Park). Turn right onto Via Firenze and drive south 0.4 miles to Democracy Drive. Turn right onto Democracy Drive and drive west 0.2 miles to Nawghaw Poa Road. Turn left and follow Nawghaw Poa Road 0.7 miles to the end.

Access via paved roads in the Anthem area of Henderson is from the Anthem Hills Trailhead and the Shadow Canyon Trailhead. Paved road access is also available via the McCullough Hills Trailhead near Railroad Pass. Hikers with high-clearance vehicles can access the Sloan Canyon Archeological Area using trails originating from the Hidden Valley Trailhead. The Quo Vadis Trailhead provides dirt road access to the east side of the NCA.

HOURS

Starting on Saturday, May 20, 2023, the Nawghaw Poa Road gate is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to noon, and Friday through Sunday from 7 am to noon. These hours will last throughout the summer.

The contact station seems to be open sporadically when volunteers are available. Call (702) 515-5350 to confirm that the contact station is open. The rest of the area is always open.

Most of the area is closed to camping, so technically it should be considered day-use only (open from about sunrise to sunset). The North McCullough Wilderness Area and NCA areas south and east of the wilderness area are open for camping.

ENTRANCE FEES

None.

HIKING

There is a plethora of hiking opportunities in the NCA, including hikes into North McCullough Wilderness Area. Hikes can be made on ADA compliant trails, constructed trails, use-trails, and off trail. Information about hiking is presented on the Sloan Canyon NCA Hiking webpage.

CAMPING

Backpacking and overnight camping are permitted only in the North McCullough Wilderness Area and in the southeastern portion of the NCA, that is, camping is not permitted in any of the areas inside the Las Vegas Valley.

WATCH OUT

Other than the standard warnings about hiking in the desert, ...this is a pretty safe place, but people fall off the cliffs, so hikers should exercise caution anytime they are high enough to fall and get hurt. Drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic on winding dirt roads.

In case of emergency, call 911 or the BLM switchboard (702-515-5000) between 8 AM and 4:30 PM. After hours, call 911.

SOME RULES AND REGULATIONS

As the name implies, this is a national conservation area. Do not collect plants, rocks, fossils, or artifacts, and do not disturb the wildlife or feed the burros. Drive only on existing roads. Pack it in, pack it out.

Pets must be on a leash (six foot maximum) and under your physical control at all times, but Petroglyph Canyon is closed to pets. Never leave your pet in a closed vehicle because temperatures inside a car parked in the sun can exceed 120 degrees in just a few minutes, quickly cooking your pet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, drive out to the Nawghaw Poa Road Visitor Contact Station, visit the BLM Sloan Canyon website, or give the BLM a call at 702-515-5000 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The Friends of Sloan Canyon also have a nice website with good information.