Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

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.

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.

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.

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.

The North McCullough Wilderness is located within Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area and rules that apply in this wilderness are the same in all congressionally-mandated wilderness areas. Mechanized/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.