Editor’s Note: This post is part of my series on Las Vegas area Hikes. Also, click here for more information on all things Las Vegas.
It’s been called the “Sistine Chapel” of Native American rock art, and for good reason: Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area contains over 300 panels of ancient American petroglyphs.
And what’s the only way to see it? Hiking there of course!
Hiking The Petroglyph Trail, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area (Las Vegas, NV)
Getting There
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is located due south of Las Vegas, technically in the town of Henderson, NV.
Sloan Canyon NCA is located about 30 minutes south of the center of the strip
However, getting there can be a bit tricky as you drive through brand new developments on the outskirts of civilization and down lonely roads that seem to lead nowhere.
In fact, I was lost – but I wasn’t alone. I must have encountered at least 4 car loads of hikers asking if I knew the way there.
Here’s the final portion of the drive from the M Resort to Sloan Canyon NCA.
The trick is the very last left turn from Democracy Drive onto Nawghaw Poa Road. It “sneaks up” on you. The road is unmarked, unremarkable, and there is no signage – but this is what it looks like (see below).
Turn down this unmarked road, this is Nawghaw Poa Rd – you’re almost there!
You made it!
The Visitor Center
There is a very small BLM visitor center located in a mobile home situated at the end of the parking lot.
See the visitor center behind the sign?
Hiking the 100 Trail Loop
The “main” hike from the visitor center is the 100 Trail loop hike, this is the hike that takes you up close and personal to the petroglyphs. This hike is listed as 4-5 miles and will take you about 2-4 hours to finish it (I finished it in a leisurely 2.5 hours).
The hike is considered “easy” to “moderate-strenuous” depending on which way you go. I opted for the 100 to 200 “clockwise” loop.
By “going left” at the 100/200 junction you will have to scramble up the series of dry waterfalls. It sounds more scary than it is. There was only one small semi-questionable rock scramble, but somebody put a rope to assist so it wasn’t bad at all.
You can also “out-and-back-it” up the 100 trail or up the 200 trail – or try the loop “reverse” (counter-clockwise) by heading up the 200.
The Trailhead
You can pick up the trailhead from the east side of the parking lot and follow it it down to the junction of the 100 and 101 – you’ll want to “go right” and head up the wash towards the canyon.
Junction 101 & 100 – “go right”
Chains at the mouth of the canyon
The kiosk past the chains
The 100/200 junction – “go left” here up the wash to continue on the clockwise loop
The First Dry Waterfall
No, there is no waterfall. Unless it is raining, in which case you probably shouldn’t be hiking here due to flash floods. There are however, some small rocks to hop up.
The first dry waterfall
Once you get to the top of the first dry waterfall, look immediately to the rocks on the left. This is the beginning of the petroglyphs.
Look closely – see anything?
Continue into the canyon
The Large Waterfall Section
Soon, you’ll come upon a series of waterfalls – each bigger than the previous one. Continue on, but be careful – this is the hardest part of this hike (but it’s not that hard).
The mouth of the waterfall section
The waterfalls here somewhat resemble a slot canyon
This is it – the big bad waterfall, you’ll need to scramble up the left side
Scrambling up the big waterfall is made easier with the help of a rope somebody strategically placed here
Once you complete the final scramble, you will be rewarded with a view back down the waterfall slot canyon you just ascended.
Top of the falls!
The Gallery
Once you make it to the top of the falls, the main attraction is just around the corner – “The Gallery”.
Follow these rocks around the corner as the trail curves left
Atop the hill on the left of the trail, is a remarkable section covered in petroglyphs. You’ll need to really look closely.
An even closer look…
On the right side of the trail there are petroglyphs that are even closer and easier to see (and decipher).
Desert big horn sheep
Lizards…
More glyphs everywhere…
…and snakes
Around The Bend
Leaving “the gallery”, you’ll continue up the wash until you get to the junction with the 300 trail.
I question the ancient authenticity of this particular rock art…
…but it does look cool set against the rocky peak in the background!
At the 100/300/200 junction, “keep right” and stick on the 200 trail
The 300 trail – Don’t go that way!
Hike toward the rocky peak to follow the 200 trail over the saddle and back down towards the 100 trail
Back Down The 200 Trail
The final section of the loop takes you over a small ridge (or saddle) and then back down toward the 100/200 junction to complete the loop.
“The saddle”
Heading back north down the 200 trail (Las Vegas in the background)
Nearing the end of the 200 trail
The 100/200 junction
Finally, you’ll once again meet up with the 100 trail. This time, you’ll make a left to head back down the wash, out of the canyon, and back to the visitor center.
Final Thoughts
This is a great Las Vegas hike. I stumbled upon this hike on Yelp where it has a 4.5/5 star rating with rave reviews. I’ve also heard people tell me this is the “best hike in Vegas”.
I will say, it was quite unexpected to find yet another great hiking trail in Las Vegas – this time chock-full with ancient petroglyphs. This is a great half-day hike that is both very family friendly and solo-hiker friendly. It seemed like most of the people I encountered on this hike were “locals”, which is usually a good sign of a hiking trail.
Because this is a desert hike in the Mojave, it’s best done in the winter, on a cloudy day, or in the early morning or late afternoon because there is almost no shade and temperatures can get extremely hot. Take plenty of water and take your time to enjoy.
Cheers!
