What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Petroglyph Canyon Trail
Found on-site at the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, this loop trail features two possible routes. On the 100 trail, you'll have to do some challenging hiking and rock climbing, but you'll get to check out the amazing petroglyphs along the way. Alternatively, the 200 trail is a bit easier and features cool pictographs. The trail features no shade, so don't forget the hats and sunscreen!
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Calico Tanks Trail
The Calico Tanks Trail lies within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to the northwest of the BLM site. The out-and-back trail is a beloved destination for hikers and trail runners alike. The unique trail features sandstone formations, scrambles, rock steps, and, if you reach the end, the famed Calico Tank itself. From the trail, visitors will enjoy stunning views of nearby Las Vegas. You're allowed to have leashed dogs with you on the hike, and the best time to visit is between October and April.
Length: 2.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Pine Creek Canyon Trail
The Pine Creek Canyon Trail is also located at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The trail, which is somewhat of a leisurely nature walk, features a waterfall, pleasant scenery, and chances for bird-watching and wildlife observation. The trail gets fairly busy, so you're likely to run into a few other hikers or trail runners while you're there.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing & Boating
Although the area around Las Vegas is notoriously arid, that doesn't mean there aren't some good local spots for water-based fun. If you head northeast of the Sloan Canyon BLM site up to Lake Mead, you can hop in a boat and cast out your line. If you have a valid fishing license, you can reel in largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill from the lake. The lake also features marinas and boat ramps and is frequently used for leisure boating, paddling, and water sports.
Climbing
Some of the most renowned rock climbing destinations in the region are found at the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The sizable area contains many opportunities for sports climbing, bouldering, and more. A few of the specific routes you'll want to consider taking on include the Cloud Tower, Black Velvet Wall, Dark Shadows Wall, and the Fox Area, just to name a few.
Wildlife Viewing
The Sloan Canyon Conservation Area is known for the wide variety of wildlife that inhabits the land. While you're exploring the trails or checking out the petroglyphs, you might spot a coyote, mule deer, or a kit fox. You might also see a mountain lion eyeing you from up on a cliff or a desert bighorn sheep perched majestically. Red-tailed hawks have been known to soar over the heads of visitors to the site, and some lucky few will even catch sight of a roadrunner.
Picnicking
Although the arid environment around the Sloan Canyon Petroglyphs isn't everyone's ideal setting for a picnic, that doesn't mean you can't find a pleasant spot with a beautiful view. There's plenty of open space around the site, meaning you'll have numerous options in terms of where to set up your picnic site.
