Bureau of Land Management
Southern Nevada District Office
4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89103
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo.1.html
Size: 14,763 acres
Elevation Range: 3,000 - 5,000 feet
Designation: Clark County Conservation of Public
Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002
BLM
North McCullough Wilderness
Area Description
Located just south of Las Vegas, the North McCullough Wilderness is
hemmed in from the east by the northern portion of the McCullough
Range. From the crest of the steep, stark ridgeline, the range relents to
a gentle slope into the broad valley below before meeting the western
ridge, a more scattered array of smaller hills.
The North McCullough Wilderness is unique to southern Nevada in its
volcanic composition, with lava flows, ash falls, and glassy zones clearly
visible and awaiting exploration. All 14,763 acres of the wilderness are
encompassed by the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area,
designated in 2002 and known best for its petroglyphs. The combination
of unique geology and a high concentration of cultural resources marks
the North McCullough Wilderness as a true gem among southern
Nevada’s many natural wonders.
Ranging from approximately 3,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation, the wilderness supports a thriving Mojave Desert filled with
creosote bush, white bursage, brittle bush, burro bush, desert saltbrush, Mojave yucca, teddy-bear cholla, and hedgehog
cacti. Winter rains bring a stunning array of short-lived annual and perennial wild flowers to life in March, April, and May. This
wilderness is also home to the only black gramma grass in Nevada and the northernmost stand of teddy bear cholla.
A sharp-eyed visitor may glimpse desert bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbits, white-tailed antelope squirrels, desert woodrats,
desert tortoises, side-blotched lizards, black throated sparrows, rock wrens, red-tailed hawks, and a variety of wintering
migratory birds.
Directions
South of Henderson, dirt roads running west off of Gas Line Road provide access to the eastern edge of
the North McCullough Wilderness. Sloan Canyon Access Road provides access from the north. Several
dirt roads leading east from South Las Vegas Boulevard just north of Sloan Road provide access to the
western edge of the wilderness. Road conditions vary; vehicles with high-clearance and four-wheel drive
are recommended.
Recreation
Photo Credit: Sendi Kalcic
The Petroglyph Management Area opens a window to the past, allowing
visitors to discover the stories left behind by people of the past. Due to the
fragile nature of these cultural resources, this area is limited to day use only.
Help preserve these natural wonders by not touching or taking rubbings of
the petroglyphs.
Motorized vehicles, mechanized equipment, and mechanical transport are not permitted in designated wilderness.
Maps
USGS 7.5 Quadrangle Maps: HIdden Valley, Sloan, Sloan NE, and Sloan SE.
Additional Information
•
Camping is limited to a total of 14 days in one location, and no more than 90 days total within any consecutive 12-month
period.
•
No camping is allowed within 300 feet of water sources or fenced enclosures.
•
Petroglyph Management Area is open for day use only.
•
Dogs are prohibited.
•
Campfires are allowed in most of the North McCullough Wilderness except during fire restrictions, with use of a fire pan and/
or fire blanket. Fires are not allowed in the Petroglyph Management Area. Visitors are encouraged to only use camp stoves.
•
Wood for campfires must be packed in, and unused wood must be packed out.
•
Geo-caching is not allowed.
Southern Nevada District Office
Despite its proximity to Las Vegas, the North McCullough Wilderness
provides ample opportunity for peace and quiet, serving as a magnificent
stage for hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, hunting, and general
exploration.
No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data. Original data were
compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuacy standards. This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.
Southern Nevada District Office
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BLM
North McCullough Wilderness
