Arrow Canyon Wilderness
Moapa, Nevada
Description
Added by Emily Schrick
Just a one-hour drive from the Las Vegas metro area, Arrow Canyon Wilderness is a striking desert landscape where narrow red sandstone fins and sculpted cliffs create a playground for rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventure Type: Rock climbing & scrambling. Rock Type: Red sandstone and limestone features. Difficulty: Varies - beginner to advanced lines available. Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring for cooler climbing conditions.
Arrow Canyon’s landscape is defined by striking red walls, canyon passages, and exposed ridges that attract climbers of many skill levels. The quality of the rock and the variety of features make it a great spot for everything from mellow crack climbs and slab challenges to steep chimneys and face routes.
Accessing Arrow Canyon Wilderness is straightforward but undeveloped, so plan ahead.
The high points of the wilderness can be reached from U.S. Highway 93. Visitors can park along the highway and hike in on foot, or - if you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle - use one of two rough access roads that continue about a mile closer to the interior. There are no formal trailheads in this area.
To reach Arrow Canyon itself, take State Route 168 east from Interstate 15 for roughly 11 miles. Watch for a sign marked “Arrow Canyon Ranch.” Drive beneath the sign and stay to the right on the gravel road, steering clear of the private property. Continue to a fenced municipal well, where standard vehicles should park. Drivers with 4WD can continue another mile and a half to the wilderness boundary, where a vehicle barrier and informal parking area mark the end of the road.
From the trailhead parking lot, there is about a one-mile hike through the wash to the entrance of the canyon where the climbing routes are. There are some bolted sport routes and some trad.
Because the area is designated wilderness, the experience feels especially authentic. Reminder to Leave No Trace.
Hours of Use: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Facilities: There are no developed facilities, so bring everything you need.
Permits & Fees: Free access - no permits required for climbing or day use.
Are Dogs Allowed: Yes.
What to Bring:
- Climbing gear suited to traditional sandstone routes
- Plenty of water and sun protection
- A helmet and sturdy shoes
- Snacks or a lunch for extended climbs
While visiting, please follow the Dirt Rode Code.
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Leave No Trace
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