Valley of Fire State Park is a must-visit destination for state park touring enthusiasts, located about an hour away from Las Vegas, Nevada. This park is filled with red rock formations made from Aztec sandstone, and on a sunny day, these rock formations look like they are on fire. The park offers various activities, including hiking, photography, camping, and picnicking.
Entrance Fees and Hours
The entrance fee for Valley of Fire State Park is $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents. The park hours are from sunrise to sunset daily, with 24-hour access to campgrounds.
Camping
Valley of Fire State Park has two campgrounds: Atlatl Campground and Arch Rock Campground. Both campgrounds have 72 available sites combined and are first-come, first-served. Atlatl Campground is located near Atlatl Rock, where a flight of stairs leads to petroglyphs on the Atlatl Rock. Arch Rock Campground is located near Arch Rock, a large arch in the sandstone. Both campgrounds offer beautiful views of red sandstones as a backdrop.
Hiking Trails
Valley of Fire State Park offers several hiking trails, including the Fire Wave Trail, Rainbow Vista, and the White Domes and Seven Wonders Loop. The Fire Wave Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that features a unique wave-like sandstone formation. Rainbow Vista is a 1-mile round-trip trail that offers panoramic views of the park’s colorful rock formations. The White Domes and Seven Wonders Loop is a 2.2-mile loop trail that features various geological formations, including slot canyons and bright red rocks.
Scenic Drives
The park offers several scenic drives, including the Valley of Fire Highway and the Scenic Loop Road. The Valley of Fire Highway is a 10.5-mile road that cuts through towering red rocks, while the Scenic Loop Road is a 6-mile road that offers views of the park’s unique rock formations.
Petroglyphs and Rock Art
Valley of Fire State Park is home to several petroglyphs and rock art sites, including Atlatl Rock and the Beehives. Atlatl Rock features a large display of petroglyphs that can be seen by climbing a staircase. The Beehives are unique sandstone formations that resemble beehives and can be seen near the park’s west entrance.
Wildlife Viewing
Valley of Fire State Park offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, coyotes, foxes, lizards, iguanas, rattlesnakes, desert tortoises, and various bird species.
Practical Information
Visitors to Valley of Fire State Park should bring plenty of water, sun protection, and stable hiking shoes. The park has limited cell phone reception, so visitors should plan accordingly. Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Real-life Incidents/Statistics
In 2021, a hiker went missing in Valley of Fire State Park. The hiker was found safe after a search and rescue operation. This incident highlights the importance of staying on designated hiking trails and letting someone know your itinerary before heading out on a hike.
References
- Earth Trekkers. (2024-04-24). 16 Best Things to Do in the Valley of Fire, Nevada. Retrieved from https://www.earthtrekkers.com/valley-of-fire-las-vegas-day-trip/
- CynHW. (2022-12-20). Valley of Fire State Park: How to Visit and Things to Do. Retrieved from https://www.cynhw.com/blog/2022/12/20/valley-of-fire-state-park
- USADventurer. (2024-01-30). 20 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park. Retrieved from https://usadventurer.com/things-to-do-in-valley-of-fire-state-park/
- Amanda Wanders. (n.d.). 1 Day Itinerary for Valley of Fire State Park. Retrieved from https://amanda-wanders.com/valley-of-fire-itinerary/