Valley of Fire State Park, located in Nevada, is a geologic wonderland known for its bright red Aztec sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. The park, established in 1935, covers over 40,000 acres of rugged desert terrain and hosts over 300,000 visitors every year. It is home to over 2,000-year-old petroglyphs carved into massive red sandstone formations in the Mohave Desert.
Petroglyphs in Valley of Fire State Park
The petroglyphs in Valley of Fire State Park are a significant attraction for history and archaeology enthusiasts. They can be found in various locations within the park, including Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank Canyon and Trail.
Atlatl Rock
Atlatl Rock is a popular site for petroglyphs, named after an ancient spear-throwing device. The petroglyphs here are plentiful and within walking distance from the campground, but require climbing steep stairs to access. The site features a big landscape spread out from the rock cliffs where the petroglyphs are prevalent. Some of the petroglyphs are over 4,000 years old, with the oldest ones dating back to around 2,000 B.C.
Mouse’s Tank Canyon and Trail
Mouse’s Tank Canyon and Trail, named after the Southern Paiute “Little Mouse,” is another location with petroglyphs. The trail is a 0.75-mile loop that leads to a natural water cistern, where Little Mouse is said to have hidden after being falsely accused of shooting two prospectors in the 1890s.
Accessing the Petroglyphs
To access the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, visitors must climb a steep set of stairs put in place to protect the multiple panels from destruction. A barrier at the top makes it difficult to photograph the entire panel, and natural processes have removed some of the mineral varnish, taking away some of the petroglyphs’ stories.
Understanding the Petroglyphs
Archeologists try to figure out what the petroglyphs mean, with rows of symbols representing various aspects of ancient cultures. For example, the first row of petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock includes symbols for the tortoise/turtle clan, big-horn sheep, personal signature/death, and shaman/strong medicine/powerful.
Visiting Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is open seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and nearby region. It is strongly recommended that each visitor make this an early stop after entering the park. Postcards, books, and souvenirs are on sale for your convenience. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The rest of the park closes at sunset.
Camping and Facilities
The park offers camping facilities, including two campgrounds with a combined total of 72 units. Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. A dump station and showers are available. RV sites with power and water hookups are also available. There are three group-use campsites, each accommodating up to 45 people, available for overnight camping by reservation only.
Hiking and Day Use
Many intriguing hikes are available to visitors. Inquire at the Visitor Center for suggestions on day hikes of varying length and terrain. Shaded areas with restrooms are located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, the Cabins, near Mouse’s Tank Trailhead, and White Domes. Reservations are not required to visit the park for day use.
References
- Las Vegas Area Trails. (n.d.). Petroglyphs in Valley of Fire State Park, NV. Retrieved from https://lasvegasareatrails.com/petroglyphs-in-valley-of-fire-state-park-nevada/
- Geogypsy Traveler. (2016, February 7). Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock Valley of Fire State Park. Retrieved from https://geogypsytraveler.com/2016/02/07/petroglyphs-atlatl-rock-valley-fire-state-park/
- Canyon Tours. (n.d.). 9 Sights to See at the Valley of Fire. Retrieved from https://www.canyontours.com/guides/southwest-spotlight-9-sights-valley-of-fire/
- Nevada State Parks. (n.d.). Valley of Fire. Retrieved from https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire
- Nevada State Parks. (n.d.). History of Valley of Fire State Park. Retrieved from https://parks.nv.gov/learn/park-histories/valley-of-fire-history