Valley of Fire State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for day-use visitors, with 24-hour access to campgrounds for campers. The park is located about 58 miles from the Las Vegas Strip in the Mojave Desert, with an elevation varying between 2,000 and 2,600 feet.
Getting to Valley of Fire State Park
To reach the park from the Las Vegas Strip, you can take two routes:
- Take I-15 North to Exit 75 and head East toward Valley of Fire/Lake Mead for approximately 17 miles.
- Take a more scenic route by turning right onto Lake Mead Blvd and following the signs to Valley of Fire.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee for Valley of Fire State Park is:
- $10 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors
- $8 per vehicle for Nevada residents
For campers, the fee is:
- $20 per night for Nevada residents
- $25 per night for out-of-state visitors
Campsites with utility hookups cost an additional $10 per night. Day-use admission for bicyclists is $2 per bike.
Campgrounds
Valley of Fire State Park offers two campgrounds:
- Atlatl Rock Campground
- Arch Rock Campground
These campgrounds have a total of 72 sites, including RV sites with power and water hookups. Three group-use campsites are also available, each accommodating up to 45 people. All campsites are equipped with shaded tables and grills, and water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station are provided.
Unique Attractions
Valley of Fire State Park features various unique rock formations, petroglyphs, and ancient Indian civilization remains. Some of the notable attractions include:
- Elephant Rock
- Arch Rock
- Rainbow Vista
- Fire Canyon Overlook
- Atlatl Rock (with a metal staircase allowing visitors to climb and view petroglyphs up close)
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions in Valley of Fire State Park can be extreme, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors are advised to plan their hikes carefully, pack water, hats, and sunscreen, and avoid the hottest parts of the day during summer months.
Visitor Center
For more information, visit the Valley of Fire State Park visitor center, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The visitor center offers fascinating exhibits covering the geology, ecology, and history of the region, as well as souvenirs like postcards and books.
References:
– Travel Nevada
– Papillon Guides
– Valley of Fire