Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire Table of Contents

• Valley of Fire FAQ
• Tours of the valley
• Map of the park
• Photographs
• Access; approach along Hwy 169
• The state park
• Viewpoints along the main road
• Viewpoints along the scenic drive
• Hiking in the Valley of Fire
• Wildflowers of the Valley of Fire
• Nearby places
• Similar places

Valley of Fire FAQ

Why is it called Valley of Fire?

Because of the red rocks! And also because the place is very hot for much of the year, with temperatures up to 110°F in midsummer. All the exposed rocks are Aztec sandstone, an early Jurassic formation, of two units, the upper of which is mostly red, while the lower unit is white to brown; both strata are found in the park.

How long is needed to see the park?

One hour is an absolute minimum, to drive the main road (7 miles) and stop at the roadside overlooks, but 3 hours is more realistic, to additionally drive the 5 mile scenic drive and try one or two of the shorter hikes, such as to Pastel Canyon or Mouse's Tank. One full day would be best, to see all overlooks and hike additional trails such as Fire Wave and White Domes.

How far is the park from Las Vegas?

About an hour's drive - the east entrance is 58 miles from the Boulder Highway, along Northshore Road through Lake Mead NRA, while the west entrance is 62 miles from the same point, via Interstate 15.

Are fees required just to drive through?

Yes, in daytime; in the evenings the two entrance stations are not staffed, and the road is never closed, being a public highway.

Is the park open all year?

Yes, though certain areas may be closed during the hottest times of midsummer, such as the trail to Fire Wave.

How good is the park?

Definitely one of the landscape highlights of Nevada - incredibly photogenic, full of fascinating geological formations, yet relatively compact and easy to explore.

Valley of Fire or Red Rock Canyon?

Both are very good, and different in geology, though Valley of Fire is more photogenic, and easier to explore.

Which are the best trails in the park?

White Domes (1 mile loop), Mouse's Tank Petroglyphs (0.4 miles one-way) and Fire Wave/Pastel Canyon (2 mile loop).

Can you see petroglyphs in the park?

Yes; the easiest-reached locations are along the short trail to Mouse's Tank, and at Atlatl Rock, beside the campground.

When was the Valley of Fire so named?

In the 1920s, by the AAA, by an official travelling on the dirt road through the formations, which was constructed in 1912. The area became a state park in 1934.

Valley of Fire Tours

Hiking and sight-seeing tours of the valley, from Las Vegas.

Location

Map of Valley of Fire State Park.

Photographs

General views, Fire Canyon Wash, Magnesite Wash.

Valley of Fire Access

The approach to Valley of Fire State Park from the north is along straight roads across the wide valley of the Muddy River, through Logandale then Overton, which is a small town but one that has all necessary facilities. Access from the west starts at I-15 exit 75, from where NV 169 (Valley of Fire Road) crosses a vast desert plain for 7 miles then winds through a range of low, arid hills to the park entrance. Just before the hills, a track leaves to the south and leads to some old gravel piles and scattered concrete relics after half a mile, a place that makes a perfect (if rather lonely) place to camp - in sight of the distant interstate but many miles from any settlement. East of the state park, the nearest free camping is along side tracks leading into dusty hills a few miles south of Overton. All through traffic along NV 169 has to pay a fee to cross the state park ($20 in 2024), yet still the highway can become quite busy in summer, and forms part of a scenic diversion between Las Vegas and I-15 to the north - the journey involves an extra 55 miles, but is much more interesting than the interstate, which passes rather barren land between Las Vegas and the Arizona border.

The State Park

Driving to the Valley of Fire from east or west is equally scenic. Although red rocks are exposed at scattered locations all over the desert adjoining the west side of Lake Mead, the state park boundaries enclose the most interesting formations, found along 10 miles of the highway and extending over 30 miles to the north, over a large area of mostly trackless land almost as far as Glendale, at exit 90 of the interstate. The exposed rock responsible for the dramatic colors and formations is Aztec sandstone, formed by petrifaction of ancient sand dunes during the Jurassic era (ca. 160 million years ago). The park has a good visitor center near the west entrance, with a few interesting cacti outside, although it seems rather large and well staffed for this relatively small park. There are various viewpoints and named features along the main road (NV 169), including several short foot paths, and arguably even better scenery along the 6 mile scenic drive (White Domes Road) which forks northwards by the visitor center; along here are found more viewpoints and the most popular trails, plus rocks in a range of other colors besides red.

Viewpoints along the Main Road in Valley of Fire SP

Notable places along highway NV 169 are (from west to east):

• The Beehives

  - these weathered, layered sandstone mounds were originally sand dunes in an ancient desert, but are now preserved in stone. A short path winds through the rocky dunes, beyond which are empty desert plains, with dark hills in the distance, part of the barren Muddy Mountains. Nearby are three group campgrounds (each accommodating up to 50 people), useable only by advance reservation.
  
  

• Atlatl Rock

  - a large but somewhat isolated group of red rocks provides a striking backdrop to the main campsite in the state park; the other is a short distance away at Arch Rock. Together these total 73 sites (some with hookups). Ancient petroglyphs can be found at many places amongst the rocks, and even for those not staying overnight, the 2 mile road past the campgrounds makes for a scenic diversion.
  
  

• Petrified Logs

  - the logs are several colorful fossilized tree trunks lying close to the road, safely fenced off to deter souvenir hunters. A 0.3 mile loop trail continues to other logs, while even more may be seen on ranger-led hikes into the surrounding hills.
  
  

• Seven Sisters

  - a group of tall, red, eroded boulders surrounded by sandy desert provides a nice setting for a roadside picnic area, with tables and chairs - a perfect place for children to play hide and seek.
  
  

• The Cabins

  - three CCC-constructed stone cabins were built at the base of high red cliffs during the 1930s, and now form a backdrop for one of two picnic areas along the highway.
  
  

• Elephant Rock

  - this small but intricately shaped rock really does look like an elephant, and as it is close to the east entrance, many people get to take its photograph. The rock is actually right next to the road, but as parking is limited along this stretch of the highway, visitors have to take a 1/3 mile trail to reach the formation, starting at the main parking area by the entrance station. Also beginning here is a rather longer loop trail through the red rocks north of the highway.

Trails of the Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire Wildflowers

Valley of Fire - Nearby Places

• Lake Mead (10 miles) - desert lake with many inlets and beaches, and other Aztec sandstone outcrops including the Bowl of Fire
• Whitney Pockets (68 miles) - more outcrops of deep red rocks

Valley of Fire - Similar Places

• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada - colorful, eroded formations just west of Las Vegas
• Red Rock Canyon NCA, California - angled strata that have been eroded into cliffs, ravines and badlands