The Valley of Fire State Park is a geological wonder in the United States, the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. At first, this landscape was forbidden to be accessed by the public because it once was Ancestral Puebloans’ habitat. However, their stay was limited due to the scarcity of water. Therefore, the Civilian Conservation Corps converted it to a state park in 1933, and the park opened to the public in 1934.
Where is the Valley of Fire State Park located?
The Fire State Park, located an hour and 15 minutes from Northeast Las Vegas and just 6 miles from Lake Mead, is kept open all year round.
What is the entrance fee for the Valley of Fire State Park?
The entrance fee is $10.00 for Nevada vehicles and $15.00 for non-Nevada vehicles. Since there is a dry climate throughout the park, we suggest bringing plenty of water to drink.
What to expect at Valley of Fire State Park?
It derives its name from the red sandstone formations formed from great shifting dunes. That is because sunny days give these rock formations a look like they’re on fire. Over time the small pockets in rocks became massive arches, and the wind has fueled that erosion. The park encompasses 46,000 acres providing intriguing historic remnants around every corner, such as petroglyphs. And, of course, there is an abundance of photo ops. There are two campgrounds nestled among the fiery rocks, perfect for climbing and exploring. As you might expect, there are many amazing hikes throughout the park, providing some spectacular vantage points. This park has contributed with backdrops for several films such as The Professionals, Fools Rush, Star Trek Generations, and Total Recall.
What to see and do in Valley of Fire State Park?
- Elephant Rock
- It is a spectacular rock formation located near the east entrance. That takes the shape of an elephant that roams around the desert slowly.
- But people are restricted from climbing over it or on top(we did, however, shh!)
- Balancing Rock
- As you stop at the Visitor Center, make sure you hike to the nearby Balancing Rock, an easily accessible and famous rock formation. The name describes it well. You could see a boulder balancing on the top. Therefore, you can see people staring at it, expecting it to fall at any moment!
- Fire Wave Trail
- Its colorful sandstone vista made the Fire Wave Trail a popular hike in the Fire State Park, which gives scenic views as you ascend. A dramatic outcrop known as Gibraltar Rock looms above the landscape. The trail has sand and smooth sandstones to make it more alluring.
- White Domes Trail
- It is a scenic loop of one mile that gives you a taste of everything. You will see caves, views of beautiful deserts, windows, slot canyons, and a historic movie site. The road of this hike was a result of the film The Professionals.
- Mouse’s Tank Trail
- Mouse’s Tank Trail is the main road that extends up to the White Domes from the Visitor Center, an excellently scenic path. Its instagrammable shots start from the beginning of the road at the beautiful red rocks.
- Beehives.
- These are the first notable rock structures you find in this State Park when driving towards the west. A beehive-like massive rock cluster stands just off the main road. Although it can be a quick stop, you will see many people climbing up on it.
- Rainbow Vista
- Rainbow Vista is another excellent viewpoint in the Fire State Park, with the top filled with multicolored rocks and can be considered picnic areas. Its panoramic view is a perfect photography option for a wedding ceremony site.
- Pink Canyon
- Pink Canyon is a sub road lying near the Mouse’s Tank Trail, which leads you to a pink canyon. It isn’t exactly a tall canyon, but photographers edit its top in the photos to make it look like a tall structure. As you climb up the pink canyon, you will find pink rock formations near its mouth.
- Seven Sisters
- Seven Sisters is a superb picnic spot in the state park. It is a group of seven huge boulders standing alone in the desert and ideal for weddings.
- Atlatl Rock
- It is home to a 43-site campground. The ancient petroglyphs depict how they got this name after a device used for launching a spear.
- Arch Rock
- You might draw a picture of a sizable arch when you heard the name Arch Rock. But it is a slight red rock arch with a small cave and can be added as a quick-stopover. But if you decide to spend some time here, make sure you walk around. You might find new and exciting things!
- Fire Cave
- It is an untrodden site that is popular among experienced photographers. Do not expect a massive cave by seeing the name Fire Cave because it is a small to medium-sized cave that perfectly fits a single human.
- Fire Canyon
- There are huge canyons and significant structures made of red and white rock formations in this area contrasting with each other.
- Petrified Logs
- Petrified logs are easy to miss, but look for a small loop where you can see colorful tree trunks on the road’s border.
- Camping Sites
- The Fire State Park camps are well-facilitated with water, restrooms, shaded tables, grills, and showers. However, the campsites are on a first-come-first-serve basis with a limit of 14 days or 30 days. For a regular camping site, a charging fee of $20 per night and a campsite with utility hookups is $30 per night. Some campsites can accommodate 45 people, but they must be reserved in advance.
