Visiting Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire of State Park is quickly becoming the place to visit in Nevada. This small but amazing park has much to offer travelers. Valley of Fire is filled with red Aztec sandstone formations that were once sand dunes from over 150 million years ago. The park features Puebloan petroglyphs over 2,000 years old and a Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and nearby region. The most fun and notable geological formations are Fire Wave, the Beehives and the slot canyon in the White Domes trail. The hiking trails are all very short and manageable in a day’s visit.

Where is the Valley of Fire Located?

The park is only an hour away from Las Vegas making it a perfect day getaway from the city.

It is also just 2 hours away from Zion National Park. You could easily add it to your trip if you are in the area.

Where to stay

Valley of Fire has 2 established campsites in the park. There are 72 sites and all are first come first serve. The cost is $20 instate and $25 out of state each night. Right outside the park is plenty of BLM free camping. This is where we choose to camp after not finding any open camping inside the park. The free campsites came with a fire ring and beautiful views all around.

The closest town to Valley of Fire is Overton, NV. It is a small town but there are options here. It is also only an hour from Las Vegas making it a perfect day trip while you are in the Sin City.

Hiking in the Park

There are so many different areas in the park to explore. The hikes are all short but so interesting. There are restrooms at most of the trailheads but no water available. I would recommend bringing plenty of water on all of the hikes as you are in a desert with very little shade or shelter.

Hiking Trails

Fire Wave

• Distance: 1.5 miles

• Route Type: Out and Back

• Difficulty: Easy

White Domes Trail

• Distance: 1.1 miles

• Route Type: loop

• Difficulty: Easy

Seven Wonders and Fire Wave

• Distance: 2.3 miles

• Route Type: Out and Back

• Difficulty: Moderate

Atlatl Rock

• Distance: .1 miles

• Route Type: Out and Back

• Difficulty: Easy

Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s tank

• Distance: .6 miles

• Route Type: Out and Back

• Difficulty: Easy

Rainbow Vistas

• Distance: 1.1 miles

• Route Type: Out and Back

• Difficulty: Easy

Things to know about Valley of Fire

• The park is open from sunrise to sunset. The park rangers drive around and announce the park closure an hour before. If you are caught in the park beyond these hours you will be ticketed.

• Rock climbing is limited to specific areas in the park. Inquire at the Visitor Center.

• Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center.

• Day use entrance fee: $10.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles: $15.00 per vehicle)

• Camping: $20.00 per vehicle, per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $25.00 per vehicle, per night)

• There is very little phone service in the park but they do offer paid for wifi services.

• Elevations ranging from 1,500 feet to 3,000 feet

When to Visit

Fall, Winter and Spring are the best seasons to visit with temperatures fluctuating from 0-75 degrees. In the spring you will be able to see many desert plants blooming. We were visiting at the end of March and saw many beautiful flowers among the red sandstone.

Summer temperatures can climb well over 100 degrees and the park offers little shade. So be aware and try to plan your hikes well before midday.

Final Thoughts

Valley of Fire was Nevada’s first state park first opened in 1935. It had been visited and used as a scenic byway before this time. It is such a unique state park I would highly recommend everyone go and see it at least once. It is such a fun spot for families to explore. We had so much fun climbing in the beehives section I thought my kids would never leave. It is also so picturesque. The stone formations and color are outstanding and during golden hour it's such a beautiful sight to behold. I look forward to visiting this park again someday.