Discover a land of fiery oranges, reds and yellows in the sandstone formations of the Nevada desert. The Valley of Fire lives up to its name, both in terms of pictures and temperature! Escape the heat by visiting the Valley of Fire in winter or off-season and hiking to the unforgettable Fire Wave. Let's explore all the things to do in Valley of Fire State Park and find out how to visit it with an easy day trip from Las Vegas!
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Table of contents
What is the Valley of Fire?
An area of red sandstone mixed with brown limestone forms one of the Nevada desert's unique natural showcases.Just under an hour northeast of Las Vegas on the southern tip of Nevada is the Valley of Fire.
Nevada is more than Sin City and Lake Tahoe. It is a huge state with many varied landscapes!
The Valley of Fire was inhabited long before European settlers arrived.Ancient petroglyphsrepresent a past civilization that is over 2,000 years old.Petrified TreesEvidence of the area's natural past before time and erosion had a chance to shape the valley into its spectacular state today.
Rocks have been exposed and shaped by water and wind over millennia, giving rise to themfascinating shapes and colorful statuesfor visitors to see and climb while they explore.
Experience the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows of the Valley of Firein Nevada's oldest and largest state park!
Where is Valley of Fire State Park?
Valley of Fire State Park is less than an hour's drive northeast of Las Vegas. It is easily accessible from I-15 or SR 169/167. The northernmost arm of Lake Mead is also nearby to the east.
Top 5 Best Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park
If you're in a hurry and/or unsure whether the Valley of Fire is worth visiting, here are the 5 must-see spots in the park that we firmly believe will make the Valley of Fire worthy of your time.
You can see/do all of this in 2 hours or less at the park.
1st fire wave
The most popular spot in the park, thanks to Instagram, is the Fire Wave rock formation. And we think it rightly deserves the top must-see spot in the Valley of Fire!
However, there are many amazing rock strata and formations to see in the parkThe Fire Wave is like stepping into a painting where layers of paint flow together into waves that solidify to stone, freezing movement.
The colors ripple across the rock face but the rocks also undulate up and down making this a very cool place to walk around and take photos. The layers of rock look like layers of flaky biscuits, but they're pretty safe to cross.
To get to the fire wave, drive to the end of the park, almost to the end of White Domes Road. A short 1.5 mile round trip hike, mostly rock but some sand at the beginning, reveals the Fire Wave.
You can roam freely in this area, but bring plenty of water! It is fully exposed throughout the day and the risk of heat stroke is high.
In summer (June 1st to September 30th) this path is completely closedbecause the risk of heat stroke is simply too high in the desert temperatures. If you want to see the fire wave, don't visit in the summer.
This is a fairly new way; it is not displayed on older versions of the park map. However, the map you get at the park entrance contains the Fire Wave.
2nd Street of White Domes
Sometimes you don't even have to get out of the car to appreciate the beauty of a place.A drive on White Domes Road in Valley of Fire State Park is one such opportunity.
This is another Insta-famous spot, but I can assure you that the entire street is a beautiful view and you don't have to stop to get that exact shot. Instead, be your own original self.
As you drive, admire the colorful rocks, the shadows cast by the high cliffs and hopefully spot some wildlife! We were lucky enough to see bighorn sheep in several areas around the park.
White Domes Road begins near the visitor center and ends at the White Domes Loop Trailhead. It's a total of 11 miles round-trip, but the top speed is only 25 mph. Take it slow and keep an eye out for wildlife and hikers.
pro tip:If you want to stop and take pictures of wildlife or scenery, drive off the road completely first. Don't stop in the middle of the road.
Also, only stop at approved parking lots or points. You risk damaging your vehicle and the environment if you turn off the road anywhere, and you could get stuck with no cell phone signal to call for help.
3. Elefantenfelsen
One of the most precisely named and complex rock formations in the park. This cairn has eroded over time and eerily resembles a full-grown elephant!
This is a short stop that requires a "hike" to reach. It's really a 10 minute walk from the parking lot, and then you can go back the way you came instead of walking the entire 1.25 mile loop.
4.The Beehives
These appropriately named rock formations can be seen from the road, or, better yet, you can park and walk and carefully climb around them and get an up-close look at them.
We had to share the area with the local (bighorn sheep) families so we didn't get to explore as much as we would have liked, but this is usually a good place to hop off and stretch your legs if you're going to the first Arrive at the park in Vegas. (You will reach the hives before reaching the visitor center.)
5. White Domes Loop Walk
Check out an abandoned old movie set and get a taste of hiking through a slot canyon on this fairly easy 1.1-mile loop trail!
It's better sheltered from the sun than Firewave but in a similar area of the park so you still get those unique geological layer colors.
The slot canyon portion of the hike is fairly short, so it's a good introduction for those who might be a bit claustrophobic and not sure if a slot canyon hike will please them.
Day Trip Itinerary: Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park
We highly recommend a full day trip to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas! There is plenty to see and hike in this park to keep you busy.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you may want to hide in the visitor center (or your car's air conditioner) in the middle of the day when it's hottest outside.
This is the perfect opportunity to rest from a morning hike or two and recharge your batteries for an afternoon hike or two.
Was tun am Morgen im Valley of Fire State Park?
Try to be in the park by 8am so you have time to do some hiking before the midday heat. If you're an early riser and want to get started earlier, that's fine. The park opens at sunrise.
Here's how we spend the morning in Valley of Fire:
- ExploreThe Beehives, Atlatl Rock,AndArch Rock.All roadside stops with no hiking required. Don't miss thePetroglyphenam Atlatlfelsen!
- Merge onto White Domes Roadand get lots of pictures.
- Hike thetrace of the fire wave.
- Hike theLoop of the White Domes.
- Alternative hike: go full throttleSeven Wonder Loop, which includes Fire Wave and Pink Canyon
We recommend hiking Fire Wave first and then White Domes as Fire Wave is fully exposed but White Domes has a slot canyon section. You will have some shade to keep you cooler as temperatures rise as midday approaches.
Alternatively, the Seven Wonders Loop combines the Fire Wave with Pink Canyon and leads back to the parking lot. It's a worthwhile hike, only 1.8 miles round trip if you have the time.
Where to eat near Valley of Fire?
Bring a lunch!There are no restaurants in the park.
The nearby town of Overton, 15-20 minutes north of the park, has a McDonald's, Subway and Mexican restaurant if any of that appeals to you more than a picnic in the park. There aren't many other options in this remote area.
Picnic tables can be found at many trailheads and parking lots. We don't blame you if you prefer to eat in the car.
However, be aware of your surroundings. Don't leave your car right next to a picnic area. People don't want to breathe in car exhaust while they eat.
Afternoon activities in Valley of Fire
Your lunch schedules will dictate the order in which you complete these afternoon activities. Once you've left Overton for lunch, re-enter the park through its east entrance.
So we spend an afternoon in the Valley of Fire.
- Visit theElefantenfelsenFormation.
- Stop and admire themseven sistersfrom the roadside.
- Visit thevisitor centerand seethe balancing rocknah.
- Hike theRainbow Vista-Trail. Don't miss climbing the rock at the beginning. It has the best view!
- go theLoop of Petrified Tree Trunks.
After a busy day at the park, return to Vegas for dinner!
Do you have more time? More activities in the Valley of Fire
For the serious daredevils or just the faster hikers, you can complete the full-day Valley of Fire route and have more time before sunset or before you plan to return to Vegas.
Do not worry! Valley of Fire State Park hasmany longer hikesthis can be substituted for one of the shorter hikes above or added to the itinerary wherever you have the time.
pro tip: Almost every hike in the Valley of Fire is through sand.It makes hiking difficult, so give yourself plenty of breaks and plenty of water when hiking.
- Mouse's Tank Trail, 0.75 miles round trip
- Seven Wonders Loop, 1.8 miles moderate hike (includes Fire Wave and Pink Canyon)
- Natural Arches Trail, 4 km round trip
- Charlie's Spring Trail, 4.7 miles round trip
- Prospect Trail, 4.6 km point-to-point hike
- Pinnacles Loop, 4.5 miles loop trail
Where to stay near Valley of Fire State Park
If you're a fan of comforts like air conditioning and indoor plumbing, we recommend staying in Las Vegas and going to Valley of Fire.
In fact, we would recommend staying in Vegas if you plan to visit Valley of Fire for more than a day so you can do soatthe hikes.
It's less than an hour's drive between the park and the city. Worth it for AC in the desert!
pro tip:Did you knowDer Palazzo im Venetiandoes IHG accept loyalty points? Worth the money if you can make it affordable with points!
If you are a camper, Valley of Fire State Park has 2 campgrounds that accommodate both RVs and tents. Alternatively, nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers ample camping opportunities.
Valley of Fire Quick Facts & FAQs
- Entrance fee:$15 per vehicle for non-NV residents ($10 for resident vehicles)
- Std:Sunrise to sunset (24/7 for campers)
- Nearest gas station:Chevron off I-15 exit 75 (10-15 minutes from park)
- Pets allowed on a leash.Protect your feet from the hot floor. Your paws can burn!
- No cell phone reception in the park!Download offline maps before you arrive.
- Valley of Fire ist ein State Park.America the Beautiful (National Park) passes do not work here.
>> When to visit the Valley of Fire
Winter is bestfor comfortable temperatures, but it's also the busiest for crowds. The spring and fall off-season offers a trade-off: higher temperatures with slightly fewer crowds. In the summer, temperatures rise and the park closes some trails like the Fire Wave for safety reasons.
>> How much time do you need in Valley of Fire?
A whole dayValley of Fire is best not to feel rushed, but also to see the must-see sights and plan in for some hiking.
half a dayworks to hit the roadside highlights and a few short hikes. However, don't expect to see everything.
>> How to get to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas
From Las Vegas, go northeast on I-15 for 37 miles (approximately 40 minutes). Take exit 75 and turn right onto Valley of Fire Highway. The park entrance is about 10-15 minutes down this road.
Don't try to take an Uber/Lyft to Valley of Fire! You will probably be stranded. There is little to no cellular service to order a return trip and rarely anyone willing to drive that far to pick you up.
>> Should I take a tour of Valley of Fire?
If you're visiting Las Vegas without a rental car, hiring a guided tour is a convenient option for a day trip to the Valley of Fire from Vegas. If you want to do other day trips outside of Las Vegas, rent a car and drive yourself. It's much more affordable.
Add the Valley of Fire to a Las Vegas road trip
There are so many cool places within easy driving distance of Las Vegas and of course Vegas itself is worth your time,even if you are not a drinker or a gambler.
We highly recommend ita road trip through Las Vegas/Southwest USAto see the Valley of Fire and many other nearby attractions!
Other popular attractions near the Valley of Fire
- Death-Valley-Nationalpark
- Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area
- Hoover Dam
- Zion National Park
- Grand-Canyon-Nationalpark
Bon Voyage!
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FAQs
Is there a scenic drive through Valley of Fire State Park? ›
The main highway (NV 169) through Valley of Fire State Park passes much spectacular, eroded rocky scenery, but even better is the six mile White Domes Road, also known as Mouse's Tank Road, which forks northwards beside the visitor center.
How long does it take to explore Valley of Fire? ›How much time do you need at the Valley of Fire? Plan on spending at least 3 to 4 hours here, to drive through the park and hike one or two short trails. With more time, you can visit more places in the park and/or add another hike to your list.
How long is the Valley of Fire Scenic Drive? ›Although the state byway totals eight miles (the distance from the park entrance to SR 169) the surrounding Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's largest and oldest state park. Suggested driving times are fall through spring; be cautious of the severe desert heat in the summer.
What time of the day is best to visit Valley of Fire? ›If you want to see most of the park within a day, it is best to get up for sunrise (or pretty early), so you don't have to wait in line during traffic. We left the park around 1 pm, and the line to get into Valley Of Fire State Park was extremely long.
How long does it take to drive through Valley of Fire State Park? ›The East side of the park ends approx 7.1 miles along the Valley of Fire Hwy, ending at 36.428981, -114.457230. If you were driving straight through the park, it would take approx 15 minutes.
How long does it take to drive around Valley of Fire State Park? ›Explore this 23.4-mile point-to-point trail near Coyote Springs, Nevada. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 10 h 19 min to complete.
Can you do Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire in one day? ›It can be done--visit Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire in one day. We did a one day car rental in Las Vegas. We left the hotel around 8:30 a.m. and drove to Hoover Dam which took about 40 minutes. We walked right onto the Power Plant Tour (the Dam tour was not offered that day).
What is the best trail in the Valley of Fire? ›The Fire Wave trail is the park's best-known route. The trail is a short out-and-back to the fire wave, a sort of younger sibling to Arizona's more famous rock formation, the Wave.
Do you have to pay to drive through Valley of Fire? ›Camping and day-use fees of $20/vehicle/night for Nevada residents, or $25/vehicle/night for non-Nevada residents, must be paid upon arrival. Picnicking/Day Use: Shaded areas with restrooms are located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, the Cabins, near Mouse's Tank Trailhead and White Domes.
Is Valley of Fire worth visiting? ›There's plenty to see and do in Valley of Fire State Park, including panoramic vistas, ancient petroglyphs left behind by Native Americans, scenic drives, and beautiful hikes. Whether you're at the park for two hours or two days, Valley of Fire can't miss views and top attractions won't disappoint.
What is the Seven Wonders Loop at Valley of Fire State Park? ›
The 7 Wonders Loop Trail is a 2.1-mile unmarked trail that connects various other trails to create a loop. It features seven spectacular geological formations, including Fire Wave, Pink Canyon, Crazy Hill, Striped Rock, Kaolin Wash, Thunderstorm Arch and Fire Cave.
What is the famous road in Valley of Fire State Park? ›Mouse's tank road – Nevada's most famous road
The squiggly road that runs through the centre of the Valley of Fire makes for some absolutely incredible photos, and its name is Mouse's Tank Road.
The Valley of Fire has a larger variety of scenery with vibrant colors and is Nevada's oldest state park. There are more red rock formations, such as arches, petroglyphs, and a slot canyon on the White Domes Trail. You also have a chance to see the desert bighorn sheep that live in this park.
How long is the fire wave trail at Valley of Fire? ›The Fire Wave is a popular 1.5-mile out-and-back hike at Valley of Fire. Starting in Parking Lot #3 (the final parking area on White Dome Road before it ends by White Domes Trail), head to the west side of the road at a well-marked trailhead for the Fire Wave Trail.
Are there snakes at Valley of Fire? ›Snakes, lizards, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, fox, jackrabbits, skunks, and antelope ground squirrels all reside in Valley of Fire State Park. It's rare to see a desert tortoise, as they burrow underground for protection from the sun and cold.
Can you visit Valley of Fire on your own? ›Valley of Fire Practical Information
It is not free to enter the park by car. You will need to pay an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle with Nevada plates and $15 per vehicle with out-of-state plates. The Visitor Center is open daily from 0830/0900 until 1630. Campgrounds are accessible 24 hours a day, however.
HOOVER DAM DETAILS & TIPS
Dam Tour fee: $30 per person. Dam Tour tickets must be purchased in person and are on a first-come first-served basis. Restrictions: No children under the age of 8 and the tour is not accessible to those in wheelchairs or on crutches.
Fire Canyon Arch can be photographed with a wide-angle lens as well as a telephoto lens depending on the composition. Here again, a polarizer and tripod are recommended. I photographed this arch in mid-morning light. Elephant Rock is best photographed with a wide-angle to 70mm lens on a tripod and with a polarizer.
How long does it take to drive ring of fire? ›Iceland Ring Road itinerary – 10 days. To have a memorable trip around the Ring Road we recommend taking 10 days to enjoy yourself along the way. This will allow you to not only drive the Ring Road but head off the beaten path in North Iceland and in the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Are there slot canyons in Valley of Fire? ›Valley of Fire State Park in southern Nevada is known for its Aztec sandstone formations, which glow vibrant shades of red. But did you know that there's an unmarked and unsigned pink slot canyon that lays hidden within its fiery walls?
Can you go inside the Hoover Dam without a tour? ›
Everything you're going to do at Hoover Dam is easy to do without paying for another guide. Tours make sense if they include other places in addition to Hoover Dam and you don't have transportation of your own.
Can you just drive over the Hoover Dam? ›Vehicles can still cross the dam to visit the Arizona viewpoints and concessions, but all are required to turn around and re-enter Nevada to access Highway 93.
Can you walk inside the Hoover Dam? ›Visitors should note that a Hoover Dam Tour includes a one-hour guided tour of the powerplant and passageways within the dam itself, while the Powerplant Tour is a 30-minute guided tour of the powerplant only. Both tours include admission to the Visitor Center.
What is the most beautiful hike in Arizona? ›- 1.) The Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon.
- 2.) Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon Park.
- 3.) Campbell Mesa Loop, Coconino National Forest.
- 4.) Cathedral Rock, Sedona.
- 5.) The Devil's Bridge Trail, Sedona.
- 6.) Havasupai Falls, Havasupai Indian Reservation.
- 7.) Wildcat Trail, Monument Valley.
- 8.)
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 33 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This trail can be slippery and dangerous.
Is the Fiery Furnace hike worth it? ›Is the Fiery Furnace hike worth it? Absolutely! I had my reservations about this because I was worried about getting lost but it worked out. We did get to a point where we couldn't find the way after no less than 30 minutes so we turned around.
Can I just drive through Death Valley? ›Yes, but you must be prepared and use common sense. With an air conditioned vehicle you can safely tour many of the main sites in Death Valley. Stay on paved roads in summer, and if your car breaks down, stay with it until help arrives.
Does Valley of Fire accept America the Beautiful pass? ›Valley of Fire is a state park, so the America is Beautiful pass will not apply. The Visitor Center is located halfway between the east and west entrance on the Valley of Fire Hwy. If you plan on seeing the main sites, you'll have to pass by it. It's open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Are there mountain lions in Valley of Fire? ›In the valley of fire state park there are many different animals such as the desert kit fox, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote and rattlesnake.
Is one day enough to see Death Valley? ›You can absolutely see Death Valley in a day! While it's certainly worth visiting, you honestly don't need too much time here (1-2 days will do). Below we have the best things to do with 1 day in Death Valley and the itinerary we recommend.
Can you tour Red Rock Canyon on your own? ›
Most visitors drive their own vehicles or rent a vehicle to enjoy Red Rock Canyon. Shuttle service is not available around the Scenic Drive. Alternatively, you can take a guided outfitting tour that will pick you up from your hotel, drive you around Red Rock Canyon, and bring you back to your hotel.
How hard is the Fairyland Loop? ›This hike is considered strenuous due to its length and meandering trails with multiple elevation changes. The Fairyland Loop Trail also includes a portion of the Rim Trail from Sunset Point to Fairyland Point.
How hard is Eagle rock Loop? ›Eagle Rock Loop is very difficult with a lot of steep and vigorous vertical activity (one leg alone crosses six ridges in eight miles, each between 500 - 800 feet).
What movies have been filmed at Valley of Fire State Park? ›- Transformers (2007) ...
- Casino (1995) ...
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) ...
- Total Recall (1990) ...
- Con Air (1997) ...
- The Stalking Moon (1968) ...
- The Beastmaster (1982) ...
- Star Trek: Generations (1994)
Fire Wave / Seven Wonders: Moderately strenuous 1.8 mile loop (1.5 miles out-and-back to Fire Wave) over loose sand and rough terrain that includes colorful canyons and formations.
How far is Valley of Fire from Zion National park? ›From Valley of Fire to Zion is approximately 130 miles (2.5 hours) in each direction.
How long is the scenic drive in Red Rock Canyon? ›The 13 mile Scenic Drive through Red Rock Canyon allows visitors to explore the highs and lows of the canyon from their vehicle or bicycle, with many scenic stops and and trailheads along the way.
How much time do you need at Red Rock Canyon? ›If you plan on driving and not stopping to look around, it takes around 30 minutes to go through Red Rock Canyon. Most visitors spend around two to three hours visiting the park. This includes a stop at the visitor center, a few view points and a short hike at one of the many trailheads in the area.
Is Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive worth it? ›The loop drive takes visitors to many scenic overlooks and trailheads. 📸 Is Red Rock Canyon worth visiting? Red Rock Canyon is absolutely worth visiting as it provides a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas and explore an incredible desert landscape.
How long should I spend at Valley of Fire State Park? ›A visit to the Valley of Fire can last just an hour or two (if you drive through the park, only stopping at scenic overlooks and hiking one or two short trails) or all day, if you choose to explore every nook and cranny of this place.
What is the best time of day to visit Valley of Fire? ›
If you want to see most of the park within a day, it is best to get up for sunrise (or pretty early), so you don't have to wait in line during traffic. We left the park around 1 pm, and the line to get into Valley Of Fire State Park was extremely long.
Do you need reservations to drive through Valley of Fire? ›For information call Valley of Fire State Park at 702-397-2088. Advance reservations are required.
Can you drive through Monument Valley with a car? ›With sandstone buttes, colossal mesas, and panoramic vistas, Monument Valley is one of the USA's iconic landscapes. Sure, it's possible to drive right through Monument Valley, visiting the main sites in just two or three hours, but if you really want to explore it, consider spending at least one day here.