Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is a place that truly lives up to its name. Just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Las Vegas, the rocky land here bleeds stark red, contrasting with the desert environment around it. At a total of 46,000 acres, there are incredible exploring opportunities which provide many must-see spots in Valley of Fire State Park.
Navigating Valley of Fire State Park
Bordering Lake Mead National Rec Area to the east and the outskirts of Las Vegas to the west, there are essentially 2 separate entrances to the park. The main road is just over 10 miles and offers 2 different spur roads that’ll bring you closer to the must-see spots. The scenic loop road in the east is partially paved at around 2 miles and White Domes Road is around 5.5 miles, which holds some of the best areas in the park.
Are you visiting the nearby Hoover Dam while you’re here? Check out that blog post here!
Must See Spots in Valley of Fire State Park
Entering from the east, the Beehives are the first must-see spot in Valley of Fire State Park. These irregular sandstone formations were eroded by wind and rain over time, creating an aptly-shaped beehive.
Before veering off onto the scenic spur roads, towards the east entrance of the park we can find a couple other must-see spots. Make a stop at the Petrified Logs which were washed here from an ancient forest nearly 225 million years ago. The Seven Sisters, stark red rock formations with stunning views of the valley, can be found here too.
Scenic Loop Road
Just after the Beehives, take a left for the 2 mile Scenic Loop Road. Besides campgrounds, you’ll find some of the park’s most interesting rock formations.
Climb the stairs up to Atlatl Rock, a large standing formation with some pretty incredible examples of ancient Indian petroglyphs. The most obvious carving is an Atlatl, a stick that was used to throw spears which predated the bow and arrow.
Within a quarter mile is Arch Rock, a delicate formation that stands tall upon a boulder.
White Domes Road
Perhaps the most epic area that contains the must-see spots in Valley of Fire State Park is off of the 5.5 mile White Dome Road.
White Domes
At the end of White Domes Road is the 1.25 mile loop trail that will take you to the White Domes. Within this 45 minute hike, you’ll experience an abundance of sandstone formations displaying stark contrasting colors and a narrow slot canyon.
Fire Wave
The next must-see spot in Valley of Fire State Park is back down the road at the Fire Wave. In this 1.5 mile out and back hike you’ll end at one of the most stunning places within the park.
There are multiple spur trails that will trick your direction here; as long as you keep heading right you’ll arrive to the Fire Wave. Be sure to not walk on the fragile formation if you make it!
A short out-and-back road just south of Fire Wave is Fire Canyon Road. Park in the lots at the end of the road for some epic views of the surrounding landscape.
Rainbow Vista
The short hike through the Rainbow Vista will display more of those contrasting colors. Upon reaching the end, experience a stunning view of deep red Aztec sandstone as it ventures out into the valley.
Mouse’s Tank
My favorite hike of the day was to the Mouse’s Tank, named after a late-1800s outlaw who hid here. At the end of the 0.75 miles is a natural basin in the rock where water collects.
On the way to Mouse’s Tank, keep your eyes peeled on the canyon walls for ancient petroglyphs. Can you tell what they’re trying to depict?
After reaching the Mouse’s Tank you can climb above and over to the other side for some more in-depth hiking. The colors of the rock here become even more vivid than the rest of the park, especially with the green desert shrubs sprinkled throughout.
Before heading into natural areas, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles. Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry. Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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