The vast, raw and rugged beauty of this Nevada state park is one of the many reasons to visit Valley of Fire. This is one of my favorite parks to explore, and I have been to several state and national parks. For information on Valley of Fire entrance fees, how to get here, and other things to know before you visit, read Valley of Fire State Park: A Hiker’s Paradise.
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1. Short Distance from Las Vegas
Many beautiful national and state parks are located remotely and can take up to a day to travel to. The great thing about this park is that it is located less than an hour from Las Vegas, Nevada. This park is perfectly located whether you are making your visit a day trip from Sin City or it is a stop on your way to Zion National Park. You can rent a car from McCarron Airport or from many hotels in Las Vegas.
2. Beautiful Scenic Drives
The two main thoroughfares in the park are Valley of Fire Highway and Mouse’s Tank Road. Both offer beautiful views and scenic pullouts when you visit Valley of Fire. Some of the sights you will see on these roads are Seven Sisters, Balancing Rock, Elephant Rock, and much more!
3. Fire Wave
The Fire Wave (1.5 miles out and back) is one of the most popular trails in the park, and as such, the parking lot (#3) fills up quickly. If you want to see the swirls of red and white sandstone that resemble an ocean wave, I suggest you arrive early in the day.
4. White Domes
For another short and easy hike, walk the White Domes Trail (1.1-mile loop) . As you descend into the canyon, you will walk next to rocks with hues of pink. Once you reach the canyon floor, you will walk through a short, but beautiful slot canyon. The trailhead is located at the end of Mouse’s Tank Road.
5. The Cabins
These cabins were built in the 1930s out of sandstone from the park for travelers. Now this area is a picnic site but has lots of rocks and small canyons for you to explore on your own. We spent most of the morning in this area during our visit to Valley of Fire.
6. Ancient Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock
Located 50 feet above the ground, the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock are over 4,000 years old. Climb the metal staircase for up close views of the ancient chiseled artwork.
7. Mouse’s Tank
Mouse’s Tank trail is an easy hike that takes you to a natural water basin in the park. You can see ancient petroglyphs carved on the canyon walls as you make this walk. Mouse’s Tank was named after a fugitive named “Little Mouse” in the 1980s that used this area as a hideout.
8. Pastel (Pink) Canyon
Pink Canyon is a short walk off Mouse’s Tank Road. We did not make it far when we encountered the water (shown in the picture), so we turned back. However, others continued by walking through the water or climbing the rocks. There is no sign for Pink Canyon, so it is a little difficult to find. From the visitor center, drive up Mouse’s Tank Road, and it is located at the fifth dip in the road. If you get to the Fire Wave parking lot (#3), you have gone too far.
9. Wildlife
When you visit Valley of Fire, be on the lookout for wildlife in the area. It is possible to see lizards, snakes, coyotes, jackrabbits, and other animals. However, the most impressive animal you will likely see is bighorn sheep. There is an abundance of them in the park.
10. Rainbow Vista
On my third trip to this park, I finally made it to the Rainbow Vista hike. This easy 1.1-mile trail will take you through rocks with a rainbow of colors. The path will lead you to the Fire Canyon Overlook. This is one of those hikes where the journey may be better than the destination. I loved every step!
12. Fire Canyon Overlook
If you do not want to walk the Rainbow Vista Trail, you can still gaze at Fire Canyon Overlook. Follow the signs and take the side street off Mouse’s Tank Road for the parking area.
12. The Beehives
Just after you enter the west entrance, pull off into the parking for a glimpse at Beehives, rock formations appropriately named. As it is the first stop coming into the park, it is a great introduction for what is to come when you visit Valley of Fire. However, if you make this your last stop as you exit, it will be a bit of a letdown after all the other amazing sites in the park.
13. Elephant Rock
Who knew you could see an elephant-shaped rock in Nevada?! This rocky wonder is located just a short jaunt from the East Entrance parking area.
14. Instagram-Worthy Photos
I had so many pictures I wanted to put in this category, but I did not want to inundate you with a ton of pictures. So I refrained. You’re welcome! The perfectly blue skies next to the red, orange, pink, and white sandstone rocks make the perfect backdrop for your pictures. We saw many people taking professional pictures including a couple in their wedding attire!
Do yourself a favor and visit this park next time you are in Las Vegas. You will not regret it!
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