Valley of Fire State Park is a little gem I recently discovered that you can explore as a day trip from Vegas. If you find yourself needed a break from the crowds while visiting Sin City or if you are flying in or out of Las Vegas as the starting point of a Southwest road trip, take some time to explore Valley of Fire State Park. We stopped at Valley of Fire State Park as we finished our whirlwind Utah National Park Road Trip.
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About Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone mixed with gray and tan limestone features and contains petroglyphs that are over 4,000 years old. The various colors of this park and the number of easy trails offered makes this park a beginner hiker’s paradise. You should go to the Visitor Center upon your arrival or visit the park’s website for specific hiking information and recommendations from park rangers.
How to Get Here
Valley of Fire State Park is located less than an hour northeast from Vegas which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip from Vegas. Take I-15 N about 30 miles, and then turn right on Valley of Fire Highway.
How Long Should You Spend Here
It is really up to you! You can come here for a few hours to get out of the city, or you can come for a full day. I recommend coming as a day trip from Vegas. They even offer camping if you want to spend more than one day. We stopped here for about 4 hours on our way from Zion National Park to Las Vegas. The park has several shaded picnic tables if you want to come prepared with a packed lunch. The park is open from sunrise to sunset for day use.
How Much Does It Cost
The Valley of Fire charges $10 per vehicle for day use. Make sure you have exact change in cash. Sometimes you are required to pay via envelope when the entrances are not manned.
Things to Note when Visiting
- Bring plenty of water with you. You can refill your bottles at the Visitor Center, campsites, or picnic areas, but it is best if you bring plenty.
- If you plan on visiting Valley of the Fire during any mealtime, you will need to bring food. There is no food for purchase in the park.
- Bring sun protection. There is very little shade in the park, so be sure to bring proper sun protection.
- Check the weather. Temperatures can get very high in this area, especially in the summer months. Also, keep an eye out for flash flood warnings.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
- Water!! Whether you use a hydration backpack or carry bottled water, make sure to pack plenty of water when outdoors! The visitor centers at each national park have water filling stations.
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
- Chapstick with SPF – The air is dry, and you will need to moisturize your lips with SPF chapstick.
- Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face
- Women’s Swimsuits – One-Piece, Ruffle Neck Swimsuit, Two-Piece, High-Waisted Swimsuit, Two-Piece, Front Cross Bikini, One-Piece, Scoop Neck Swimsuit
- Men’s Swimsuits – Surf Swim Trunks, Quick-Dry Swim Shorts
- Hiking shoes/boots – Some of the hikes are on steep, slick rock, and people wearing regular tennis shoes struggled to keep their footing. Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
- Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
- Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
- RTIC Soft-Sided Cooler – Keep your drinks and lunch stuff cool in this cooler for your day trips.
- Jacket – Even in warmer months, the temps can be cool in the mornings and evening so pack a light men’s or women’s jacket.
- Printed Maps/Directions – Cell service is spotty, so I recommend you print maps/directions or download offline maps to all hiking trails and parks you plan to visit.
How We Spent our Day Trip from Vegas
White Domes Road (aka Mouse Tank Road)
From here, we continued driving into the park stopping at scenic pullouts for picture opportunities and gazing at the beautiful landscape. Near the Visitor Center, we turned onto White Domes Road where we continued to marvel at the gorgeous scenery. We also spotted bighorn sheep resting on a giant rock formation.
Fire Wave Trail
You will notice on your day trip from Vegas that Fire Wave Trail is the most crowded hike in the entire park. The trail ends at the Fire Wave appropriately named for its red and white striped wave-like formations. Fire Wave looks like a miniature The Wave. If you have not heard of The Wave, it is a very unique hike that requires an extremely hard-to-get permit in Arizona. Hikers must enter a lottery each month in hopes to win a permit. If you are willing to settle for a much smaller version of The Wave (and a much easier hike), consider giving this trail a try.
The trailhead is located on White Domes Road. Park in Parking Lot #3, and cross the street to begin the trail. The trail is an easy, 1.5-mile, out and back hike and is lined with rocks or marked with reflector posts.
After a short, very sandy walk, you will walk down a steep hill. I opted to wear sandals on this hike because my feet were tired of hiking shoes, and I regretted it. The hill was sandy and steep enough that I slipped a couple times. I would advise that you learn from my mistake and wear proper hiking shoes or sneakers. The rest of the hike is along slick rock until you reach the Fire Wave.
Atlatl Rock
Next, we headed back towards the Visitor Center and turned onto the Valley of Fire Highway towards Las Vegas (west). Follow the signs to Atlatl Rock. Once here, climb the 84 steps to a platform to view the petroglyphs. These petroglyphs are over 4,000 years old and reflect the culture and lifestyles of Native Americans. After viewing the petroglyphs, we enjoyed our picnic lunch at the tables at the base of Atlatl Rock.
Beehives
Just before exiting the park, we stopped at the Beehives to look at these crazy rock formations. Many people were stopped here and walking around the sandstone rocks. This is the first stop after entering the park if you are traveling here on a day trip from Vegas.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is an easy, 0.3-mile, out and back trail to a rock formation. If you really use your imagination, you can make out an elephant. The trail begins at the East Entrance parking lot.
Rainbow Vista
Rainbow Vista is an easy, 1.1-mile, out and back trail named for the rainbow of colors of the sandstone you see on this hike. This hike also offers great views from the Fire Canyon Overlook.
Mouse’s Tank
Mouse’s Tank is an easy, 0.8-mile trail through Petroglyph Canyon where hikers can view more petroglyphs. “Little Mouse,” an outlaw hid out from the law in the 1890s along this trail.
What Else To Do on Your Las Vegas Vacation
If you are planning to visit Valley of Fire State Park as a day trip on your Vegas Vacation, here are some articles to help with your Las Vegas planning:
