Day Trip Guide to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada

Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park is straight out of a science fiction movie. Nowhere can you find as many stunning red sandstone formations as in the Valley of Fire. Located 60 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is one of Nevada’s most visited attractions. Day-trippers, tour buses, nature lovers, and campers escape the urban sprawl of Las Vegas at Valley of Fire State Park.

After paying the modest entrance fee, first-time visitors should start their trip to the Parks visitor center. Before exploring the park, pick up a map and learn about the geology and history of the Valley of Fire. Here are some of the most popular attractions to see at Valley of Fires SP:

Valley of Fire Scenic Highway

Valley of Fire Road runs east to west, just under 11 miles long. Most of the park’s most popular attractions are on or near the main road you can drive through without leaving your car, enjoying panoramic views of red sandstone formations. Mouse’s Tank Road starts at the visitor center and leads to Rainbow Vista, Fire Wave, and White Domes. Campground Road makes a loop around the park’s campgrounds and allows access to Arch Rock, Piano Rock, and Fire Cave/Windstone Arch.

Valley Of Fire State Park Arch Rock

Arch Rock is straightforward and can be seen from the scenic loop road. Climbing on the arch is prohibited due to the fragile nature of the sandstone.  Winds and rain have taken several thousand years to create this natural arch, and eventually, it will collapse. Climbing on the rock will only hasten its demise. Arch Rock campground is located near the scenic loop road.

Valley of Fire Stone Cabins

These stone cabins date back to the 1930s and were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Each cabin features a fireplace and a window, but only a little else. Made from native sandstone, these cabins were once utilized by tourists visiting the Valley of Fire. Today, they serve as a picnic area and a fantastic photography spot. You can find them near the park’s east entrance.

Elephant Rock Valley of Fire

This is the most popular attraction in the park. You can see the rock formation from Valley of Fire Road near the Lake Mead entrance. This sandstone formation remarkably resembles an elephant, with its distinctive trunk-like arch. The rock’s shape is due to natural erosion, forming this unique natural arch over millions of years.

Fire Wave Formation: Valley of Fire SP

The unique sandstone formations in this area resemble flowing lava. Fire Wave is located near the end of White Domes Road and can be accessed via a half-mile trail that starts at parking lot 3. Please note that there is no shade along the Fire Wave trail, so bringing plenty of water is essential. This hike is only recommended during the summer if you start early in the morning. The 1.5-mile hike leads to the Fire Wave, a stunning sandstone formation that looks like a wave and features vibrant colors. It is best photographed in the late afternoon or early evening.

Atlatl Rock Valley of Fire

Atlatl Rock is an excellent location for viewing petroglyphs and ancient rock art created by Indigenous peoples. Visitors can climb a staircase to see the walls adorned with these intriguing carvings. Atlatl Rock is renowned for its impressive collection of petroglyphs, which were etched into the rock by the Ancestral Puebloans (also known as the Anasazi) and other Indigenous groups. The petroglyphs date back hundreds to thousands of years, providing insight into the lives and perhaps the spiritual beliefs of the people who once inhabited this area.

Camping in The Valley

Most folks only visit for a day. The Valley of Fire has 29 Arch Rock sites, and Atlatl Rock Campground has 44 locations if you want more time to explore. All campsites are first-come-first-serve. RV sites with hookups are available for an extra fee. Camping is $20/$25 per night.

Visitor Information:

• Entrance Fees: $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state visitors per vehicle for day use.
• Visitor Center: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering educational exhibits on the park’s geology, ecology, and history.

Tips for Visiting Valley of Fire SP:

• Preparation: Bring plenty of water sunscreen, and wear suitable clothing for the desert environment. Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees in the summer, so we recommend visiting early in the day.
• Wildlife: Look out for bighorn sheep, especially in the cooler months.
• Photography: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography due to the vibrant colors of the rocks.
• Rules: Stay on designated trails, do not touch or deface petroglyphs, and keep pets on a leash (6 feet or less).
• Accessibility: Some areas, like Mouse’s Tank, have ADA-compliant paths. For other accommodations, contact the park directly.

Getting to Valley Of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire is located approximately 60 miles from Las Vegas. To get there from the Las Vegas Strip, take I-15 North and exit at Exit 75. Drive East toward Valley of Fire. From this point, it’s 17 miles to the West Entrance Station.

If you prefer a scenic route, take I-15 North to Lake Mead Boulevard. Turn right and head east to Lakeshore Road (NV-166). Then turn right onto NV-167 and follow it to the east entrance.

The address for Valley of Fire State Park is 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton. Visit the VOF website for details:

Nearby Valley of Fire Points of Interest

Lost City Museum Overton, Nevada

The Lost City Museum is a captivating destination, featuring the highlight of a replica of the Anasazi Pueblo Grande de Nevada. Additionally, the museum showcases Indian artifacts excavated from the Moapa Valley to preserve them from being submerged by the waters of Lake Mead as the lake was filled.

Red Rock Canyon Nevada State Park

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