Valley Of Fire State Park Day Trip Things To Do

Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park is straight out of a science fiction movie. Nowhere in this world can you find as many stunning red sandstone formations as there are 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. Here you can pick a map and learn about the geology and history of the Valley of Fire.

Most folks only visit for a day. The Valley of Fire has 29 Arch Rock sites, and Atlatl Rock Campground with 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.

Valley of fire road runs east to west and is just under 11 miles long. Most of the park’s most popular attractions are on or near the main road.  White Dome Road (from the visitor center) leads to Rainbow Vista, Fire Wave, and White Domes.

During the summer, the temperatures can reach 100 degrees plus, so we suggest that you plan on visiting early in the day. Valley of Fire State Park is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. After that, only people camping are allowed to stay in the park. Spring and fall are the best times to visit.

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 nearby on the scenic loop road.

Valley of Fire Cabins

These stone cabins are not as old as they appear.  The houses were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Each place has a  fireplace and window and not much else. Constructed with native sandstone, the cabins were used by tourists visiting the Valley of Fire. Today the cabin is a picnic area and a great place to take photos. They are located near the east entrance to the park.

Elephant Rock Valley of Fire

This is probably the most popular attraction in the park. You can see the rock formation from Valley of Fire Road near the Lake Mead entrance. Most visitors park in the nearby parking area and take the short hiking trail to look at Elephant Rock.

Fire Wave Valley of Fire

Unique sandstone formations look like flowing lava. Fire Wave is near the end of White Domes Road and can be reached via a half-mile trail starting at parking lot 3. There is no shade on the Fire Wave trail so bring plenty of water. This hike is not recommended during summer unless you get an early start.

Atlatl Rock Valley of Fire

Atlatl Rock is a great place to view petroglyphs (ancient Indian rock art.) Visitors climb a staircase to view wall-covered petroglyphs. Most visitors don’t know that they can view more petroglyphs by walking around the base of Atlatl Rock.

Getting to Valley Of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is located about 60 miles from Las Vegas. From the Las Vegas Strip:  Take the I-15 North. Take Exit 75 and head East toward Valley of Fire.  From here, it is  17 miles to the West Entrance Station.

Scenic route. Take the I-15 North to Lake Mead Blvd. Turn Right and head East to Lakeshore Road (NV-166). Turn Right onto NV-167 and follow to the east entrance. Valley of Fire State Park address is 29450 Valley of Fire Road Overton. There is an entrance fee to travel for vehicles and motorcycles entering the park.

Nearby Valley of Fire

Lost City Museum Overton Nevada

Lost City Museum is a fascinating place to visit, with the highlight being the replica Anasazi Pueblo Grande de Nevada. Also on display are Indian artifacts excavated from the Moapa Valley to save them from the waters of Lake Mead as it was filled up.

Las Vegas Day Trips

Red Rock Canyon SP