Valley of Fire State Park

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Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire Overview

The Valley of Fire located less than an hour drive from Las Vegas is one of my favorite places to hike and camp.

When you drive down the highway you would never guess that down the road is an amazing geological area that has offers visitors camping, hiking, geological points of interest, picnic areas, and more!!!

From Wikipedia:

Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres (19,000 ha) located 16 miles (26 km) south of Overton, Nevada.

The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park’s attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays.

It is Nevada’s oldest state park, as commemorated with Nevada Historical Marker #150. It was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968.

How to Get to the Valley of Fire

Where is the Valley of Fire?

Valley of Fire is located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, at an elevation of 1,320–3,009 feet.

Located within a 4 x 6 mile basin, it abuts the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the east at the Virgin River confluence.

How to Get to the Valley of Fire

Depending on your starting point, the Valley of Fire is approximately a one hour drive from Las Vegas. From Las Vegas, take I-15N to exit 75 to merge onto the Valley of Fire Road.

Valley of Fire Visitor Center

Stop by the Valley of Fire Visitor Center to view exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region.

The visitor center is easily seen as soon as you turn off the Valley of Fire Highway onto Mouse’s Tank Road.

If you have your Nevada State Park Passport booklet, be sure to stop by the visitor center and get your stamp. Click here to find out where you can grab a copy of the Nevada State Park Passport booklet for free. (If you collect all 15 Nevada State Park stamps, you can turn your passport booklet in for a free annual pass!)

Visitor center information:

The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The rest of the park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

Phone:  (702) 397-2088

Click here to view photos and more information on the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Valley of Fire Entrance Fee

The Valley of Fire entrance fee is $10 per car and there is no longer a Nevada state residence discount.

If you are a frequent Nevada State Park visitor, you should consider getting a Nevada State Park Annual Pass for $75 a year.

The Valley of Fire entrance fee is collected at the self-pay stations before the manned booths open or at the fee booth once during open hours.

Click here to view additional details for the Valley of Fire Entry Fee information.

Valley of Fire Map

Click here to view the Valley of Fire State Park Hikes .pdf.

Valley of Fire Petroglyphs

There is an abundance of petroglyphs at the Valley of Fire dating back to approximately 3,000 years ago.

Petroglyphs can be found in the following areas.

Atlatl Rock

Lone Rock

The Cabins

Valley of Fire Hiking

There are numerous hikes that vary from a few 0.3 miles to almost 7 miles.

Below are the official and unofficial hikes and points of interest within the Valley of Fire State Park.

Valley of Fire Trails

Arrowhead Loop

Balancing Rock – 0.3 miles

Cabins Arch Loop

Charlie’s Spring Loop – 4.7 miles

Duck Rock

Elephant Rock Loop – 1.2 miles

Fire Canyon

Fire Canyon Wash

Fire Wave Trail (look for parking lot #3 on the map) – 1.2 miles round trip

Hidden Valley Loop

Magnesium Mine

Mouse’s Tank Trail – 0.7 miles

Natural Arches Trail – 2..5 miles

Neapolitan Trail

Old Arrowhead Road – 6.8 miles

Pastel (Pink) Canyon Trail

Petrified Logs Loop, East – 0.3 miles

Petrified Logs, West

Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse’s Tank – 0.8 miles

Piano Rock Trail – 0.7 miles

Pinnacles Loop – 4.5 miles

Prospect Trail – 4.6 miles

Rainbow Vista Trail – 1.0 miles

St. Thomas Trail

The Pinnacles

Top of the World

Upper Magnesium Wash

White Domes Loop – 1.0 miles

Wilderness Loop

Points of Interest

Valley of Fire Arches

There are many arches in the Valley of Fire State Park. Below are the ones which have been named and there are many which have not been named (or discovered).

Click here for more information about Valley of Fire arches.

Arch Rock: Amenities include restrooms and campground.

Atlatl Rock: Located near the west entrance of the Valley of Fire State Park you will find Atlatl Rock showcasing a collection of petroglyphs on large sandstone rocks.

Amenities include parking, restrooms, a very short trail to get to the petroglyphs, and a 43 site campground.

Click here to read the Atlatl Rock at the Valley of Fire overview.

Beehives: The Beehives are a formation created by geologic cross-bedding, which means the layers were deposited over the years to form the formation you see today.

The grooves in the “beehives” were formed when there was water or wind that moved the material as it was forming.

Click here to read the Beehives at the Valley of Fire overview.

John J. Clark Memorial: Look for the “historical Marker” sign when traveling on State Route 169 where you will find a turnout to park to view the monument approximately 150′ from the road to commemorate Sargent John J. Clark.

Click here to read the John J. Clark Memorial overview.

Lone Rock – Click here to read the Lone Rock at the Valley of Fire overview.

Piano Rock – Click here to read the Piano Rock at the Valley of Fire overview.

Poodle Rock – A rock formation resembling a poodle located near the Arch Rock Campground.

Click here to read more about Poodle Rock and photos.

Scenic Drive

Seven Sisters: Seven Sisters is a stop-off from the road and not a “hike.”

Consisting of seven tall red sandstone boulders, Seven Sisters is a great place to stop for a picnic and take in the scenic desert views.

There are several areas of covered and uncovered picnic tables and some of them have grills. To the right of the parking lot, there is a concrete walkway that will lead you to the restrooms.

FYI for those looking for a unique wedding photo location, Seven Sisters at Valley of Fire State Park is one of the four permitted wedding locations within the park. Amenities include parking, picnic area, restrooms, and is approved for wedding events (with proper permissions).

Click here to read the Seven Sisters at the Valley of Fire overview.

Silica Dome / Fire Canyon Overlook

The Cabins: The Valley of Fire was one of the earliest locations to have construction by the Civilian Conservation Corps by building three native sandstone cabins in 1934 for traveling tourists. Today, visitors can visit the preserved cabins to see a small cabin with a built-in fireplace and a window overlooking the valley.

Click here to read The Cabins at the Valley of Fire overview.

The Scream: Found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center, the Scream is a rock formation that looks similar to the famous paintings by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.

Wildlife at Valley of Fire

There are several herds of Bighorn Sheep that roam through the park. Often they are seen at the group campground, the visitors center, and various trails.

One of the cutest ground squirrels I have seen was near Atlatl Campground literally hanging out in the shrubs (or should I say on top).

Even though it’s in the middle of the desert, there are still gorgeous plants to be found everywhere.

Click here to read our article on Desert Wildlife at the Valley of Fire.

Valley of Fire Picnics

There are numerous places to relax after your hike and enjoy a picnic. Most are covered and have nearby amenities such was water spigot, trash cans, grills, and restrooms. Below are the areas with covered and/or uncovered picnic areas:

Atlatl Rock

Balancing Rock (Visitors Center)

Lone Rock

Mouse’s Tank Trail

Rainbow Vista Trail

Seven Sisters

The Cabins

White Domes

Valley of Fire Campgrounds

There are two campgrounds at the Valley of Fire State Park, Atlatl Rock Campground, and Arch Rock Campground, for a combined total of 72 camping units.

There is also a site for group camping behind the Beehives with 3 group campsites by reservation. Click here to read more about group camping at the Valley of Fire.

All campsites are first-come-first-served. (The exception are the group camping site, which requires a reservation)

The campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms.

A dump station and showers are available.

A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.

RV sites with power and water hookups are available.

There are three group areas, each accommodating up to 45 people, though parking is limited. These sites are available for overnight camping and picnicking by reservation only. Call the park for reservations.

Camping Fees:

Day use entrance fee:  $10.00 per vehicle

Camping:  $20.00 per night + $10.00 for sites with utility hookups

Atlatl Rock Campground

There are 44 campsites at the Atlatl Rock Campground available on a first-come-first-served basis. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, bathrooms, showers, and drinking water… oh, and spectacular views. Some of the campsites offer partial RV hookups. Click here to read more about Atlatl Rock Campground.

Arch Rock Campground

Located within the Valley of Fire State Park, Arch Rock Campground has 29 campsites for tents and trailers. The campground is first-come-first-serve and you can stay up to 14 consecutive days. The campsites at Arch Rock are $20 per night + $10 per night for campsites with utility hookups.  The campsites at Arch Rock include drinking water, flush toilets, showers, and an RV dump station. Each campsite has a shaded table, fire ring, and grate.

Click here to read more about the Arch Rock Campground.

Valley of Fire Hotels

If camping at Valley of Fire isn’t an option for you, there are many hotels near Overton, NV to choose from in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas.

Click here to view Las Vegas hotels and the reviews for each on TripAdvisor.

Click here to view Las Vegas hotels and the reviews for each on Booking.com.

Click here to view Las Vegas hotels and the reviews for each on Hotels.com.

Click here to view Las Vegas hotels and the reviews for each on Expedia.com

Valley of Fire Weather

The Valley of Fire State Park has a dry and warm climate typical of the Mojave Desert in which it lies.

Winters are mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 54°F  to 75°F  and overnight lows in the mid 30°F’s to mid 40°F’s.

Storms moving east from the Pacific Ocean occasionally bring rain during winter months.

Daily summer highs usually range from 100°F  to 115°F and on occasion may reach near 120°F.

A friend once commented that we camped “on the surface of the sun” one time in June when the temperatures were over 100 degrees during the day. Not going to lie, it was brutal especially when you add in the high winds blowing that hot air. Whew!

You can use either Overton, NV or Valley of Fire State Park to check the weather. Typically, Overton, NV weather will show a few degrees higher than the Valley of Fire.

Valley of Fire Spring Weather

Spring is a perfect time of year to camp and to hike the Valley of Fire. With day highs and night lows, you can’t beat the temps for a great visit.

Valley of Fire Summer Weather

Daily summer highs usually range from 100°F  to 115°F and on occasion may reach near 120°F.

With the radiant heat from the sand and rocks, your 100-degree day feels hotter during the summer months.

I would not recommend a long hike in the summer unless you are familiar with which trails will be shaded and if you start VERY early in the day to beat the heat.

We did Top of the World in June but we picked a trail that kept us in the shade for most of the hike and then used our thermal umbrellas on the way back to our cars.

RELATED ARTICLE >>> Hiking in the Heat – Tips to Stay Cool

Valley of Fire Fall Weather

Fall is another perfect time of year to camp and to hike the Valley of Fire.

With day highs and night lows, you can’t beat the temps for a great visit.

Valley of Fire Winter Weather

Winters are mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 54°F  to 75°F  and overnight lows in the mid 30°F’s to mid 40°F’s.

Valley of Fire Rain and Snow

The average annual precipitation is 6.50″.

Storms moving east from the Pacific Ocean occasionally bring rain during winter months.

Thunderstorms from the Southwestern Monsoon can produce heavy showers during summer.

During all my visits to the Valley of Fire, I have not seen snow to date. I have heard that there has been a light dusting or two but have not witnessed it for myself.

Valley of Fire Tours

If you want to visit Valley of Fire with a tour group instead of on your own there are several to chose from. When I was there May 2018, there was a couple from out of town with a private tour guide who I kept crossing paths on the different trails.

• Click here to view discounted Valley of Fire Tours on Groupon.
• Click here to view Valley of Fire Tours on TripAdvisor.

Cell Phone Service at the Valley of Fire

If you visit the Valley of Fire State Park, just be prepared that you are going to have little to no cell phone service while at the park.

There are two “official” cell phone service areas, within the park, as seen on the map above.

I have ATT and I had cell phone service in other areas than listed above for at the first few campsites at Atlatl Rock Campground, on the summit at Top of the World (if you are hiking), and a small stretch of road on the way to the visitors center.

Click here to view an app via iTunes to view your cell phone coverage – Cell Phone Coverage Map app.

If you are an avid camper, you may want to consider a cell phone extender and booster to keep you connected while on the road.

Valley of Fire Movie Trivia

Valley of Fire is a popular location for shooting automobile commercials and other commercial photography.

Click here to read more about the Valley of Fire movies.

It has provided a setting for the following films and television shows:

Viva Las Vegas starring Elvis Presley had multiple shots filmed in the park during the racing scenes for the film’s finale in 1963.

The Professionals with Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, and Claudia Cardinale was filmed in 1966. Valley of Fire was one of three locations used in the film. All that remains of the set is a portion of a rock wall of a hacienda.

The outside Mars scenes from Total Recall, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, were almost totally shot in Valley of Fire.

The scenes from planet Veridian III from Star Trek Generations were filmed here in 1994. The Silica Dome is particularly highlighted for Star Trek fans as the site of iconic starship captain James T. Kirk’s death and burial.

Valley of Fire Events

Check out the Valley of Fire calendar of events to find fun events from birdwatching to how to make your own petroglyph.

Drones at Valley of Fire

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be able to fly a drone at the Valley of Fire.

But, unfortunately, it is against the Nevada State Park Rules.

It would be a dream if they would do a drone day at the Valley of Fire for visitors to have a time they are allowed to explore the valley from above!

I would hit the Fire Wave area first and then Silica Domes would be next on my list.

Think twice before you launch your drone at Valley of Fire, click here for the Nevada State Park FAQ

Dogs at Valley of Fire

Bringing your furbaby with you to the park? Click here to read our article on Dogs at Valley of Fire.

Stargazing at Valley of Fire

Are you into stargazing?

Once you step away from the bright lights of The Strip in Las Vegas, you will find a dark sky lit with millions of brilliant stars.

Check the EVENTS page on the Valley of Fire website to see if there are stargazing events held by the park or through the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, as they will hold an event at the park too.

Once I explore the park more and figure out the best places to stargaze, I will update this article.

NOTE: Driving through the park after sunset is considered trespassing unless you are going back to your campsite.

Valley of Fire Fireworks

Big open sky with no ambient light from The Strip would be a perfect place for some fireworks… right?

WRONG.

Fireworks are not allowed at the Valley of Fire in accordance with the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) governing the state parks and other recreations parks.

[NAC-407 Revised Date: 9-14] CHAPTER 407 – STATE PARKS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL AREAS

NAC 407.101 Fireworks and explosives. (NRS 407.0475, 407.065) No person may possess or discharge within or into any portion of a park any firecracker or other fireworks, or explosives. (Added to NAC by Div. of St. Parks, 12-31-85, eff. 1-1-86)

The Moapa Paiute Reservation offers firework sales to customers and also offers a safe site to shoot them off for your enjoyment.

Valley of Fire Online References and Resources

• Nevada State Parks – Valley of Fire
• Wikipedia – Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park