Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park
5
About
Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs. Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays. The park is open all year.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Sherry RColdwater, Ohio30 contributionsBeautiful ParkWe stopped here on our drive from Zion to Las Vegas and were so happy we did! A lot of beautiful views can be seen just driving through the park but there are many nice stops/hikes as well. A few trails were closed due to summer heat but many were still open and we really enjoyed the one we chose (Rainbow Vista). It isn’t a very large park so you can see a lot in a short period of time, but could easily spend the day as well. Would definitely go back and recommend visiting if you are passing through.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 September 2023
- runner24Orlando, Florida1,927 contributionsBe sure you have correct CASH as they don't make change and don't take American Express!I drove all the way here from Vegas just to encounter a rude park ranger who firmly said cash only ($15) and she couldn't make the change. "Will you take AMX I asked"? "No", she says. "Just correct change". As I only had $20, I asked if I could just give her $20 as I would have to drive all the way back to the city. She could have cared less and it showed in her attitude. Anyway, she reluctantly decided she would make a $5 donation to the park (or something like that). First, if you're going to ask for cash, shouldn't you be able to make the change? Second, many of us use AMX exclusively and are use to some merchants objecting to the processing fees. I get it but many just add a small percentage for it's use. Third, and this is the most important. This person needs to go to customer service school. Drive all the way back to Vegas? Not even the slightest concern to her. The park is fine once you get past the attitude.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 30 September 2023
- 10ringtravelerAlpine, California678 contributionsGreat day tripAnother stop here while visiting las vegas, I've been here several times with my son's as they were growing up. Today was my first visit with my daughter in law, and most importantly my grand daughter! Although she is to young to appreciate the park in its entirety she did get to see a few sheep on one of out hikes. Watching her stare and smile was a highlight! We took a few hikes, and saw some scenic lookouts, stopped at the very informative visitor center and talked to a few of the very helpful staff. We had a great day the park is clean, scenic and a wonderful place to visitVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 October 2023
- michaelg999969Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania264 contributionsWorth the TripBeautiful scenery just a little over an hour outside of Vegas. Several hiking trails, all of them with different things to see. Highly recommend Mouse's Trap and Fire Wave. Definitely a great day trip outside of all of the craziness.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 October 2023
- L A J32 contributionsABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!One of the MOST BEAUTIFUL state parks I have ever seen! It was a beautiful sunny clear day when my husband and I decided to visit the park. We hiked to Mouse's Tank which was really cool. A sign tells you why it is called Mouse's Tank. We also hiked the Rainbow Vista trail. I think that one had petroglyphs which were fascinating to see. We saw the Beehives when we came into the park but there were too many people taking pictures so we didn't stop there. My favorite hike was the approximately 2 mile Seven Wonders Loop hike through the Pink Canyon and to the Fire Wave. Such beautiful colors everywhere! There are two parking lots for this hike and you can hike the loop in either direction. If you hike in a clockwise direction you will see the Fire Wave first then onto the Pink Canyon. You will then cross the road and continue hiking through beautiful landscape of sandstone and rock. This will take you back to the parking lot. We started the hike close to 1 pm and it did get quite hot so make sure you take water and take time to rest if you need to. We got pretty tired towards the end. FYI my husband and I are both in our early 60s. Also, make sure you follow the metal poles marked with yellow paint to guide you back to the parking lot. Thank goodness someone who had just hiked the Seven Wonders Loop told us this or otherwise we would have wandered off trail and might still be there! We spent several hours at this park and did not get to see everything, so we are looking forward to going back. Totally worth the visit!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 October 2023
- NrthrnGurlEhCanada131 contributionsSecond time, just as beautiful!Beautiful drive with plenty of places to stop and view/hike. Variations of rock and colour was amazing! Take the time to do the full drive, including off the beaten path. Every road is something different. All pics taken looked like a painted backdrop. A must see when in Nevada.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 October 2023
- Belinda HNew York City, New York787 contributionsPretty placeBeautiful place for a day trip from Vegas. It’s only an hour away by car and you feel like you’re taken into a different world. There are some great easy hikes with beautiful scenery, and we spent 4 hours there. Our favorite was the fire wave, but the white domes were also cool!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 November 2023
- WonderingButterflyUnited States117 contributionsBreathtakingThis place is beyond breathtaking. It is possible to spend hours here and not fully experience the beauty. Every turn reveals something indescribable. One thing to note is that there is no Wifi out here, so plan accordingly. I made sure to download the trails that I want to hike and always stay on the paths. It is very easy to get turned around and lost.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 November 2023
- Doug ParkerJacksonville, Florida180 contributionsSecond time was better than the firstThis is my second time hiking the park, and it was terrific in the fall: less heat and fewer people. We got great photos on Rainbow Vista and the bee hive trails. Bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes. Trail heads are right off the road.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- 831patriciarMilwaukee, Wisconsin239 contributionsvacationnice drive. 2 ways to enter the state park. you can drive thru and there is plenty of different hiking trails to take. seen some bighorn sheep. there are restrooms at most of the pull off spots. scenery was awesome.we took a couple of hours to drive thru and see the sites. does cost to go into the park.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 December 2023
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regis k
Arcadia, CA1 678 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Being only 55 miles from Las Vegas, valley of fire attracts many visitors who visit Las Vegas. This State park is amazing with so many stone formations and fantastic sceneries. From our tour guide, we understand this state park is the oldest state park in Nevada. It 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. He also told us that the valley was an ocean 400 million years ago.
So with all these ocean floor activities, there were so many places in the valley creating many of the amazing scenes that make up of today’s attractions in the park. We only had one day to visit the park, so we can only visit the Wave, The Arch Rock, the bee hives, and the elephant rock.
Out of all the attractions, the wave was the most interesting to us. With its wavy stone lines on the hills, it looks like a piece of art on display. These wave lines were formed with the oceanic activities and the interaction between lime stones and red sandstones. The result is a beautiful scenery with natural lines across the hills. Like any beautiful things, it is hidden away from the main road. It took us almost an hour of hike to get to the wave area. But the hike was an easy one, no climbing required.
Getting here from Las Vegas is an easy drive on highway 15. There is a $10 park entrance fee. Once you get in, you should definite visit the visitor center first to plan out your visit especially if you have limited time for the day trip. We also bumped into some wild mountain goats. Who knows, you may sees some old tortoises too.
So with all these ocean floor activities, there were so many places in the valley creating many of the amazing scenes that make up of today’s attractions in the park. We only had one day to visit the park, so we can only visit the Wave, The Arch Rock, the bee hives, and the elephant rock.
Out of all the attractions, the wave was the most interesting to us. With its wavy stone lines on the hills, it looks like a piece of art on display. These wave lines were formed with the oceanic activities and the interaction between lime stones and red sandstones. The result is a beautiful scenery with natural lines across the hills. Like any beautiful things, it is hidden away from the main road. It took us almost an hour of hike to get to the wave area. But the hike was an easy one, no climbing required.
Getting here from Las Vegas is an easy drive on highway 15. There is a $10 park entrance fee. Once you get in, you should definite visit the visitor center first to plan out your visit especially if you have limited time for the day trip. We also bumped into some wild mountain goats. Who knows, you may sees some old tortoises too.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda P
Ballston Spa, NY406 contributions
Oct 2020
One day was enough to see the listed trails, we returned at sunset to see how the light changed. Seeing the "Wave" in Kanab requires a lottery for very limited participation- this park has the same formations of bacon streaked rock. Visitor center quite nice- the icecream bars in gift room freezer of better quality than any others I saw in Utah, bird viewing set up behind and if you're lucky the big horn ram come down there as well. You could spend several days carefully examining and walking/climbing off the beaten path. A combination of a mini Goblin State park and Kodachrome
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4oystercatcher
washington state446 contributions
Feb 2020
We are well-traveled, internationally and have gone to many of our nation's great parks. We have been to Grand Canyon more than once, Canyonlands, Bryce, etc. We drove through Sedona yesterday with snow on the pass and today were at Valley of Fire. We were floored how accessible it is and how stunning the geology. The visitor's center does a decent job explaining what one sees today and what it was like long long ago but it could use an update. You can fill your water bottles there and take a restroom break. We were there on a weekday after lunch and it wasn't too crowded. It costs $10 per carload and if you go back via the east entrance of Lake Mead you may owe another toll, we did not get hit with it but it is a worthwhile way to get back to the Henderson area. Don't think this is a yawn, it is not. It might be worth a trip to Vegas just to hike here and see the stars at night from this vantage point. It will take your breath away.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timcarla
Saint Louis, MO308 contributions
Dec 2019
The map was very easy to follow and there are so many cool formations and trails. Admission was $10 and we totally enjoyed the Valley of Fire over Red Rock Canyon, it is just much more scenic. The ancient petrogyphs all over the park were very interesting. Highly suggest this a a delightful break from the Vegas strip. You could spend a half day or a full day hiking the trails, so many trails were covered in white or red sand. I got several photos of the sheep.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy Z
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Jan 2021
Tucked into the mountains off the 15N, the Valley of Fire feels like a gem waiting to be discovered. After a short 35 minute freeway, you'll drive past a gas station and into the canyon roads for another 25 minutes. There's two entrances which you'll remit a $10 park fee - coming from the 15N you'll be at the west entrance & coming from Lake Mead, you'll enter the east entrance. Both entrances offer the opportunity to see Petrified wood - however, I would pass, as the logs were not as crystalized as other petrified wood we have seen. If your time is short, I would head straight to the Fire Wave Trail (~1 mile round trip, budget 1 hour). This hike is fairly easy to moderate, and is gravel with one manageable steep decline down. Do not miss this hike, as this is the park's namesake hike. Other renown hikes include the White Domes Road, Elephant Rock, Mouse's Tank, and Rainbow Vista. White Domes is a 1.25RT hike offering slot canyons and beautiful geological formations to feast your eyes. Other pullout sites include Arch Rock, Seven Sisters, and Atlatl Rock. Make sure to swing over to chat with a ranger to time-budget, because this park has so much to offer!
Written 15 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen C
Troy, NY2 518 contributions
Apr 2021
This state park is soo close to Las Vegas. It's great way to great out into nature and get some fresh air. You have to pay $10 for admission ~ which bring cash you have to place it into an envelope and slide it into a locked box at entrance and put a hang tag on your car to drive through the park. There is a couple of cute little trails in the Valley of Fire we enjoyed the mouse tank the best and it was a great way to see petroglyphic.
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YukonSarah
Airdrie, Canada272 contributions
Feb 2020
What an amazing half day spent in Valley of Fire State Park. We have been to Vegas in the past and can't believe we have not checked out this park until now. An easy drive with a rental car. We visited on a Thursday in February, arriving around 10:00am. The park was not busy at all.
We entered the park from the far side which is closest to the Visitor Center, however, I don't think it matters which side you enter. When we exited the same direction we saw a group of desert big horn sheep
We are not a fit couple, yet enjoyed many of the hikes in the park. Fire Wave and White Domes were fairly easy hikes. White Domes has a steep downhill start but it's so worth it. This is a loop hike - in order to ensure you're doing the steep decline rather than incline make sure you start straight out from the signs rather than on the drive up.
The weather forcast was not high but it seemed much hotter than it actually was. Make sure you take water, sunscreen and a hat regardless of how hot the temperature is.
We drove the entire park but didn't stop at every stop. We were there for about 4 hours. Which gave us time for Hoover Dam on the way back to Vegas.
We entered the park from the far side which is closest to the Visitor Center, however, I don't think it matters which side you enter. When we exited the same direction we saw a group of desert big horn sheep
We are not a fit couple, yet enjoyed many of the hikes in the park. Fire Wave and White Domes were fairly easy hikes. White Domes has a steep downhill start but it's so worth it. This is a loop hike - in order to ensure you're doing the steep decline rather than incline make sure you start straight out from the signs rather than on the drive up.
The weather forcast was not high but it seemed much hotter than it actually was. Make sure you take water, sunscreen and a hat regardless of how hot the temperature is.
We drove the entire park but didn't stop at every stop. We were there for about 4 hours. Which gave us time for Hoover Dam on the way back to Vegas.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori G
Lumberton, TX403 contributions
Oct 2020
The entrance fee is $10 and during COVID you pay at a kiosk that is not manned and you need exact change, so come prepared for that. It gets hot and there's very little shade so start early if possible. Wear a hat and bring water. The trails are easy and views are great. Rent a car if you're staying in Vegas. You can also travel back the route that takes you by Lake Mead if you want a different route back.
Written 14 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill B
Pueblo, CO1 374 contributions
Oct 2020
This place is an absolutely gorgeous. The trails have beautiful scenery and they are generally easy. The petroglyphs are next to the trails and remain almost untouched. If you take a trip here, you will not be disappointed. There are no crowds, it is incredibly beautiful, and the memories will be everlasting...$10 dollars per person to get in. The visitors center mini-museum is worth that.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KosherTraveller2011
New York City, NY671 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
If you love beautiful mountain scenery and gorgeous red rock formations in the desert, the Valley of Fire is a “must” place to visit on your next trip to Vegas. It’s just truly spectacular to see this natural beauty show of color and grandeur.
There are hiking trails, picturesque picnic spots and a welcome center with a unique gift shop.
Just to drive through the beautiful park itself is only a 20 minute excursion at slow speed. It’s a much longer visit if you decide to explore the hiking and nature trails. On a scorching hot day like the one I experienced, being out on the trails can get oppressively hot in a hurry.
The one negative is the long drive from Las Vegas to get here. It took us some 55 minutes just to get to the vicinity of the park. A lovely drive, but a lengthy one for a sort, if otherwise spectacular destination. It also costs $25 per car to access the Lake Meade recreation area.
There are hiking trails, picturesque picnic spots and a welcome center with a unique gift shop.
Just to drive through the beautiful park itself is only a 20 minute excursion at slow speed. It’s a much longer visit if you decide to explore the hiking and nature trails. On a scorching hot day like the one I experienced, being out on the trails can get oppressively hot in a hurry.
The one negative is the long drive from Las Vegas to get here. It took us some 55 minutes just to get to the vicinity of the park. A lovely drive, but a lengthy one for a sort, if otherwise spectacular destination. It also costs $25 per car to access the Lake Meade recreation area.
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
max number of persons, vehicles in a campsite
Written 25 February 2024
sorry can not answer that one. we just drove thru for the day. but you might be able to find that out on there website. they answer alot of questions if you cant find a answer you can either call or i emailed. and they got back to me.
Written 26 February 2024
If one only has 2 hours to spend in the park (will be in transit from Las Vegas to Bryce), what at the best/must do hikes for an adventurous family? We are fit but don’t hike that fast bc we like to enjoy scenery and the tweens love to scramble on any rocks they can find. Thanks!
Written 14 March 2023
The Fire Wave Trail is very nice and you can see some wonderful scenery and Bighorn sheep. The drive from the main entrance to the Fire Wave trailhead is loaded with scenic places to stop along the road. The trail is short and you can simply double back if and when you want to end it early. There is a nice, short slot canyon at the bottom of the hill on the left. You will love this place as well as Bryce. Why not stop at Zion too? If you do have the time it is well worth it. Even a day trip can do it and you can then take HWY 9, the most beautiful drive to Bryce. Bryce is great too, explore the Red Rock Canyon just before you hit Bryce. If you have time you could also drive east along HWY 12, a beautiful drive. Have fun and take lots of photos. Here is a website page of my short visit to Valley of Fire. Enjoy,
Written 14 March 2023
How does sunset photography work? Since they close at sunset do you need to arrive an hour early and be out of there by sunset?
Written 29 June 2021
That's pretty much the answer. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography in my opinion. I went there both times and spent hours. There is so much to see. Be at the gate when it opens and be ready to go once it gets almost dark. The park makes a sweep through the park to rouse any stragglers.
Written 29 June 2021
Is there another place to go in the area if Valley of Fire is full?
Written 11 November 2020
Now that I have been there, I’ll answer this for anyone who, like us, finds themselves with a Jeep-load of camping gear and no available campsites in Valley of Fire State Park (VOF). If you can’t find a spot, the closest and free option is Poverty Flats, just off Highway 169 in Moapa Valley. The camping here is not ideal, there is no available water and there are quite a few trailers and RV’s running generators. However, there is a TON of space and it is very flat as the name suggests. Most importantly, you’re just outside the southern entrance to the Park. If you layover here, you can get to the camping areas within the park, and be there inside of 15 minutes. From what we observed, getting there at about 9 am you’ll see sites start to open up. If you stay vigilant, you’ll end up getting a site. Echo Bay is another option, but it isn’t ideal either. The lake has receded so much that you’re quite far from the water and it’s not picturesque. It is dry camping just like Poverty Flats, but it is further from VOF.
Written 17 November 2020
Is the Park best entered from the North or South side? Thank you!
Written 8 July 2020
we choose to enter from the south since it's closer to the visitor center & we drove from Vegas and it seemed to be closer & also able to pick the trails that we managed to hike in a shorter period of time.
Written 9 July 2020
if just planning on driving thru and stopping at overlooks, etc. (no hiking), is this worth it? can you see a lot just from a car? thanks!
Written 18 March 2020
Oh my God yes!
I travel with my mother who is 74 now and cant hike much at all anymore, and so we see all parks from the point of how much can we see from the "Step out of your car" viewpoints. This park is AMAZING for what can be seen without hiking. The unique thing about Valley of Fire is the rock formations and Id guess around 80% or more can be seen from the overlooks along the road.
Valley of Fire Is SO totally worth the time to visit!
Also if you have time, check out Red Rock Canyon as well. Its under an hour west of Vegas and also has an amazing scenic drive that does not require hiking to enjoy the views.
Check out my reviews for more info.
Simple answer is YES. You should go see it, its worth it.
Hope that helps.
Written 18 March 2020
Would it be too hot to visit during end of May (Memorial Day weekend)? Any advice or experience during this time of year?
Written 1 March 2020
None of the trails are very long. Some of the nicest hikes are two miles round trip or less. Just have plenty of water, relax and enjoy!
Written 20 March 2020
Is Valley of Fire similar to Red Rock Canyon? We will stay 1 & 1/2 days at Vegas and Red Rock is on our list. Not sure if it’s a good idea to go to both places in one day.
Written 8 February 2020
I have been to red rock 3 times and valley of fire once and going back I would prefer spending more time at valley of fire. I think if you aren’t planning on hiking much you could do both. If you’re big hikers I wouldn’t do them both in a day. The nice thing is that they’re both super drivable, you don’t have to stop at everything and you can still see some amazing sights without hiking too far in.
Written 12 February 2020
Chefrobp
Las Vegas, Nevada
I would like to camp at Arch Rock campsite, but being a work vacation I do need wifi.
On the NV state park site, it says wifi is avail (for daily purchase) but after reading a few reviews from different websites...some are saying NO wifi.
Can anyone confirm either way.
Written 7 January 2020
They had very limited service when we were there. There is only certain parts of the park that has wifi. You would want to call the visitors center and ask the coverage areas.
Written 8 January 2020
We are looking to visit in February. Wondering if we need to concerned with weather such as snow.
Written 2 January 2020
I dont think so. Not much precipitation in the area, particularly if you are coming from Vegas
Written 5 January 2020
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