Recreation
Valley of Fire State Park |
|
Valley of Fire State Park Details
- Hours of operation: Park is open from sunrise to sunset; visitors center is open daily, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Cost: $6 per vehicle. Annual passes are available for $60. Camp sites are $14 per night.
- Payment options: Cash
- Location / Distance from Las Vegas: Located approximately 50 miles north of Las Vegas. Take Interstate 15 north; exit on Highway 169. Follow the signs to the Valley of Fire.
- Travel options: Bus, private vehicle
- On the way: Enjoy views of the Mojave Desert.
- Amenities: Camping facilities and water are available. Gas and food is not available in the park.
- What you'll need: Be sure and fill up your gas tank before travelling to Valley of Fire. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes.
- Annual visitors/busy season: Spring and fall are the most popular seasons.
Valley of Fire State Park Review
One look at the red sandstone rock formations of the Valley of Fire and it is obvious how Nevada's first state park got its name. Contrasting with surrounding grey limestone mountains, the fiery rocks stand out in the desert.
The Valley of Fire rock formations formed millions of years ago by a shift in the Earth's crust, faulting and wind and water erosion. Visitors can see rock domes, beehives, pillars and other formations.
The first inhabitants of the valley are thought to have migrated to the region about 300 B.C. American Indian cultures lived near Lake Mead and made frequent trips to the valley for hunting, food gathering and religious ceremonies until the 19th century. Rock petrogylphs give park visitors a glance at the lives of these early inhabitants.
A two-mile road through the 35,000-acre park allows visitors to stop and climb on and explore the rocks up close. From the road visitors can see Arch Rock, the Beehives and Piano Rock, all named for their shape.
A quarter-mile hike from the road is Mouse's Tank, a natural basin in the rocks where water collects after a rainfall. The area was named after a renegade American Indian who used it as a hideout in the 1890s.
Those wanting to take a longer hike can visit the Fire Canyon. The trail is an easy three-mile hike that offers great views of the red sandstone of Fire Canyon.
Because of the low desert conditions, winters in the park are mild and summers are hot. Summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees in the day and can vary greatly into the night.
The visitor's center displays maps of all trails, picnic areas and campgrounds within the park as well as a complete history of the rock formations and pictures of the local wildlife.
Valley of Fire is about an hour northeast of Las Vegas and about 10 minutes from the northern shore of Lake Mead.
