Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park, situated in Nevada, spans over 40,000 acres of desert landscape. Established in 1935, it stands as Nevada's oldest and largest state park, known for its distinctive red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and petrified trees dating back thousands of years. The park's terrain offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and camping amidst its unique geological features. Visitors can explore scenic drives along routes such as the White Domes Road. Valley of Fire State Park offers a glimpse into the ancient geological history of the region. Here are some travel tips if you plan to visit this state park.

Valley of Fire State Park Travel Tips

Check Park Hours:

Verify the operating hours of Valley of Fire State Park, as they may vary depending on the season.

Obtain Park Passes:

Purchase park passes or permits in advance to streamline entry and support park conservation efforts.

Dress for the Desert:

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection to stay comfortable and safe in the desert environment.

Bring Ample Water:

Carry plenty of water, as dehydration can occur quickly in the arid climate of Valley of Fire. Bring more than you think you'll need, especially if hiking.

Pack Snacks:

Bring snacks and meals, as there are limited dining options within the park. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.

Explore Scenic Drives:

Take a scenic drive along the park's designated routes to admire the diverse landscapes and rock formations from the comfort of your vehicle.

Hike the Trails:

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the park's network of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Be sure to carry a map and stay on designated paths.

Photograph the Rock Formations:

Capture the vibrant hues of the park's sandstone formations at sunrise or sunset for stunning photographs.

Respect Wildlife:

Observe wildlife from a distance and refrain from feeding or disturbing animals to preserve their natural behaviors and habitats.

Leave No Trace:

Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting park regulations to minimize your environmental impact.

During our visit to The Valley of Fire State Park, we saw beehive rocks, petroglyphs, layered rocks from the prehistoric ages, as well as lots of caves.

What we learned about Atlatl Rock:

Atlati Rock

“An atlatl is a throwing stick or a dart thrower

used by ancient tribes to give more force to

their darts or spears. It was usually a wooden

stick about two feet long with a handhold on

one end and a hook on the other end. A slot

cut in the tail end of the dart was set against the

nook allowing the dart to lie along the atlatl so

that both could be grasped midway of the dart

by the user.

These petroglyphs were made by ancient

tribes. Respect their antiquity. Help

preserve them.”

Sign Transcribed:

“Petroglyphs: What Do They Mean?

These petroglyphs have existed for over 4,000 years. Ancient drawings are a reflection of the past and the lifestyles of Native American cultures. Although we don't know the exact meaning of these images, this art reflects the thoughts of these people.

In order to protect these cultural treasures, we ask that you do not walk on, touch or deface the rock.

Help us protect our petroglyphs for others to enjoy for generations to come.

Report vandalism!”

Trip Recap

Our journey to The Valley of Fire State Park kicked off with my two brothers and I meeting at Embassy Suites International North next to LAX where we rented a family suite for one night to avoid missing our flight the next morning. We then hopped on the free airport shuttle to LAX and boarded Alaska Airlines at 7:35am to Las Vegas on 9.16.21. From there, we took a rental shuttle to pick up our Hertz Rental car from McCarran Intl’Airport, and then we headed directly to the Valley of Fire State Park as this was our first stop on the way to Utah.

One of the highlights of our trip was when we requested a blanket from the front desk at our hotel and it was delivered to us by a robot.

Overall, our trip was great and couldn’t have gone smoother in terms of flight, rental car and then visiting the park.

Overall, this park was awesome to visit as the rocks and caves were the main attractions. It's always interesting to see petroglyphs and to think about what went on at the same location ages ago. If you're planning on a visit, I recommend going in the cooler months.