Valley Of Fire ( from Las Vegas)
We aren't much for Las Vegas, but this last trip was free through my company, and I started looking outside for more than the strip. One of the places I came across was the Valley of Fire State Park. Less than an hour away, you feel like you’ve stepped into another world!
The Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is a place of natural beauty and awe-inspiring rock formations. The park is home to some of the country's most unique and breathtaking landscapes and is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
The Valley of Fire State Park covers over 42,000 acres of land and is known for its fiery red sandstone formations. The sandstone formations were created over 150 million years ago and have been shaped by wind and water over time to form the stunning natural sculptures that you can see today.
One of the park's must-see formations is the Fire Wave, a rock formation that looks like a wave of fire and is made of multi-colored sandstone. The Fire Wave is one of the most photographed spots in the park and is a must-visit destination for those who want to capture the park's beauty on film. Absolutely hit the top of my list!
The fire wave
In addition to the Fire Wave, you can also see the Elephant Rock, a rock formation that looks like an elephant, and the White Domes, which are large white sandstone formations carved into unique shapes by wind and water. Elephant Rock can be found pretty quickly when entering the park. An easy pull-off photo opts moment.
Another popular attraction in the park is the Seven Sisters, a series of seven tall rock formations that are thought to have been formed by volcanic activity. The Seven Sisters are a popular spot for hikers and offer a challenging and rewarding experience for those who are up for it.
For those interested in history, the park is also home to several petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that were created by the indigenous people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.
The Valley of Fire State Park is a great place to visit year-round. Although summer can be very hot, visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing. Winter can be cool and windy, but it is still a great time to visit the park as the red sandstone formations take on a warm glow in the low light.
How to get to Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located in Nevada, about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. The easiest way to get to the park is by car, as it is not served by public transportation. From Las Vegas, take I-15 north to exit 75 (Valley of Fire Highway), and then follow the signs to the park. If you are flying into Las Vegas, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to the park, or arrange for a shuttle or taxi service. Once you arrive at Valley of Fire State Park, there is a visitor center and plenty of parking, so you can easily explore the park on foot or by car.
Where to stay
Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada offers a variety of options for those looking to stay overnight. If you're looking for a unique experience, you can camp in one of the park's designated campgrounds or rent a yurt for a more comfortable camping experience. If camping is not your thing, several hotels, such as the Moapa Valley Resort and The North Shore Inn at Lake Mead, are located just outside the park's boundaries. Alternatively, you could stay in the city of Las Vegas (which is what we did) and make a day trip to the park. No matter what your preference, there is a lodging option to suit your needs when visiting Valley of Fire State Park.
