Nevada's oldest state park, about an hour northeast of Las Vegas: flaming red sandstone, 2,000-year-old petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and Mouse's Tank, and the swirling Fire Wave.
Valley of Fire State Park was established in 1935, making it Nevada's oldest state park. It earns its name in the afternoon, when the Aztec sandstone formations glow deep red and orange against the grey limestone mountains around them. The park is about 50 miles northeast of the Strip, roughly an hour's drive, near Overton and the northern arm of Lake Mead. It is the most dramatic desert scenery you can reach in a half-day from Las Vegas.
The highlights are spread along a few roads. Atlatl Rock has a staircase up to a panel of petroglyphs. The short Mouse's Tank trail through Petroglyph Canyon passes more rock art, some of it carved by Ancestral Puebloan and Basketmaker people more than 2,000 years ago. The White Domes road, about five and a half miles from the main road, leads to some of the most photographed spots: the striped Fire Wave, Pastel Canyon and the White Domes loop.
Arch Rock, Elephant Rock and the Beehives are quick roadside stops. A guided tour from Las Vegas includes hotel pickup and a guide who explains the geology and the rock art. Many include lunch and stop at four to six of these sites.
The heat is the main thing to plan around. From 15 May to 30 September every year, several of the most popular trails close for safety after repeated rescues and deaths. They include the Fire Wave, White Domes Loop, Pinnacles, Prospect and most of the Natural Arch trail. Roadside viewpoints, Atlatl Rock and Mouse's Tank remain accessible, but in summer you will see much less on foot. The park also closes completely for maintenance from 1 to 14 December.
If you drive yourself, the day-use fee is $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada plates and $10 for Nevada plates. The park is open sunrise to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open 9am to 4pm. Do not rely on rideshare: drivers can drop you off, but return rides are often unavailable. Drones are not allowed. From October to April, it is the best day trip in the area for photographers.
What to expect
The experience
Red and orange Aztec sandstone shaped into domes, arches, waves and beehive shapes. The Fire Wave and White Domes area are the most photographed, and the colours are strongest in late afternoon light.
Best time
October to April, when trails are open and temperatures are comfortable.
How long
Half a day to a full day.
Tips
Atlatl Rock and the Mouse's Tank trail have some of the best-preserved rock art in Nevada, some of it more than 2,000 years old. Look but do not touch: the carvings are fragile and protected. From 15 May to 30 September, several popular trails, including the Fire Wave and White Domes Loop, are closed because of heat. Viewpoints, Atlatl Rock and Mouse's Tank stay open, so summer visits are mostly short walks and roadside stops. Tours include hotel pickup and a guide, and many include lunch. They typically stop at the main formations and petroglyph sites and take most of a day. They also remove the risk of being stranded without a ride back. About an hour from the Strip via I-15. Day use costs $15 per non-Nevada vehicle and the park is open sunrise to sunset. Fill up with fuel and water before you go, as services inside the park are limited. Valley of Fire has redder rock and ancient petroglyphs but is twice as far. Red Rock is the better choice if you only have a few hours. Visit October to April for open trails and comfortable temperatures. Avoid 1 to 14 December, when the park closes for maintenance. Pair it with a drive along Lake Mead's Northshore Road on the way back for desert and lake views.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers, hikers and anyone who wants the most colourful desert landscape within an hour of Las Vegas.
- Families
- Great for kids who like scrambling over red rocks; bring water and sun protection.
- Couples
- Colorful red-rock scenery with ancient petroglyphs, about an hour from the Strip.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead Cruise.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
How far is Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?+
About 50 miles northeast of the Strip, roughly an hour's drive via Interstate 15.
How much does it cost to enter Valley of Fire?+
$15 per vehicle for non-Nevada plates and $10 for Nevada plates for day use. Guided tours include entry in the price.
Can I hike the Fire Wave in summer?+
No. The Fire Wave and several other popular trails are closed every year from 15 May to 30 September because of extreme heat. Viewpoints and short sites such as Atlatl Rock remain open.
Where are the petroglyphs?+
The best-known panels are at Atlatl Rock, reached by a staircase, and along the short Mouse's Tank trail in Petroglyph Canyon. Some are more than 2,000 years old.
Is Valley of Fire ever closed?+
The whole park closes for maintenance from 1 to 14 December each year. Entrances can also have restrictions during construction, so check the current status before you go.
