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Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park, set in the Mojave Desert northeast of Las Vegas near the Lake Mead area. Its name comes from the red Aztec sandstone outcrops that seem to glow in the sun, eroded into domes, arches and wave-like patterns. Ancient peoples left extensive rock art here, and the dramatic scenery has appeared in many films.
Near the west entrance, the Beehives are rounded, layered sandstone formations, and Atlatl Rock carries petroglyphs reached by a staircase. Arch Rock and the Seven Sisters are short roadside stops, and Elephant Rock, close to the east entrance, is named for its resemblance to an elephant's head and trunk. The trail through Petroglyph Canyon to Mouse's Tank, a natural basin that collects rainwater, passes numerous rock carvings. Along the scenic road toward White Domes, Rainbow Vista overlooks multicolored sandstone, and Fire Canyon and Silica Dome showcase the park's contrasts of red and white. The Fire Wave, a striped sandstone swirl, is a short hike, and the White Domes loop passes through a slot canyon near Pastel Canyon.
The park works well as a day trip from Las Vegas and suits photographers and casual hikers. Light is best early and late in the day. Summer heat is extreme and some trails close in hot months, so cooler seasons are recommended.
WiserMap travel guideValley of Fire Nevada Fire Wave White Domes and PetroglyphsExplore Valley of Fire State Park with this guide to Fire Wave, White Domes, Mouse's Tank petroglyphs, Elephant Rock, seasons, heat safety and day plans.Read the guide
Rounded sandstone formations near the west entrance, shaped by wind and water into layered domes that look like old-fashioned beehives. Short paths lead around them, and picnic areas are nearby. They are a good first stop and glow at sunrise and sunset.
Arch Rock is a small natural arch on the scenic loop road near the campgrounds. The Seven Sisters are a group of red rock towers beside the main road with a shaded picnic area. Both are short walks from the parking areas and easy for all ages.
A sandstone formation shaped like an elephant with its trunk touching the ground, near the east entrance of the park. A short trail of a few minutes leads from the parking area by the east entrance station. Look at it from the side to see the elephant clearly.
A large rock perched on a narrow pedestal of sandstone next to the visitor center. A short loop path starts from the parking lot, and it is an easy stop for families. Do not climb on it, as the pedestal is fragile and the formation is protected.
A tall rock face covered in ancient petroglyphs, including a figure of an atlatl, a spear-throwing tool used by early hunters. A metal staircase climbs to a platform for a close view. Never touch the rock art, as skin oils damage it.
A sandy trail of about three-quarters of a mile round trip through a narrow canyon lined with petroglyphs, ending at a natural basin that holds rainwater. It is named after a Southern Paiute man nicknamed Mouse who hid here in the 1890s. Look high on the walls for the carvings.
A viewpoint on the White Domes Road looking over swirling red, pink, orange and cream sandstone. A short trail from the parking lot leads out toward Fire Canyon. It is one of the most photographed views in the park, especially in the late afternoon.
An overlook reached by a short spur road off the White Domes Road, looking down into the deep red Fire Canyon. Across the canyon rises Silica Dome, made of nearly white sandstone. It is a quick stop and gives some of the strongest color contrasts in the park.
A hike of about 1.5 miles round trip to a sandstone dome striped with red, pink and white bands like a wave. The trail is mostly sand and slickrock with no shade. Go in the late afternoon for the best colors, and note that some trails close in the hottest months.
The White Domes trail is a loop of about a mile at the end of the scenic road, passing through a short slot canyon and the remains of a movie set. Pastel Canyon is a short walk off the same road with walls of pink and cream rock. Watch for bighorn sheep.
Two sites in the park with sections of fossilized trees that were washed into the area about 225 million years ago and turned to stone. The logs are protected behind fences. They are short stops along the main road and are best seen with the help of the park map.
The park visitor center has exhibits on the geology, plants, animals and human history of the area, along with maps, trail conditions and a gift shop. Rangers can suggest hikes for the weather. Stop here first to fill water bottles and check which trails are open.
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