The Valley of Fire State Park is situated just 35 miles north east of Las Vegas near the village of Overton, NV. You can reach it by driving north on interstate 15 for approximately 30 miles, then turning east on Route 169 at the Moapa Indian Reservation. It is less than an hour drive from the Las Vegas strip.
This peculiar desert landscape contains a wide variety of volcanic rock and eroded red sandstone in fascinating multihued formations. The park gets its name from the fiery appearance of the red cliffs when the morning sunset strikes them. The strange geological features give this area an unearthly look. In fact, the Valley of Fire has been used as the location for many Hollywood films including one of the Star Trek series and several prehistoric sagas.
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| Desert Hike |
Most of the Park is easily accessible along route 169 and via a short access road into the hills. It has a visitor center with interpretive exhibits about the geology, archeology, flora and fauna of the region. There are numerous walking trails along the roads including some handicapped accessible trails. It has a small campground and many locations for rock climbing or bouldering.
There are numerous Indian petroglyphs and pictographs on the rock formations throughout the Park. A short, easy ¼-mile walk along Mouse's Tank trail permits you to view thousands of these ancient drawings at close range.
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| Petroglyphs |
The Valley of Fire State Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. It costs only a modest three dollars per vehicle entry fee collected on the honor system. The visitor center is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This is one of the greatest bargains in the Las Vegas area. I suggest you take a half-day break from the slot machines to pay a visit to this fascinating geological attraction.
The Lost City Museum of Archeology is located a few miles up route 169 in Overton. It gives you a glimpse into the ancient world of the great Pueblo civilizations that once populated the region.
Written by: Mike Leco
Take part in two of Las Vegas' best natural attractions on the Jessie James Breakfast Horseback Ride! Start your day with a hearty all-you-can-eat breakfast before mounting your horse for a leisurely one-hour ride through the Paiute Canyon. You'll have marvelous views of the Nevada countryside before your trip to the red rocks of the Valley of Fire.
Valley of Fire State Park - See it up close and personal on a mountain bike! This great tour allows even those with limited off-road or bike riding experience to see and enjoy the incredible sights of nature’s magnificent creations, such as the Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, Petrified Wood and White Dome. Valley of Fire Mountain Biking
Ride your own 4 wheeler through the Valley of Fire, over sand dunes and some of the most spectacular scenery you're likely to ever see. This ride takes you as far from the Strip as you can get, but close enough to be back at the tables by nightfall. Valley of Fire ATV Tour.
