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Valley of Fire Nevada Travel Guide
Top Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park
Visitors searching for the best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park will discover one of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the American Southwest. Located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest state park and is famous for its blazing red sandstone formations that glow like fire at sunset.
Some of the top things to do in Valley of Fire State Park include:
• Visit the Valley of Fire Visitor Center
The visitor center is a great first stop with exhibits about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. It also offers maps, trail information, and restrooms.
• Photograph the Fire Wave
One of the most photographed formations in the park, the Fire Wave features swirling red, pink, and white sandstone layers that look like a frozen wave.
• See Valley of Fire Petroglyphs
Thousands of ancient rock carvings created by Ancestral Puebloans and later Southern Paiute people can be seen at sites like Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank Trail.
• Drive the Scenic Valley of Fire Highway
The main park road passes towering rock formations, colorful desert landscapes, and scenic overlooks.
• Hike the White Domes Loop
This short trail winds through slot canyons and past the remains of a Hollywood movie set built in 1966.
Many visitors come specifically to capture Valley of Fire State Park pictures, as the park’s red rock formations create some of the most striking desert photography in Nevada.
Explore Valley of Fire With a Self-Guided Driving Tour
One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking a self-guided Valley of Fire driving tour that leads visitors through the most scenic and historic locations.
Valley of Fire Desert Legends Driving Tour
This GPS-guided driving tour takes visitors through Nevada’s oldest state park while sharing the stories, legends, and history behind the landscape.
The route follows Valley of Fire Highway and nearby park roads, automatically playing stories as you reach key locations.
Greg Valley of Fire's Desert Le…
Highlights of the tour include:
• Atlatl Rock and its ancient petroglyphs carved into the sandstone thousands of years ago
• The colorful sandstone formations of the Fire Wave
• Mouse’s Tank Canyon, where an outlaw named Little Mouse once hid from authorities
• The remains of a 1966 Hollywood movie set hidden inside White Domes Canyon
• Scenic viewpoints overlooking the fiery red rock formations of the park
Along the way, the tour shares stories about the Southern Paiute people who lived in this desert for centuries, early explorers who traveled the Old Spanish Trail, and how Hollywood transformed Valley of Fire into alien worlds for movies and television.
Greg Valley of Fire's Desert Le…
Because the tour is self-guided, visitors can stop at scenic viewpoints, hike trails, and explore the park at their own pace.
What's Free and What has a Fee
Free Things to Do
Visitors can enjoy scenic views outside the park without paying admission.
Free highlights include:
• Driving scenic desert highways approaching the park
• Taking pictures of Valley of Fire Nevada from roadside viewpoints
• Photographing the colorful sandstone formations near the park entrance
Attractions With Fees
Most attractions are located inside Valley of Fire State Park and require an entrance fee.
Popular paid activities include:
• Hiking trails like Fire Wave and White Domes
• Visiting the Valley of Fire Visitor Center
• Viewing ancient Valley of Fire petroglyphs
• Driving the park’s scenic road network
Entrance fees help maintain trails, park facilities, and conservation programs.
How to Get Here
Valley of Fire State Park is located in southern Nevada.
By Air
The closest major airport is:
Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)
Located about 1 hour from the park
Visitors typically rent a car and drive to the park.
By Car
Valley of Fire is easily accessible by road.
Driving times:
• Las Vegas — about 1 hour
• St. George, Utah — about 2 hours
• Zion National Park — about 2.5 hours
The park can be reached via Interstate 15 and Nevada Route 169.
Where to Stay
Visitors searching for a Valley of Fire hotel will find several options near the park.
Hotels Near Valley of Fire State Park
Typical price range: $150–$280 per night
Recommended hotels:
• North Shore Inn at Lake Mead – Overton, Nevada
• Best Western Mesquite Inn – Mesquite, Nevada
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mesquite
These hotels are located about 30–45 minutes from the park.
Hotels in Las Vegas
Typical price range: $120–$350 per night
Many visitors stay in Las Vegas and take a day trip to the park.
Recommended hotels:
• Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
• The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
• Caesars Palace
Las Vegas offers a wide range of lodging and dining options.
Budget Hotels Nearby
Typical price range: $70–$130 per night
Affordable lodging can be found in nearby towns.
Recommended options:
• Virgin River Hotel & Casino – Mesquite
• CasaBlanca Resort – Mesquite
• Plaza Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas
These hotels provide budget-friendly accommodations for travelers exploring the park.
When to Visit
Valley of Fire can be visited year-round, but some seasons are more comfortable.
Spring
Spring is one of the best seasons to visit.
Visitors enjoy:
• mild temperatures
• wildflowers after winter rains
• excellent hiking weather
Summer
Summer can be extremely hot.
Temperatures often exceed 110°F, so visitors should bring plenty of water.
Fall
Fall offers cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting for photography.
Winter
Winter temperatures are mild, making it a great time for hiking and sightseeing.
How Much Time You'll Need
Most visitors explore the park in one day.
One Day Valley of Fire State Park Itinerary
Many travelers follow one-day Valley of Fire itineraries.
Morning
• Stop at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center
• See the Atlatl Rock petroglyphs
• Photograph the Beehives rock formations
Afternoon
• Hike the Fire Wave trail
• Visit Mouse’s Tank Trail
• Explore Rainbow Vista viewpoints
Evening
• Take a Valley of Fire driving tour
• Capture sunset Valley of Fire State Park pictures
Two Day Valley of Fire Itineraries
With more time visitors can also:
• explore White Domes Trail
• photograph Fire Canyon
• visit nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Valley of Fire State Park located?
Valley of Fire State Park is located in southern Nevada about one hour northeast of Las Vegas.
What is the Valley of Fire Visitor Center?
The visitor center provides exhibits about the park’s geology, wildlife, and Native American history, along with maps and restrooms.
Where can you see Valley of Fire petroglyphs?
The most famous petroglyph sites are Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank Trail, where thousands of ancient carvings are visible.
Why is Valley of Fire famous?
The park is known for its blazing red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic desert landscapes.