Valley of Fire, Nevada

Overview

Welcome to Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest and sassiest state park, where the sandstone burns brighter than your last vacation tan. Just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, this 46,000-acre desert playground lives up to its name with flaming red Aztec sandstone, petrified trees, ancient petroglyphs, and Mars-like rock formations that make GPS signals question reality. Formed over 150 million years ago, these fiery outcrops glow like embers at sunrise and sunset, turning casual hikes into cinematic adventures. It's the kind of place where your camera begs for a break, and your legs whisper, "One more trail."

Top Attractions

Fire Wave

A swirling red-and-white sandstone formation that looks like nature's answer to Neapolitan ice cream-only hotter.

Atlatl Rock

Home to some of the most vivid petroglyphs in the Southwest viewed via a short stairway to ancient graffiti.

Elephant Rock

A natural arch shaped uncannily like an elephant mid-stretch don't forget to photograph from the trunk side.

Mouse's Tank

A short hike through a petroglyph-lined canyon ending at a rock basin (tank) that collects rainwater-named after an outlaw, obviously.

Rainbow Vista

A kaleidoscope of color in sandstone form-great views, better photos, and even better bragging rights.

Arch Rock & Seven Sisters

Quirky rock formations that look like they're hosting a sandstone tea party.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Named for Its Glow: The red rocks appear to be on fire when the sun hits them at certain angles best seen around golden hour (a.k.a. nature's Instagram filter).
• Star of Stage and Screen: Valley of Fire has starred in Star Trek: Generations, Total Recall, and even a Beyoncé music video.
• Ancient Art Gallery: Petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years from the Ancestral Puebloans are etched all over the canyon walls.
• Home to the Atlatl: The park's name-checking weapon was a prehistoric dart thrower-yes, it sounds fun and dangerous.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Hiking the Fire Wave Trail: A 1.5-mile round trip to the park's showstopper-get there early before the crowds and the heat.
• Petroglyph Viewing at Atlatl Rock and Mouse's Tank: See messages left behind by ancient artists-bonus: you don't need to decode them.
• Photography: The golden hour turns the park into a living postcard-bring backup batteries and empty memory cards.
• Camping Under the Stars: Pitch a tent at Atlatl Campground and sleep where the Milky Way feels within reach.
• Scenic Driving: White Domes Road is next level when it comes to scenic byways every turn is a new jaw drop.
• Bouldering and Rock Scrambling: Explore the crevices and corridors-just don't try to outrun the desert squirrels. They know what they're doing.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• No buffets inside the park, but head to Overton or Las Vegas (45-60 minutes) for all-you-can-eat extravaganzas.
• Sugar's Home Plate (Overton, 18 miles): Local gem classic comfort food with a side of Route 66 nostalgia.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza (29 miles): A modest slot-and-snack stop with tribal vibes.
• Las Vegas Strip (50 miles): Slightly beyond 30 miles, but the casino motherlode is an hour away because Vegas never met a jackpot it didn't like.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Beehives: Rounded rock formations at the park entrance that look like giant desert muffins.
• The Cabins: Stone shelters built by the CCC in the 1930s-think Flintstones meets Airbnb (no actual bookings allowed).
• Fossil Beds: Petrified logs up to 225 million years old because this park likes to show off.
• Desert Mirage Effect: With the right heat and lighting, the landscape can look like it's levitating bring water and maybe a reality check.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Mouse's Tank Ghost Legend: Named after a 19th-century Paiute renegade who supposedly haunted the canyon-locals say you can still hear footsteps in the gravel.
• Old CCC Cabins: Park rangers have reported doors creaking and cold spots in otherwise broiling weather-hmm...
• Desert Light Orbs: Night hikers have claimed to see glowing balls of light hovering near petroglyph walls aliens? Spirits? Just Nevada?

Local Events & Festivals

• Clark County Fair & Rodeo (Logandale, April): A yeehaw-style celebration with food, rides, and cowboy flair.
• Valley of Fire Star Party (seasonal): Telescope-toting astronomers gather to stargaze under some of the clearest skies in Nevada.
• Las Vegas Rock Crawlers & Desert Fest (Fall): Off-roaders and explorers converge just outside the park for dust, thrills, and grilled things on sticks.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: Stay in Las Vegas (50 miles)

And day trip-The Venetian, Red Rock Resort, or any number of resorts await.

Mid-Range: North Shore Inn (Overton, 18 miles)

Basic, comfy, and much closer than the Strip.

Budget: Camping at Atlatl Rock or Arch Rock campgrounds

First-come, first-served, $20/night, and 5 billion stars.

Glamping Nearby

A few off-grid domes and desert yurts popping up in Moapa and Mesquite check Airbnb or Hipcamp.

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

Sugar's Home Plate (Overton)

Burgers, milkshakes, and vintage diner vibes after a fiery hike.

Inside Scoop (Overton)

Ice cream oasis in the desert. Go ahead get the double scoop. You earned it.

Pack Your Own Picnic

No restaurants inside the park-bring water, trail snacks, and a burrito that travels well.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Refillable water bottle (lots of water), wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, snacks, a map (no cell signal), and a camera.
• Safety: Summer heat is real-don't underestimate it. Hike early, hydrate constantly, and avoid the mid-day sun.
• Accessibility: Many main attractions are accessible by car with short walks; White Domes Trail has uneven terrain but is worth the effort.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Overton (18 miles): Gas, grub, and a dose of small-town Nevada charm.
• Lake Mead (25 miles): Just beyond the limit, but worth it for kayaking, swimming, and bonus red rocks.
• Moapa Valley: Great for roadside curiosities and Paiute history.

Recommended Duration of Stay

1-2 Days: Just right for scenic drives, hikes, epic photo ops, and a sunset that will haunt your group chat forever.

Target Travelers

• Desert Photographers: This is your golden-hour playground.
• Hiking Couples & Weekend Wanderers: Close to Vegas, but a world apart.
• Adventure Families: Short trails, jaw-dropping rocks, and geology disguised as fun.
• Sci-Fi Fans & Nature Nerds: Landscapes straight out of a Tatooine travel brochure.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Valley of Fire: Nevada's Most Flamingly Photogenic Park" - Explore this fiery desert wonderland.