Destination: Valley of Fire State Park
Location: Moapa Valley, Nevada
This state park is known for it’s beautiful red scenic drives, and red and tan limestone rock formations dating back thousands of years.
I took a day trip to the Valley of Fire State Park, on the last day of the High Limit event at the Las Vegas Dirt Track in early March. I had this state park on my bucket list for the trip, from the time I found out I was going to Las Vegas.
The day I went was a HOT 85 degrees. I took a Stanley water bottle and purchased water at the Visitor’s Center gift shop. The park also has water fill stations in certain locations – just look at the map for those. I picked up a map of the park to be prepared on the trails so I didn’t get lost. The Verizon cell service is non-existent, so having a map is key. The trails are pretty well marked so you shouldn’t have a problem finding your way.
I would highly recommend taking a day and going to visit Valley of Fire State Park. It’s hard to believe when people go to Las Vegas, they usually skip this park and only focus their time on the Strip.
Here are a few more photos from my visit and a little bit more helpful information for your trip.
Overview
Admission Fees:
$10 per vehicle (Nevada Residents)
$15 per vehicle (Non-NV Residents)
Park Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset Daily
24-hour access to Campgrounds
Best time to Visit:
The park is open daily year round but the best months to visit are October to March
Things to Do at Valley of Fire State Park
If you only have one day to visit, you can easily hit up all the iconic spots in Valley of Fire State Park. The hikes within the park are all less than 2 miles long. I started my day around 11am, so I really only had time to do two hikes but I also spent a lot of time pulling off at random spots to take photos. I had about 4 hours to do 3.5 miles and take photos, but still enjoy my time.
I stopped by the Visitor Center first, which is open daily from 9am to 4pm. I usually start my ‘journey’ here because I like to collect souvenirs from every park I visit. I do that first so I won’t have to worry about making it back here after a day of sightseeing and whatnot. You can also learn a lot from exhibits they have on sight.
Hiking; Mouse's Tank Trail (Easy)
Length:
.75 mile R.T.
Elevation Gain:
49 feet
Where to Park?
Parking lot at Trailhead
The best and an easy hike in Valley of Fire State Park, with loose sandy trails, some shade, and great views. This trail is perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, from children to the elderly.
Hiking: Fire Wave / 7 Wonders Trail (Moderate)
Length:
1.8-2 miles Loop
Elevation Gain:
300-400 feet
Where to Park?
Parking Lot 3
This may be the most popular trail in Valley of Fire State Park. If you only have time to do one hike, this will be the one. You see so many unique views from the Fire Wave, to a Pink Canyon, a Stot Canyon, not to mention lots of sand and lizards. The ‘end’ of the Fire Wave trail ends at a sign that tells you that you can either turn around and keep hiking to complete the Seven Wonders loop.
As someone that lives in Iowa and grew up in Pennsylvania, slot canyons are non-existent. I had a really enjoyable time exploring the slot canyons and just enjoying the views.
What was most intriguing about this hike were the different colors you see on the rocks. The formations and colors of the rocks shifted from red to pinks and pastels, which was also iconic to the Seven Wonders Loop.
Most of the Fire Wave Trail and the Seven Wonder Loop consisted of hiking over loose sand and the occasionally small climbs over uneven terrain but I wouldn’t say any of this was difficult. I stopped numerous times just to snap photos and really admire the different types of geological features.
The Seven Wonders Loop eventually connects with the White Domes Trail, I just didn’t have enough time to hit that trail. I wish I did.
The Beehives
The Beehives in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, are unique, cone-shaped Aztec sandstone formations resembling large beehives. These were so neat to walk in, and explore.
The rock formations show cross-bedding, highlighting different time periods and the direction of wind or water that deposited the sediment.
Additional Views
America The Beautiful Pass
I liked my hiking adventure in Nevada so much that I decided to purchase an America the Beautiful US Resident pass – allowing me to visit other National Parks and Recreation Areas during my travels for races across the country.
I have a few cool trips to multiple states this year for sprint car races, and I think I can hit a few other Recreation Areas, National Parks, and State Parks such as: Mt. Rainier National Park (Washington), Badlands National Park (South Dakota).