Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and
the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified
wood and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs.
The visitors center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center offers exhibits about the geology and animal life of the region, including the rare and protected desert tortoise. The center also has good information about desert flora and fauna. This is the only place to find a water fountain in the park.
Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The
park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays. Several group use areas are also available.
For complete hiking information, see Hiking in Southern Nevada.
A fine interpretive trail begins north of the park visitors center and leads a half-mile through the best petroglyphs in the park. The trail ends at a place called "Mouse's Tank" because it was a favorite catchbasin for water. This particular basin was named for a turn-of-the-century renegade Indian who used the area as a hide-out and utilized the tank as one of his water supplies.
Because of its location, the Valley of Fire is one of the best places in the state to watch the wildflowers bloom. In late March and early April, depending on rainfall, the park roads offer good places to spot the springtime blooms of desert marigold, indigobush and desert mallow.
There are plenty of places to explore in the park. Near the entrance from State Route 169, you can find the Cabins, which were native sandstone structures built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The buildings are now a picnic area.
Additionally, you can view the Seven Sisters -- seven huge sandstone towers that also serve as a picnic area or follow interpretive trails through a forest of petrified logs and stumps that date more than 200 million years in age. The park also has several interesting landmarks, including the Beehives, which were round sandstone formations that resemble their namesakes, and the White Domes.
At Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon, both north of the visitor center via a paved road and a short hike, you can find two excellent sites from which to photograph the park. RVers will find that the Valley of Fire has two campgrounds (both just off the main road, west of the visitors center) with 38 campsites. The sites are equipped with shaded tables, BBQ grills, water, showers and restrooms. There is also a recreational vehicle dump station near the campgrounds.
