Valley of Fire Overlook

Overview

Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and largest state park, covering 46,000 acres of brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The landscape includes 3,000-year-old petroglyphs and petrified wood.

Highlights

• Fire Wave Trail: A moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike through striped red and white sandstone that resembles frozen waves.
• Mouse's Tank: A natural rock basin along a short trail lined with ancient Puebloan petroglyphs.
• Elephant Rock: A natural sandstone arch resembling an elephant, accessible from the roadside.

History

The park was established in 1935 as Nevada's first state park. The red sandstone formations are 150 million years old, formed from shifting sand dunes during the Jurassic period.

Visitor Tips

• Summer Heat: Temperatures exceed 110°F (43°C) in summer. Visit October through April for comfortable hiking.
• Fuel Up: No gas stations in the park — fill up before leaving Las Vegas.
• Duration: 2–4 hours.