Situated 16 miles south of Overton, Nevada, the Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area with almost 46,000 acres. It is an excellent place to spot birds and other wildlife, such as opossums and sandhill cranes, and is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Taking a closer look into this destination, it received its name from the vibrant red sandstone formations called Aztec Sandstone which was formed by shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. Founded in 1935, today, it’s Nevada’s oldest state park.
What makes Valley of Fire State Park so unique?
So what makes Valley of Fire State Park so unique? The answer is that it is home to 3,000-years-old Indian petroglyphs, petrified wood, and breathtaking rock formations such as the elephant rock and balancing rock, which makes this destination nothing short of amazing.
The trails, including the White domes trail, fire wave trail, and mouse’s tank trail, present its visitors with some of the best hikes that help to witness human history, colorful landscapes, incredible panoramic views, and so much more.
And it also has a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays and is open all year round. The best part is you can enjoy the beauty of this national monument entirely in just a few hours, but once you visit this place, you will surely want to spend more than just a few hours.
Wildlife in the Fire Valley
It is no surprise that nature preservation parks are all about numerous wildlife and amazing sceneries. This is no different in the Valley of Fire Park. The Valley of Fire is home to big horn sheep, lizards, desert tortoises, bobcats, jackrabbits, foxes, coyotes, and much more. Despite its name, these animals are primarily nocturnal, and a visit to the area is definitely worth it. Not forgetting, you can enjoy the sweeping scenery of the site, hike the trail, and view the wildlife in the valley together.
Scenery Of Fire Valley
The scenery in this destination is also spectacular. The park is known for its sand dunes, but you can also find beautiful rock formations that formed millions of years ago. The bright red hue of these boulders makes them a favorite among photographers. If you’re a bird lover, you should check out the zoo’s extensive collection of native critters. It will not fail to amaze you.
Hiking Trails in Fire Valley
Where there are spectacular sceneries, there are also exciting hiking trails. As mentioned before, this destination is full of trails with different formations you can hike in. You can walk on the park’s east side and reach Elephant Rock, an arch made of sandstone. The hike to this formation is about 0.3 miles long, and the most accessible trail to view this area is from the east. And you can also hike up to the west side of the canyon and back.
Hiking these trails is not as difficult as it seems, mainly because the road to the Valley of Fire is paved and well-maintained. Not only is this destination free to camp, but it is also open from sunrise to sunset every single day. The good news is it is less crowded than most parks in Nevada, so if you dislike overcrowded places, you have little to worry about.
How do you get to Valley of Fire?
So how do you get to this spectacular destination? Getting to the Valley of Fire is easy. Alternatively, many tourists prefer to fly to McCarran International Airport and rent a car. The easiest route is to drive through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which will add about 30 minutes to your journey, but remember that you will have to pay an entrance fee.
If driving alone and locating the destination by yourself sounds too complicated, tour companies can arrange pickups at hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. For a more extreme outdoor experience, consider booking a Valley of Fire Jeep Tour.
Conclusion
Whether you decide to camp, hike, drive or book a tour through these one-of-a-kind rock formations, the Valley of Fire’s scenery will mesmerize you. Tourists reflect upon their visit that it feels like you’re walking on another planet. So if you want to experience the warm Aztec sandstone that glows in warm light in burning embers, pack your bags take plenty of water, and prepare for the breathtaking beauty of the Valley of Fire.