Valley of Fire State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Valley of Fire State Park — Nevada’s oldest and largest state park — 40,000 acres of blazing red Aztec sandstone, 3,000-year-old petroglyphs, the iconic Fire Wave trail, and two campgrounds — just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s most spectacular natural wonder — 40,000 acres of brilliant red, orange, and pink Aztec sandstone formations sculpted by 150 million years of erosion. Located just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas near Overton, it’s the state’s oldest park (dedicated 1935) and one of the most visually stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. Ancient Puebloan petroglyphs, petrified wood, and otherworldly rock formations make this a must-visit destination.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | ~50 mi NE of Las Vegas, near Overton, NV |
| Size | 40,000 acres |
| Admission | $10/vehicle (Nevada residents), $15/vehicle (non-residents) |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset (visitor center: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM) |
| Campgrounds | Atlatl Rock (44 sites, hookups) + Arch Rock (29 sites) |
Must-See Highlights
| Feature | Description | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Wave | Striped red/white sandstone wave formation | 1.2 mi RT — easy/moderate (closed summer) |
| Atlatl Rock | Ancient petroglyphs — metal staircase to viewing platform | Short walk — accessible |
| Mouse’s Tank / Petroglyph Canyon | Hundreds of 3,000-year-old petroglyphs | 0.75 mi RT — easy canyon walk |
| White Domes | Multicolored rock formations + movie set ruins | 1.25 mi loop (closed summer) |
| Elephant Rock | Natural rock arch resembling an elephant | Roadside — short walk |
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Atlatl Rock | 44 | Electric/water hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, dump station |
| Arch Rock | 29 | Vault toilets — more scenic, rustic |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Fire Wave, White Domes, Mouse’s Tank — seasonal closures |
| Scenic Driving | Valley of Fire Highway — stunning formations |
| Petroglyphs | Atlatl Rock, Petroglyph Canyon — 3,000+ years old |
| Camping | 73 total sites — reserve via Reserve Nevada |
| Photography | World-class desert landscape photography |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Valley of Fire?
October through April. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, and popular trails (Fire Wave, White Domes, Pastel Canyon) are closed from mid-May through September 30. Spring and fall offer perfect hiking weather with open trails and dramatic light for photography.
How far is Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?
About 50 miles northeast — roughly a 1-hour drive via I-15 North. It’s one of the best day trips from Las Vegas and easily combined with the Lost City Museum in Overton.
Are the petroglyphs real?
Yes — the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and Petroglyph Canyon (Mouse’s Tank Trail) are estimated to be over 3,000 years old, created by ancient Puebloan peoples. They are among the best-preserved rock art sites in the Southwest. Never touch, trace, or damage the petroglyphs.
