Valley of Fire State Park
- Admission
- $15 per vehicle ($10 for Nevada residents)
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset daily (Visitor Center open 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Duration
- 3-5 hours
- Parking
- Paved parking lots are available at the visitor center, trailheads, and major scenic overlooks.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible visitor center and restrooms, with paved pathways at major viewpoints like Atlatl Rock.
Nevada's oldest state park features 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops that appear to be on fire under the sun. It's famous for its ancient petroglyphs, scenic drives, and surreal rock formations like the Fire Wave. Amazingly, these vibrant formations date back to the age of the dinosaurs.
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Established in 1935, Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. It derives its name from the brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations, which were formed from shifting sand dunes over 150 million years ago during the age of the dinosaurs.
Visitors can explore a surreal landscape featuring ancient petroglyphs carved by the Ancestral Puebloans, alongside striking geologic wonders like the Fire Wave and Elephant Rock. The park offers scenic drives with easily accessible pullouts as well as diverse hiking trails that weave through narrow slot canyons.
The area's otherworldly appearance has made it a popular filming location for numerous Hollywood movies and sci-fi films. At sunset, the sandstone formations seem to glow with an intense, fiery brilliance, making it a premier destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
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parkVisitor Tips
- ◆ Arrive early in the morning to secure parking at popular trailheads like the Fire Wave and White Domes.
- ◆ Stop by the visitor center first to view the excellent geological exhibits and pick up a physical trail map.
- ◆ Carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, even if you only plan on taking short walks near your vehicle.
- ◆ Visit during the late afternoon to witness the rocks at their most vibrant as the sun begins to set.
Heads Up
- ◆ Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), and trails may be closed during extreme heat for safety.
- ◆ Cellular service is extremely limited or non-existent throughout most of the park, so download offline maps beforehand.
- ◆ Do not touch, deface, or climb on the historic petroglyphs, as federal and state laws strictly protect these cultural sites.
Common questions
Do you need a reservation to hike the Fire Wave?
No reservation is required, but the Fire Wave trail is closed annually from June 1 to October 1 due to extreme summer heat.
Can you see petroglyphs in Valley of Fire without a long hike?
Yes, petroglyphs are easily visible at Atlatl Rock, which features a metal staircase leading directly from the parking lot to the rock art.
Is there cell service inside Valley of Fire State Park?
Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent throughout most of the park. It is highly recommended to download offline maps before entering the area.