Ultimate One-Day Itinerary for Valley of Fire State Park (Map + Photos)
Are you looking for a desert escape that will leave you breathless? Look no further than Valley of Fire State Park—a mesmerizing wonderland just an hour away from the glittering lights and bustling city of Las Vegas.
Believe us when we say, this place is more than epic. We’ve visited not once, but twice, and we still can’t get enough of its vivid colors, dramatic panoramas, and unique rock formations.
But with 46,000 acres of beauty to explore, it’s easy to feel a little lost. Fear not, dear traveler, we’ve created the ultimate one-day guide to help you hit all the best spots. We’ve carefully curated a list of the best attractions and hiking trails to help you make the most of your time in the park.
So get ready for an adventure that’ll blow your mind. We’ll show you everything you need to know to have an unforgettable day at Valley of Fire State Park.
First things first—timing is everything!
Valley of Fire is in the Mojave Desert, which means it comes with all the weather extremes associated with a desert climate and can be unpleasantly hot in the summer.
The best time to visit the park is in the fall, winter, or spring when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are thinner.
Trust me, you don’t want to be sweating bullets in the middle of summer when it can get up to a scorching 120 degrees!
How Much Time Do You Need To Visit Valley Of Fire
Valley of Fire is a relatively small park, so you can easily see 90% of the park in just one day!
And get this—many of the hikes in the park are super short—we’re talking less than a mile.
Where is Valley of Fire State park
The Valley of Fire State Park is located in the Mojave Desert about an hour (55 miles) northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Directions to valley of fire state park
Now, let’s talk logistics. There are two entrances to Valley of Fire State Park. You can either drive in from the west entrance or the east Entrance. But the most common is to take a day trip from Las Vegas.
Valley of Fire From Las Vegas (West Entrance): If you’re taking a day trip from Las Vegas, the west entrance is the most common way to get to Valley of Fire. Head northeast on I-15, then take exit 75 and follow the signs for Valley of Fire State Park.
Valley of Fire From Lake Mead (East Entrance): If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take the scenic route, you can also enter the park from the East Entrance. To get there, you’ll need to drive through the stunning Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is a destination in its own right.
Day Trip Information for Visiting Valley of Fire from Las Vegas
Valley of Fire State Park Entrance Fee
As of March 2023, the fee for day-use entry to Valley of Fire State Park is $10 for those who reside in Nevada, while out-of-state and foreign visitors will need to pay $15. So don’t forget to bring some cash with you because the park only accepts cash payments.
And unfortunately, the America the Beautiful Annual National Park passes will not get you free entry. But, you can enjoy the Valley of Fire from sunrise to sunset.
Rules of Visiting Valley of Fire
Be sure to follow the park rules when exploring this extremely fragile landscape to protect it for future generations:
- Do not remove or harm any plants, artifacts or rocks
- No petting or feeding animals
- Pack out trash
- Stay on the roads and trails
- Keep pets on a leash
- Drone use is not allowed
Day Trip Tips for Visiting Valley of Fire
NO Cell Service
Prepare for a phone-less experience at Valley of Fire. With spotty cell service, you may not be able to make calls or send texts while in the park—but you may be able to get signal at the east and west entrances and at white domes. I also had some 5G service while at Rainbow Vista.
We also highly recommend having a physical map of Valley of Fire so you can easily find where you want to go.
Fill your Gas Tank
Valley of Fire is a stunning desert oasis. But fill up your gas tank before you get there, as it’s a remote area in Nevada and there are no options for refueling in the park. If you do need to fill up near Valley of Fire, head over to Overton, eleven miles from the park.
Visitor Center
Is open from 8:30 am – 4:30pm daily and offers a variety of different activities. You can find interpretive displays and educational exhibits. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop where you can find souvenirs, snacks and beverages.
Pack a lunch
It’s recommended that you bring your own lunch and snacks when visiting Valley of Fire State Park. Although there are snacks and beverages at the visitor center, you should bring a lunch to make the most of your one day in the park.
Best Things to Do In One day at Valley of Fire State Park
The formations in this park are pretty unreal and our guide is perfect if you only have one day to explore Valley of Fire.
Please note, there are a ton of other stops you can make along the way, but in this one-day guide, we are recommending the best of the best.
Las Vegas To Valley Of Fire Itinerary
Welcome to the Valley of Fire State Park, where the earth is on fire with vibrant red sandstone formations, awe-inspiring desert vistas, and some seriously ancient petroglyphs.
This guide works best when you enter the park from the west entrance (coming from Las Vegas). So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Valley of Fire—in the order of how you should see them:
- Beehives
- Fire Cave
- Atlatl Rock Petroglyphs
- Mouse Tank Road Viewpoint
- Pink Canyon
- Fire Wave
- White Domes
- Elephant Rock
1. Beehives
Alright, fellow adventurers, let’s buzz on over to Beehives—the first spot on our Valley of Fire State Park list!
No, we’re not talking about actual beehives filled with buzzing bees (although that would be pretty cool too), but rather a cluster of towering red sandstone formations that look like, you guessed it, beehives!
The beehives are unique sandstone formations eroded by wind and water that do, in fact, look like giant bee hives—which is why they’re so fun to explore! The rocks are a fun place to climb around and check out the interesting textures.
2. Fire Cave
After checking out the beehives, you’re going to want to get on the scenic loop drive to check out 3 quick attractions. The first of which is the Fire Cave.
Carved wildly into the region’s characteristic red sandstone, this small but mighty cave is a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the fiery red hues, make for some truly stunning shots. It’s no wonder that this cave has become a popular spot for photographers looking to capture the beauty of Valley of Fire State Park.
Finding the cave is a lot easier if you know where to look. Here are the GPS coordinates of the Fire Cave.
3. Arch Rock
A short drive down the Scenic Loop in Valley of Fire State Park will take you to a small parking area where you can catch a glimpse of Arch Rock.
While it may not be as grand as some of the other arches in the southwest, it’s still worth a quick stop for an easy photo opportunity.
As we pulled into the parking area, we couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed by Arch Rock’s size.
However, we quickly realized that it’s not about the grandeur of the arch, but rather the intricate details and unique features that make it special.
The best way to experience arch rock is by looking at it from a distance. This monument is far too delicate to walk or climb on so please respect the signs and enjoy with your eyes only.
You can use this as an opportunity for a quick an easy photo op!
4. Atlatl Rock Petroglyphs
The last stop on the Scenic loop is Atlatl Rock. This towering red sandstone formation is home to some seriously cool petroglyphs, aka ancient rock art.
I felt like a real-life Indiana Jones exploring the rock face, trying to decipher the meaning behind the symbols.
Climb the metal staircase to see get up and personal with these incredible petroglyphs from ancient cultures that have been preserved for over 4,000 years.
The intricate carvings etched into the rock were nothing short of amazing. It’s awe-inspiring to think that these ancient works of art have been preserved for thousands of years, offering us a glimpse into the lives and cultures of those who came before us.
The petroglyphs are best seen in the morning when they’re illuminated by sunlight.
Later on, as it gets into late afternoon and early evening hours, you won’t be able to see them well because of shadows.
5. Mouse Tank Road Viewpoint
Okay, buckle up cause we’re getting off the on the Valley of Fire Road and headed to Mouse tank road.
Make your way past the park’s visitor center, and you’ll find yourself on mouse tank road, a winding road that offers some of the most stunning views of the rugged valley.
The road is flanked by towering red sandstone formations and jagged rock formations that create a dramatic backdrop.
This stretch of road is one of the most scenic and picturesque routes in the Valley of Fire State Park. You’ll find plenty of places to pull over and snap some Instagram-worthy photos of the rugged valley.
If you’re looking for the ultimate view, climb up on the rocks that overlook the road just past rainbow vista.
While drones are not allowed in Nevada state parks, this is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner adventurer and capture some amazing photos of the road from up above.
This viewpoint is also stunning at sunset on your way out of the park!
Now, let’s talk about the name “Mouse Tank.” Did you know that it was named after an outlaw who used the area as a hideout in the 1890s? Yes, you heard that right! The infamous outlaw found refuge from law enforcement in this very spot.
6. Pink (Pastel) Canyon
Pink canyon, otherwise known as pastel canyon, is a hidden gem in the valley of fire state park.
The thing is, Pink Canyon isn’t marked on the map they give you at the entrance of the park. But don’t let that stop you! It’s a quick and scenic hike that’s so pretty.
But here’s the real kicker—if you hike far enough into the canyon, it’ll actually take you to the backside of the Fire Wave (which will be on your left). So if you want to knock out two hikes and only have to park once, this is how to do it.
To find Pink Canon, stop at Wash no. 5 and hike off the road to the right.
7. Fire Wave Trail
Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re about to talk about one of the most popular attractions in the Valley of Fire State Park—Fire Wave!
And trust me when I say, it’s easy to see why this place draws a crowd. The sandstone formations have an almost mesmerizing effect that was created by wind erosion centuries ago, leaving behind these beautiful patterns that look like an ocean wave made out of fire.
It’s almost too pretty to be real!
And get this—the 1.4 mile out and back hike to Fire Wave is reminiscent of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Wave in Arizona, though not as expansive.
But don’t let that fool you, the Valley of Fire Wave still offers up some seriously amazing views, and you don’t need a permit to see it!
The hike to this stunning geological phenomenon takes about an hour and thirty minutes and is rated as easy, with less than 300 feet of elevation gain.
So, even if you’re not an experienced hiker, you can still experience the magic of the Fire Wave.
8. The White Domes Trail
The last stop on Mouse Tank road is the White Dome Trail. There is also a picknick area, making it a perfect time to stop and have your lunch.
The White Domes Trail is one of the longest trails in Valley of Fire, at 1.25 miles this trail packs a punch with stunning rock formations and slot canyons to explore.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be greeted by towering red and white sandstone formations. But the real magic happens when you reach the slot canyons.
These narrow passageways through the rock formations are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll feel like you’re in a completely different world! But don’t worry, this trail is rated as moderate and is suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
9. Elephant Rock
As you make your way back towards Valley of Fire Road, take a left towards Elephant Rock located near the east entrance of the park.
As you approach Elephant Rock, the sheer size of the formation is incredible. The rock formation stands tall, seemingly defying gravity as if it’s been frozen in time for millennia.
The massive rock appears to have been carved with care, each curve and crevice carefully crafted by the hand of nature—it’s a must see for any geologist or animal enthusiast.
The rock formation is named Elephant Rock due to its uncanny resemblance to an elephant in profile view.
You’ll be amazed at how accurately the rock mimics the shape of the majestic creature, complete with the iconic trunk and ears. It’s as though Mother Nature herself decided to create a larger-than-life tribute to one of the most magnificent creatures on the planet.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take the time to explore the area around Elephant Rock.
Other notable areas to explore if you have time
These are other short hikes and attractions throughout Valley of fire. Depending on how much time you have you may be able to add some of these other short hikes to your one-day Valley of Fire itinerary.
Rainbow Vista
Rainbow Vista is a great hike for the family that offers a mix of boulders and breathtaking views at every turn, leaving you mesmerized by the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
But wait, there’s more! At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning viewpoint of even more red boulders. It’s the perfect spot to capture some Insta-worthy photos.
Now, before you start this hike, we must warn you—the trail can get pretty sandy. So, be prepared to have some sand in your shoes by the end of the hike.
Mouse Tank Trail
This hike may not be the most thrilling on the list, but it’s still worth checking out if you’ve got time.
And although the trail is relatively short and easy, it’s packed with history and natural marvels. As you venture along the path, you’ll discover ancient petroglyphs scattered along the trail.
And that’s not all! At the end of the trail is a natural tank that fills with water during certain seasons.
But, before you start your adventure, we must remind you to treat the petroglyphs with respect. These are beautiful, ancient works of art that should not be touched or altered.
Let’s do our part to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations to come.
Petrified Logs
Petrified Logs are a unique collection of ancient pines that have turned to stone over millions of years. While the logs are protected behind small fences and touching them is not allowed, it’s still a truly fascinating experience to witness this geochemical phenomenon up close.
Experts believe that these logs are primitive evergreens, known as Araucarian Pines, which were transported by floodwaters from the vast forests that once covered Nevada over 150 million years ago. Buried under the soil, the logs slowly leached mineral-rich groundwater that seeped into the bark and between the fibers, resulting in their stunning petrified state.
Valley of Fire State Park Guided Tours
The valley of fire state park is an amazing place to visit. You can explore the scenery and take in all it’s natural wonders on a guided tour that will make your day just perfect!
You’ll be led by an expert guide who knows the area well and has a great sense of humor. You can choose from an easy, moderate or difficult guided hikes among these red rock formations and petroglyphs. To keep your energy up, you’ll be provided with complimentary snacks and water during a small-group tour that’s limited to 13 people.
Where to Stay in Valley Of Fire
Valley of Fire boasts two established campgrounds that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To use the campsites, you’ll need to pay an additional fee at the campground.
Each site comes equipped with shaded tables, grills, and water stations, and there are restroom facilities nearby for your convenience.
Plus, if you’re traveling in an RV, you’ll be pleased to know that the campgrounds also offer a dump station and showers. The cost per night for RV sites is $20.
Arch Rock Campground
Arch Rock Campground is an inexpensive place to stay when visiting the Valley of Fire State Park. The 29 campsites are available seasonally and offer a variety of amenities, such as bathrooms, RV hook-ups, and campfire rings.
Atlatl Rock Campground
Alternatively, Atlatl Rock Campground is another excellent option with 44 campsites available. Here you’ll find a mix of semi-primitive and RV sites, all equipped with water and power hook ups.
Free Camping Near Valley of Fire
Want to experience the beauty of Valley of Fire without breaking the bank?
Well, you’re in luck! Near the west entrance of the park, there’s some fantastic free boondocking available that’s definitely worth checking out.
We’ve personally stayed at this spot and let me tell you, it offers convenience that’s hard to beat.
However, nothing beats the incredible free boondocking options along Lake Mead.
We highly recommend camping at Echo Bay for its fantastic waterfront access and a convenient 20-minute drive to the east entrance of Valley of Fire.
Valley of Fire Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dogs Allowed in Valley of Fire State Park?
The Valley of Fire State Park is a dog-friendly destination, meaning, you can enjoy the natural beauty with your canine companion!
Dogs are allowed on trails, campgrounds and backcountry roads as long as they’re leashed at all times!
Please clean up after your pets to help us keep the place beautiful.
Will I see Wildlife in Valley of Fire?
The largest mammal you may see is bighorn sheep. They love to forage early in the morning atop rocks, and if you’re lucky enough, you might have a sighting or two!
Just make sure that you give them plenty of space when viewing from afar—they don’t enjoy being approached by tourists.
Tips for a Successful Visit
Before you plan on hiking near Las Vegas, there are a few things to keep in mind about hiking in the desert landscape.
- Bring Enough Water: A hike in the desert heat can quickly lead to dehydration. You should never go hiking near Las Vegas without at least a gallon of water on-hand!
- Wear Sunscreen: The desert is a particularly harsh environment for the skin, so it’s important to keep your skin protected with an SPF of 30 or more.
- Avoid Hiking During the Hottest Part of the Day: The hot sun can make even short hikes difficult under normal conditions, so plan accordingly by avoiding hikes during peak hours when temperatures are highest.
What to Bring on your Visit To Valley of Fire
Enjoying the Nevada desert is a special experience. Make sure you pack these items before your one-day visit to Valley of Fire State Park:
- Water: Bring a water bottle with lots of fluid to stay hydrated. It can get hot out in the desert!
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is important for all to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Valley of Fire State Park has little shade so it’s a smart idea to wear sunscreen before you go out in the hot desert environment!
- Hat: Sunblock can be hard to apply when you’re in the middle of a hike. A hat is an easy way to keep your face out of direct sunlight
- Proper Footwear: The desert is no joke. A good pair of shoes can mean all the difference when you’re trekking through sand and cactuses.
- Sunglasses: A good idea for anyone in the desert is to wear sunglasses
- Bug Spray: Hiking in Valley of Fire, it is best to protect yourself from insect bites with bug spray.
- Physical Map: Cell service is limited in this area so be sure to download your maps ahead of time or navigate with a physical map of Valley of Fire.
- Camera: A fully-charged camera with extra batteries – there are some incredible photo opportunities everywhere around this park.
Leave No Trace in Valley of Fire
We strive to create awareness of the importance of being a responsible visitor. We want you to engage with this place and explore responsibly so that we may preserve it for future generations, all while following Leave No Trace principles.
One Day Guide to Visiting Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is a great place to explore with your family and enjoy the beautiful scenery all in a single day. Hopefully these tips in our Guide to Valley of Fire State Park have been helpful in preparing for your day trip next time you are near Las Vegas!
Have you been to Valley of Fire State Park? What was your favorite attraction?
