There are actually a few areas to choose from if you want to get in a good hike or escape the bright lights of Vegas. We ended up choosing Valley of Fire State Park. It is an easy hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip. If you need a minute to decompress from the craziness, this is your place. Valley of Fire State Park encompasses 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone and grey and tan limestone. The colors are beautiful and make for a awesome drive throughout the park. There are so many attractions that you can decide to stop at. From crazy rock formations, petrified trees, canyons, petroglyphs and trails.

We decided to hike Fire Wave Trail for our first hike ever in Las Vegas (even though we had been here 10-15 times).

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Total miles: 2.5 ♦ Trail: easy ♦ Elevation: 242′ ♦ Fun Fact: The outside mars scenes in Total Recall with Arnold Schwarzenegger were almost exclusively shot at Valley of Fire State Park. ♦ Park Fact: The park opened in 1934, but wasn’t given it’s official designation until 1935.

From the west entrance it’s about 8 miles to the Fire Wave Trailhead. It’s an easy hike, so good for all levels. The first half of the trail you can take in the views and landscape of the desert. Then it becomes rocks and sandstone. The park asks that you do not move anything from it’s place. That includes creating cairns to make the trail. They have markers everywhere so you cannot miss where you are supposed to go. The destination of the trail: The incredible Fire Wave.

I am so glad that we made the venture out to the park. It was a great hike to have as a part of our 52 hike challenge this year. It is definitely something not to miss if you make it to this part of Nevada.

Quick tips for Fire Wave Trail: It was $10 to enter the park, but if you go with a resident of Nevada it’s only $8. Make sure to bring water and snacks, especially if it’s a hot day. There is not a lot of parking at the trailhead, so you may need to get a little crafty without parking on the shoulder.

This was also a dog friendly trail and park. They must be on leashes at all times.

RV tips: They have RV campgrounds that have water and electric hook ups. This is on a first come first serve basis. This is also the case for their tent camping campground.             Camping:  $20.00 per night + $10.00 for sites with utility hook ups

As we headed back we decided that we should probably stop and see the petroglyphs. The Anasazi people inhabited this area around 300 BC to 1150 AD. Their art is in multiple locations throughout the park. Mouse Tank Trail was conveniently on the same road and an easy 1.5 RT hike. With plenty of parking and picnic tables across the street, it’s a good place to stop for lunch. Past the art there is a slot canyon and a couple rock areas to climb and see a view of the park. Total miles for the day 4.

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