This seemingly remote state park in Nevada is actually quite easy to get to if you happen to be in Las Vegas. This state park has always been popular but in the last 5-10 years it has exploded. As you are driving through Nevada, or even just looking at the surrounding area of Las Vegas, you don’t expect the vibrant red rocks you will get to explore!

Explore Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada

How to Get to Valley of Fire State Park

Take Highway 15 North from Las Vegas and take a right on Valley of Fire Highway. It will take you directly to the state park. It will take around 60 minutes to get to the entrance of the state park. Pro tip: if you are south of Las Vegas and feel as though it would be faster to take highway 167, it is, but you will have to pay the national park fees for that recreation area.

Valley of Fire State Park Fees

$10/vehicle for NV vehicles. $15/vehicle for non-NV vehicles

Camping in Valley of Fire State Park

For up to date pricing, availability and amenities offered, CLICK HERE.

Explore Valley of Fire State Park Safely

This state park can get incredibly hot during the summer months. Make sure to check the website for any closures. If you do get the chance of making it to the state park, make sure to bring plenty of water/hydration and snacks, sunscreen and a hat. While not required, it is a good idea to have good hiking shoes.

Dogs are allowed in the Valley of Fire State Park but must be on a leash and during the summer months, think before you take them. It can get extremely hot and if you must hike, make sure you have booties for them. Too many dogs become injured because of owner negligence.

This park is very remote so please remember to practice Leave No Trace. There are bathrooms in the state park so leave all that there and not on the trails.

The Best Time to Visit Valley of Fire State Park

This park is best enjoyed on a sunny day. While still beautiful during a cloudy day or at sunset, the colors are the most vibrant when directly hit by the sun. Of course summer is the most popular time to be here but I have heard of closures due to the heat in the park. Winter is also popular since it is in the south. My suggestion is during the spring or fall on a sunny day.

The Best Spots in Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is set up so you can see most of it in one day. If you have time, stay in one of the campgrounds to be able to take your time. If you have limited time or just want to know where to start, then here are our suggestions of best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park.

Visitor Center

Coming from Las Vegas, you will enter through the West Entrance. You will have a short drive until you reach the visitor center. We used to never stop in visitor centers. We kind of thought that they were a waste of time since we could figure out where we needed to go on our phones or we already had an idea of what we wanted to do. That has changed with time. We love stopping in and seeing what the area is really about. Not just an instagram post or Google picture. Plus the backdrop behind this visitor center is beautiful, it almost reminds me of the entrance to Arches National Park.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is an easy stop. You can see how it got its name immediately. This spot is great because all you have to do is drive up, park and enjoy!

Mouse Tank Trail

If petroglyphs are your thing, then there are multiple spots in the park where you can see them. Mouse Tank Trail is probably the best showing of the ancient petroglyphs. At only a mile long trail, it is great for everyone.

Fire Wave Trail

The most popular spot in the state park is 100% the Fire Wave Trail. We first went in 2017 and this place has stuck in our minds since. The pattern along the rock walls creates the look of a wave and the multicolor makes it look like it literally is a wave of fire. The trail is only 1.2 miles, so relatively easy, but during a hot day it can be really hot. There is a short incline that I have heard people say is the hard part of the hike, but it isn’t hard (definitely doable if you just take it slow). Just be prepared and you will enjoy this hike.

White Domes

Just across the road from the parking for the Fire Wave Trail is White Domes. This 1.1 mile round trip loop hike is great for the entire family. Its name lets you know what you should expect. What makes it more amazing are these white domes are surrounded by the red rocks that are centuries old. When your eyes get used to the red sandstone that the park is known for, it really makes the white domes pop.

As a reminder, if you are here in the summer or very hot days, please remember to leash and put booties on your dog(s).

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