It’s no doubt that Valley of Fire State Park right outside of Las Vegas, NV has become quite popular over the last few years. And for good reason! I mean who wouldn’t want to see epic red rock, natural arches, slot canyons, and even mountain goats?!

I recently visited Valley of Fire and it was absolutely epic. Hopefully this blog helps with some ideas and spots to check out during your trip through Nevada!

---

Getting there

From Las Vegas – You’ll jump on I-15 North bound and follow it for about 33 miles before exiting on exit 75 towards Valley Of Fire/Lake Mead. You’ll merge onto Valley of Fire Highway and run into the West entry gate a few miles down the road! Don’t count on GPS as signal is only in limited spots out there.

---

Entry

Your America the Beautiful pass will NOT work for this state park. It is $20 for non Nevada residents.

---

When to go

I visited late May of 2023 and it was perfect. The weather was warm and sunny, but not the peak heat season Nevada deserts encounter. I even got a little spring rain during my trip.

To avoid extreme heat and crowds, I recommend visiting anytime between January and May. During the extreme heat seasons, Fire Wave trail and Seven Wonders Loop is closed to prevent incidents and keep everyone safe! This year the area will be closed from June 1st 2023 to October 1st 2023.

---

Spots to Stop

Some of my favorite quick stops for those who don’t enjoy hiking/aren’t able to. Easy access points with gorgeous views and most of them have picnic tables to enjoy a snack at! List is in order from West to East.

• Beehives
• Atl Rock
• Petrified Logs
• Elephant Rock

---

Hikes to Hike

Mouse’s Tanks

Distance: .7 miles

Elevation: 49 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Hike Type: Out & Back

This is one of my favorite trails, for several reasons. The main one being there are goats EVERYWHERE and it is so mesmerizing to watch them leap from rock to rock like it’s a piece of cake. Another reason is because throughout the trail you’re hiking in sand and on rock, and on the canyon walls – there’s petroglyphs. At first I didn’t really notice any, but once I found some I started seeing them everywhere. It’s so fascinating to interpret these stories from people way before us.

Fire Wave & Seven Wonders Loop

Distance: 2.3 miles

Elevation: 209 feet

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Hike Type: Loop

I have so many good things to say about this trail… But first, Oh. My. Gosh. I didn’t know what to expect going into this trail except for that it was supposed to be a must do. As soon as I got on my way, my jaw hit the floor. The colors, the textures, the vastness of the area. It was all so much to take in. It goes from standing on top of the rocks (Fire Wave) to going down in between them (Slot Canyon shown here). If you only have time for one hike in VFSP, please let it be this one! *Reminder it is closed during peak summer weather to prevent heat sickness.

Reminders

• Always practice the 7 leave no trace principles. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave the land better than you found it. Stay on the trail. Never carve on rocks or trees. Never feed or attempt to approach wildlife.

• Know that you may encounter wildlife on these hikes and any hike you may do in the future. It’s important to research before heading out and be prepared based on wildlife in the area.

• Be respectful to other hikers/runners/mountain bikers/horseback riders. Let faster hikers pass, know that uphill hikers have the right away. At viewpoints and popular areas, don’t hog them – always take a minute to take pictures then step aside so others can get theirs.

Let’s Get Adventuring!