Valley of Fire State Park
A Gallery of reasons to visit!
We took to the road this weekend and visited Valley of Fire, a Nevada state park that is a short drive from Las Vegas. If you need a
We spent the day wandering around the many rock formations. There is a lot of room to roam these wide open spaces. We especially enjoyed walking the stairs up to view the 4,000 or so year old petroglyphs. We were lucky in that the desert was so alive after all the rain. We found a pond near the petroglyphs. The desert plants are greening up and getting ready to bloom We will be back to see the flowers that will sprinkle the desert with color.
Sheep! We saw several groups. The little ones are beyond cute, and incredibly agile. I watched one leap from one crevice to another that would inspire the most advanced rock climber. While we saw a lizard and other small animal tracks, we only saw a few rabbits and a smattering of chatty birds. The fabled tortoises were not to be seen. One of these days we will get to see one in the wild. for now, we will have to content ourselves with the resident tortoise that we saw at Red Rock Canyon.
Things to do:
- Hiking: There are trails that will keep the novice and advanced hiker happy.
- Photography: The scenery is spectacular!
- Geocaching!
- Camping: There are campgrounds for both tent and RVs (limited amenities). Be sure to arrive early or make a reservation as spaces fill up especially on the weekends.
- Picnics and family/social events: There are picnic areas for small and large groups. Be sure to check availability.
- Visitor’s Center: Check out the visitor’s center for information the park or just pick up a
souvenier for a loved one.
When to go?
The best time to visit Valley of Fire State Park is in the spring or fall. The summer temperatures can make a visit very uncomfortable. Check the weather before you go. Heavy rains can cause flooding and washouts.