Valley of Fire is quite the hidden gem. Despite its proximity to Las Vegas, not that many people decide to visit. Which is a shame for them but great news for you, since you don’t have to be afraid of it being crowded.
We were on quite the journey on the day we arrived at the park but it was the only way to fit it into our schedule so after we explored Zion National Park, we continued south and got to Valley of Fire later in the afternoon. The logical way to get here though is from Las Vegas since it’s just hour-long drive north.
When to visit?
It’s not called Valley of Fire for nothing but if you want to see its true beauty, the best time for visiting the state park is later in the afternoon. When the sun starts to set, the rocks turn orange and red, the stones light up and offer breathtaking views.
Best things to do
There are plenty of trails you can choose from, depends on how much time you want to spend here.
You can visit some of the most famous rock formations here, such as the Fire Wave, White Domes, Elephant Rock or Pink Canyon but honestly anywhere you stop and go for a short walk in the park, it offers beautiful views and rocks that make you feel like you’re on Mars.
Don’t forget your camera because you will want to capture the light changing the landscape.
And also, enjoy the ride. The roads here are very well maintained and it’s a pure pleasure to drive around.
Can I use my Annual Pass in Valley of Fire? And other important information
Don’t forget it’s a state park, not a national park so if you have the Annual Pass, you won’t be able to use it here. However, it’s definitely worth those 10 dollars (or 20 if you have the intention of camping here).
We only had a few hours before the sunset to explore the park and I personally think it is enough if you don’t want to go on a long hike (and also the stones are the most beautiful when the sun is setting) but you could easily spend a whole day here.
If you’re travelling with a dog, I have good news for you, they are allowed on a leash.
