Why Valley of Fire is Definitely Worth Visiting
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Less than an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a popular day trip for those looking to escape the city. Because this park has gained so much interest in recent years, I was worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But what I found was easy access to otherworldly geology, including slot canyons that didn’t require hours of hiking or a permit to see! Plus, the park was very easy to navigate and very doable in one day. Here is why Nevada’s Valley of Fire is definitely worth visiting.
Best Valley of Fire Photo Spots
You could honestly pull over along any road in the Valley of Fire, and you’d have a stunning photo backdrop. In fact, many people do pull aside and use the road itself as a picture spot. The most iconic road shot in the Valley of Fire is southbound on Mouse’s Tank Road. The road makes lovely leading lines pointing straight to the mountains framed perfectly by flaming red rock. Park at Rainbow Vista parking area and then walk to your photo area. Arrive very early to get the road to yourself as it’s one of the top photo spots in the park.
Fire Wave is Valley of Fire’s next most popular photo spot. As I only had half a day to explore, I opted to skip this one in favor of finding the slot canyons. I’m so glad I did because I found a very similar rock on the White Domes Trail!
The White Domes Trail has several photo spots along its 1.1-mile loop. After passing the mini-wave on your way south from the parking lot, you will find a gorgeous slot canyon. It only took about three minutes to walk through, but we spent a while just admiring its beauty and getting pictures. As you follow the loop back north towards the parking lot, look to your right for this tiny arch cave. It was a stunning viewpoint that we almost missed!
Read Next: The Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
Valley of Fire One Day Itinerary
Know that an early wake-up call is on the schedule for any Las Vegas day trip itinerary. Consider stopping by the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign or the Seven Magic Mountains on your way out of the city. There are two entrances to the park, and you will have to decide which to use ahead of time. I recommend heading northwest on I-15 and starting with the west entrance. From there, pick one or two of the pullouts to stop and get your feet on the red rocks. I stopped at the Beehives, however, the Fire Cave and Petrified Logs would be quick stops as well.
Next, turn left onto Mouse Tank Road and drive to its end at the White Domes Trail parking lot. After the 45-minute White Domes Trail hike, drive back down Mouse Tank Road. Hit all the stops you passed on the way up like Fire Wave, Pastel Pink Canyon (a much shallower slot canyon compared to White Domes Trail), and Rainbow Vista. Lastly, even if you don’t hike out to Rainbow Vista, park your car at the trailhead so you can walk down Mouse Tank Road to get that iconic Valley of Fire road shot.
Once you’ve explored everything that Mouse Tank Road has to offer, turn back out onto Valley of Fire Highway and continue towards the east entrance. The west end of the park is more popular as it has more spots. The most popular places to see on the east end of the park are Natural Arches Trail and Elephant Rock. Elephant Rock is actually outside of the park entrance, so save it for the end since park hours don’t apply.
Valley of Fire FAQs
No. The park day entrance fee is $10 for in-state vehicles and $15 for out-of-state vehicles. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. You can also purchase a camping permit for $30. Book way in advance because the spots fill up quickly. Unfortunately, the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass does not cover entry to this park.
Valley of Fire is named for its 40k acres of bright red Aztec sandstone. There is a noticeable difference between the color of the desert on the way into the park and the saturation in the park itself.
Yes. The Valley of Fire Highway cuts straight through the park connecting the east and west entrances. Most stops are right off Valley of Fire Highway, except Mouse Tank Road, an out and back road.
One day is plenty to hike and hit multiple spots. I spent only an afternoon in the Valley of Fire, and it was plenty of time to see everything I wanted, plus a short hike. If you want the park empty for photos or plan on doing a longer hike like the Prospect Trail, consider camping overnight.
While I was unable to make it to both parks, I do not regret picking Valley of Fire over Red Rock Canyon. Red Rock Canyon is a shorter drive from Las Vegas, but Valley of Fire has more interesting geology in my opinion. Valley of Fire’s Wave, slot canyons, and petroglyphs definitely give it the advantage.
Absolutely!
Caution: Drive slowly in the park! I saw this entire family of bighorn sheep cross busy Mouse Tank Road. Plus, if you’re driving slow, you’ll have a better chance at spotting them.
For even more photos and trip suggestions check out my Instagram. If you ever have a question you can always DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below. What do you think, is the Valley of Fire worth visiting?
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