On the other day, we decided to go to Valley of Fire National Park. It takes only 2 hours from Las Vegas where I live now.
What to Bring
Food & Water
I would recommend you to get some food and drinks before getting into the park. Although you can buy it in small shop inside of Visitor center, it’s better to bring.
We brought 4 rice balls cooked by me, and 4 chocolate hip scones baked by me, and 3 quarters of gallon of water.
It was enough for us to stay hydrated in January, but you might get thirsty if you go there on hotter and/or dry day.
Enough Gas
It could be a nightmare if your car stopped because of empty of gas. There is a gas station nearby, so you can fill it up if you are worried.
Entrance fee
You need to pay $10 for a normal vehicle to visit at entrance.
Our Route to explore Valley of Fire
- Beehive
- Atlatl Rock
- Arch Rock
- Visitor Center
- The White Domes Trail
- Fire Wave
- Petroglyph Trail
- Mouse’s Tank
- Elephant Rock
- CCC cabins
- Seven Sister’s Rock
Must Go Spots
Beehive
After a couple of driving from entrance, you can find this rock shaped as a beehive.
It takes only a couple of minutes to walk around the rock, so you can stop by to take a look.
Atlatl Rock
You need to go up with stairs, and you can see the petroglyph on the rock. This is super amazing!
It says it must be drawn 4000 years ago! It’s fun to think which one means what.
Arch Rock
There is a small parking spots, and you can find an arch on the top of rock if you walk around.
You might feel it is not that cool if you have ever been to Arches National Park in Utah.
Visitor Center
They have exhibitions, small souvenir shop, and bathroom there.
Exhibition
You can see how the life was, some tools or fossil, and so on. It is not big exhibition but good enough to know the history.
Souvenir shop
It is small but they have some souvenir like magnet, postcard, books, key holder and so on..
You can also buy some kinds of beverages and snacks.
The White Domes Trail
This trail is only 2km and not that hard. But you need to walk on the sand at some places which makes you tired.
Please bring a water bottle with you, and get hydrated enough.
After passing by the old filming location, you will find the white dome by following the trail.
Fire Wave
You can park on the other side of entrance for this trail. I would recommend you to get sunglasses on if you need because there will be no shade on this trail.
Walking on sand for a while from entrance, and you will walk on the rock. It is easy to find the trail, just follow the pole 😉
I got amazed by beautiful layer on the rock, but it was breathtaking view on the Fire Wave spot.
Petroglyph Trail
Only a half mile of trail which is not long time to take, and also it’s easy trail without ups/downs.
This might be my most favorite spots in Valley of Fire National Park. There is no signs for petroglyph, so you need to find it by your own which was very fun for me!
Usually there are people looking petroglyph, but it is enjoyable for me to find petroglyph where no one was there!
Mouse’s Tank
The end of Petroglyph Trail, there is “Mouse’s tank”. It was named after “Little Mouse” who used Vally of Fire as his hideout after he was accused of some crimes.
You cannot look inside that much, but I can tell it’s big enough to save water as a tank.
Elephant Rock
It is very close on the road, but you need to walk from parking for 5-10 mins.
You can also go up to the rock, but it looks good from bottom.
The CCC Cabin
There are 3 small rooms with fireplace and small window build in 1934 for visitors to stay.
And also you can find some petroglyphs behind the cabins.
Seven Sister’s Rock
I saw 2 pairs of couples doing their wedding at sunset time.
The view is very beautiful with golden light reflecting on the red rocks.
It is flat so you can walk around rocks, go into the bushes, and you can have a relaxing at picnic area.
Wild Animals
There are wild animals in Valley of Fire State Park.
We encountered a sheep on the way to the White Dome from Visitor Center.
In addition, I found a lot of squeals playing around on the backyard.
It was so much fun for trailing, finding petroglyphs, and feeling fresh air and great nature!
