About Valley of Fire State Park

A Sign Reads “Valley Fire State Park”

This park boasts a variety of unique rock formations, petroglyphs, petrified trees, and incredible scenery. Valley of Fire State Park opened in 1934, making it Nevada’s oldest state park. The 40,000-acre park is open year-round to the public and attracts visitors from around the world.

Things To Do Valley of Fire State Park 

Visitors Center

The Valley of Fire visitors center is open from 8:30-4:30 and it is a great place to learn more about the park. There are a variety of interactive exhibits that teach park guests about the geological transformation of the park and the native people that used to inhabit the land. 

Hike 

The Valley of Fire is full of hikes that lead to incredible rock formations, here are a few we recommend: 

  • Balanced Rock

A Red Sandstone Rock Seems To Balance On Top Of A Tall Sandstone Column

After you have explored the visitors center take a short hike to Balanced Rock. The trailhead is right outside the visitors center and it is a nice and short hike to start your day. At the end of the hike, you will find a sandstone rock formation. The column of rock shrinks around the top, making the large rock above look like it is balancing on its own. 

 

  • White Domes Loop 

Two White Sandstone Rocks Open Into A Slot Canyon

This one-mile hike gives you a taste of just about everything the Valley of Fire has to offer. You will venture through a slot canyon, see caves, and take in the vibrant colors of the desert. Fun fact, the White Dome area was once a set for a film. In 1966 the movie The Professionals, a typical 1960s western, was filmed in the area. 

 

  • Mouse’s Tank

If you are a history buff, this hike is for you! Mouse’s Tank is a hike to an outlaw’s hideout. In the 1890s there was a Piaute outlaw named Little mouse. He escaped to the area after he was accused of killing two prospectors. The hideout is actually a natural basin that collects water when it rains, hence the name Mouse’s Tank. 

 

  • Elephant Rock Loop 

A SandStone Rock Has Been Weathered In A Shape That Resembles An Elephant

You guessed it, Elephant Rock actually looks like an elephant! Hikers can get to the rock in a quick 0.3 miles hike there and back. Or, there is a 1.2-mile loop for those who have more time. 

 

  • The Fire Wave 

Tan And Red Lines Swirl Throughout A Sandstone Cliff

This trail isn’t officially listed on the park maps but it is a park staple. The 1.5-mile trail is easy to follow and leads to an incredible sandstone formation. The sandstone alternates colors from tan to red and swirls together like an ice cream cone. 

 

  • Pinnacles Loop

The last hike we recommend happens to be the longest. The Pinnacles Loop Trail is 4.5 miles and usually isn’t too crowded. This hike takes you through the desert to tall sandstone pinnacles that you are free to explore. 

 

Lookout for Wildlife 

Bighorn Sheep Climb Up Red Rock

The desert is home to a wide array of wildlife and if you are lucky, you will see a few animals during your visit. The best time to see wildlife is early in the morning or late in the day when it isn’t so hot. Here are a few animals you might encounter at the park: 

  • Snakes
  • Lizards 
  • Antelope
  • Jackrabbits
  • Skunks
  • Squirrels
  • Badgers
  • Coyotes
  • Desert Bighorn Sheep (Nevada’s State Animal) 

 

Photography 

The Valley of Fire’s unique landscape makes it a photographer’s paradise. A majority of the park’s rock formations are easily accessible, so carrying that camera gear won’t be an issue!

 

Look at Petroglyphs 

Red Rock Displays Ancient Petroglyphs 

The best place to look at petroglyphs in the park is Atal Rock. Atal Rock is a fifty-foot rock that is covered in Native American rock art. A staircase goes up the side of the rock for visitors to see the petroglyphs up close on a viewing platform. Atal Rock got its name from a panel of art towards the top of the rock that features an atal. Atals were throwing sticks used by the native people who used to inhabit the area. 

 

Take a Scenic Drive 

Wrap up your trip with a drive through the park. The road is 25 miles long and full of incredible views. Only about 10 miles of the road is in the actual park, so you’ll get to see some new sights on the drive. 

 

Freedom Village’s Proximity To Valley of Fire State Park 

Valley of Fire State Park is 95 miles away from Freedom Village. This hour and a half drive is worth it to see this incredible park. If you’re looking for some great shopping and food, Las Vegas is only a short 40-minute drive from the park. 

 

How Is Valley of Fire State Park Beneficial To A Vacation Home? 

Attractions like Valley of Fire State Park are what keep people coming back to St. George. Not only is St. George located next to some of Utah’s best parks, but it’s also only a short drive away from attractions in Nevada and Arizona. Freedom Village makes a great home base when venturing out of St. George. 

Valley of Fire State Park is one of many attractions near St.George. To learn more about the attractions in and around St. George, visit the blogs on our rental website. Keep an eye out for our other Local Park Series blogs as we learn and explore more of the surrounding national and state parks.