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Valley of Fire Nevada

Valley of Fire Nevada, 1-3 November days More Pictures

Out of the stark Mojave Desert rise the unforgettable red sandstone formations that make up the Valley of Fire State Park. The camping spots here are nestled in and around the sandstone rocks for privacy. You can see 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyphs at the Atlati Rock. You won't see a single person without their camera in use while driving from the Visitor Center to White Domes. The colors and wide open space is breathtaking and you will want to return here again and again . . . . . more on Las Vegas outdoor activities

Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest State Park, dedicated in 1935. The sand dunes and brilliant formations of eroded sandstone are the centerpiece of the park's attractions. On a cloudless day the sun's reflection off the formations make them appear to be on fire.

The creation of this region is due to the uplifting and faulting, followed by extensive erosion. Sandstone does not make for the only formations in the part, there are other important rock formations including conglomerates, shale, and limestone too.

valley of fire picture a few miles from las vegas

Photo taken at Valley of Fire State Park Nevada

The Basket Maker people were the prehistoric users of the Valley of Fire and then later the farmers of the Anasazi Pueblo from nearby Moapa Valley. Examples of their rock art can be found at several sites throughout the park.

With an elevation between 2,000 and 2,600 feet, the climate conditions of the Valley of Fire is typically low desert. This means that the highs during the winter months are mild with the lows being cold. However, the summer daytime highs can easily exceed 100 degrees and the lows can be just as miserable. So try to plan your trip during the spring, fall or winter. The state park abuts the Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the juncture of the Virgin River.

valley of fire image outside las vegas

Notice my wife as the tiny spec waving from atop the cliff in the picture above. We did this to show just how hard it is to capture the scope and depth and size of these incredible formations.

Campsites have grills, shaded picnic tables, water and restrooms and all on a first come first serve basis. RV sites have electricity and water hookups. A dump station and showers are available. Due the fragile nature of the desert you are only allowed to camp in designated campground sites.

valley of fire state park image outside las vegas shows just how big the rock formations are

Travel 55 miles north of Las Vegas or 95 miles south of St. George, Utah to visit Valley of Fire Nevada. Additional information on another fun place to explore around Las Vegas, Lake Mead Nevada.

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