Valley of Fire Day Trip. Top Things to Do

Valley of Fire is a Nevada state park, and you need to check this place out on your next road trip.

The vibrant, red sandstone is unreal. The park feels like you’re visiting another planet (like Mars!) and I think it’s one of those best kept natural secrets—although, I have seen some of these scenic spots show up on Instagram a lot more recently, so maybe you should head out while the crowds are low.

I’ve visited this park a few times now, and the sights never get boring. I love driving through these red rocks. I even love the dry heat as I traverse over the rocks. Can dry heat still feel fresh and invigorating? I think when combined with these views—the answer is yes.

Here are some helpful tips to get you there and exploring all my favorite spots.

Where is it?

Located: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040

Less Than an Hour Away from Las Vegas
2 Hours Away From Zion National Park
Less Than 3 Hours Away from the Grand Canyon Skywalk
Less Than 4 Hours Away from Bryce Canyon National Park

Valley of Fire is less than an hour outside of Las Vegas, so it's perfect for a quick day trip if you're looking to escape the city for a few hours—and it’s one of my favorite ways to visit. Spending multiple days in Vegas can be a sensory overload and heading to Valley of Fire, whether it's for the drive or for the incredible sights, always feels like a wonderful reset before heading back to the city for dinner and drinks.

It's so easy to get to from Vegas, too. You simply take I-15 North and exit (75) toward Valley of Fire/Lake Mead, and keep left until you merge onto Valley of Fire Highway. It'll take you right to the entrance.

If you're not coming from Vegas, this is also a great state park to stop at if you're road tripping around Zion or Bryce Canyon, depending on the direction you're coming from.

Does it Cost Money to Visit?

Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle.

Camping Fee: $20 per vehicle/per night

Visit the State Park Website For More Information

Entry fee is $10, and unfortunately the 'America the Beautiful National Parks' Pass doesn't cover the fee because it's not a federally owned/managed park.

There are two campgrounds that are first-come-first-served and are $20 per vehicle/per night. I’ve only ever had a day to visit, but I’d love to camp here. I’m sure the night skies would be awesome.

WHAT ABOUT HIKING?

There are so many fantastic hiking trails. Most notably, The Fire Wave Trail is one of its most well-known hikes, famous for the lined, multi-colored rocks.

If you’re planning on hiking be sure to check the Nevada State Parks website for trail status because trails can be closed due to extreme weather conditions—yes, even in extreme heat!

Here Are Some Valley of Fire Hikes:

An Easy Day Trip

There are so many great places to stop and check out. And I'm going to tell you my must-see's if you're looking for a quick half day trip. There is pretty much one main road called, Valley of Fire Highway, that runs through the park and a lot of times I'll see some rented super cars who are simply there to do an epic scenic cruise. Not a bad idea.

The picture below we took while at Natural Arch, and we saw many other supercars that day.

My Favorite Valley of Fire Spots:

All of the spots listed below are easy to find (mostly) on the Valley of Fire map below (click the map for a bigger image).

📍The Beehives

You can see The Beehives just off the main road, and they truly look like giant beehives. There is a dirt parking lot, and the area has some fun places to climb. The views of the road from this spot are pretty cool and it has great photo opportunities.

📍Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock

Located down Campground Road with it's own parking lot and restroom, you can see some petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock. There is this really cool looking giant staircase that leads to 4,000-year-old petroglyphs, and the view from the top is beautifully expansive.

We were lucky enough to see a cute Desert Kit Fox while at this spot, too. I didn't get a great photo of it, but you can see him in my Valley of Fire video at the beginning of this post.

If you’re looking for more petroglyphs, there is also Petroglyph Canyon Trail

📍Natural Arch

Down the road from Atlatl Rock, and right around the corner from the petroglyphs, is Natural Arch. It’s smallish in size but still pretty cool and a great photo op spot. This is where we saw a Ferrari cruise by.

📍Seven Sisters

Another landmark you can't miss while driving down the main road. The Seven Sisters rock formations is a cool scenic spot that has a parking lot and picnic tables. It'd be the perfect spot for a picnic or just hanging out.

📍Elephant Rock

One of Valley of Fire's most famous landmarks is Elephant Rock. Toward the end of the main road (and additional entry point to the park) you'll see a parking lot for this easy .3 mile trail to the Elephant Rock formation. Can you spy the elephant in the rocks above? If not, I show you where it is in my video above.

This parking lot is also where you'll find the Valley of Fire picture sign as seen below:

There are also some famous photo spots along this main road you might have seen online that are worth checking out. Do you recognize this road below?

Overall, this park is stunning and well-worth your time. All of these spots I mentioned I was able to visit in just a fews hours. There are so many more incredible hiking trails you should check out too if you've got more time. I can't wait to come back.