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Valley of Fire State Park
To see some outstanding desert scenery, the approximately one hour drive north east of Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire State Park is well worth the drive, and will certainly help to air ‘casino cobwebs’ out of anyone’s mind.
About the Park
Dedicated in 1935, Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest State Park. Located in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It abuts Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence. It lies in a basin 4 miles wide by 6 miles long, 15 miles southwest of Overton, Nevada. Its elevation varies between 2,000 and 2,600 feet.
What’s In It?
The rough floor and jagged walls of the park contain brilliant formations of eroded sandstone and sand dunes more than 150 million years old. Renowned for the various colours of the rocks, from lavender to deep flame red, that resemble fire, bizarrely shaped rock formations, fossils and for the petroglyphs dating back to the Anasazi and Basketmaker people from between 300 BC and 1150 AD. Unlike at many locations where vandalism has spoiled them and they are now closed to the public, the petroglyphs at the Valley of Fire can be seen, the best are located up a 100-step staircase close to the Visitors Centre.
What’s Nearby
Close to the park is the Lost City Museum in the town of Overton. This houses one of the finest collections of Anasazi artifacts in the Southwest and includes a restored Basket maker’s pit house.
The Visitor Centre
The visitor centre provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and the nearby region. The Centre sells postcards, books, slides, and film and also provides drinking water and rest rooms.
Climate
Typical low desert conditions exist. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from freezing to 75 degrees F. Daily summer highs usually exceed 100 degrees, and may reach 120 degrees. Summer temperatures usually do not vary widely from day to night. Average annual rainfall is four inches, coming in the form of light winter showers and summer thunderstorms. Spring and fall are the preferred seasons for visiting the Valley of Fire.
Camping
Two campgrounds with 51 units are located near the west end of the park. Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. A fee is charged for the use of the area and is payable at the campground.
Lodging
There is no lodging in the park. Many hotels and motels are located along I-15 south toward Las Vegas. There are lodgings in Overton, Nevada: 16 miles northeast and Mesquit, Nevada, 51 miles northeast.
Further Information
Located only 50 miles northeast on Interstate 15 from Las Vegas, take Nevada Route 169 at Crystal south to the park.
Admission is $5.00 per vehicle per day, $35.00 for annual pass.
Camping prices are 12.00 per night per vehicle (5.00 + 7.00).
Group use is $40 per day/night plus $5.00 per vehicle.
Open year round, dawn to dusk with the visitor centre opening 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
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