By Valley of Fire State Park is 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas off Interstate 15.
Unlike the day before, I took my time in the morning. I even ordered a room service. I wasn’t going to be having a real meal until dinner so I savored it.
Valley of Fire Hwy was peaceful. Make sure you have plenty of gas before getting on this highway though. As soon as we entered the park, I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed even with my high expectation. I drove to the visitor center to use the restroom and to finalize the plan for the day.
When I walked out of the restroom, there was a crowd gathered east of the visitor center. A herd of bighorn sheep was slowly migrating! They were beautiful. I got Xena out of the car, put the leash on and grabbed the camera as fast as I could and walked over to that side. Of course, Xena wanted to stop and sniff and pee after being in the car for an hour. By the time we made to that side, the herd had moved on and they were too far for me to get a good photo for you guys.
One man got unnecessarily close to the animals. I understand he wants a great photo but what if someone did that to you and your family? The herd blended in so well with the background. They are in the center of the photo. Hopefully, you can see them.
I decided to check out the trails on Mouse’s Tank Rd first then see. But first, we explored the interesting rock formations surrounding the visitor center and took some fun pictures.
From the visitor center, I took Mouse’s Tank Rd then began our adventure.
I did not expect the trails to be that much different from each other since they are on the same side of the park. I figured we would check out a couple of them then move on to another part of the park. Well, we spent all day on this one road and we had a blast!! All these hikes are easy to follow and short in distance (less than 2 miles).
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First Hike: Petroglyph Canyon Trail (a.k.a. Mouse’s Tank Trail)
- Out and back
- Terrain: Sandy
- Big picnic area with additional parking across from the trailhead
- Difficulty: Easy (kid-friendly)
We shared the trail with a senior hiking tour group. I guessed they were in their 70s and older. So awesome! They had a guide who explained the history of the place and pointed out petroglyphs along the trail.
Valley of Fire State Park contains ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back to 2,500 years. It really is a geologic wonderland! If you love geology and natural history like me, you would love the Valley of Fire!
Next Hike: Rainbow Vista & Fire Canyon Lookout
- Out and back
- Terrain: Sandy/rocky
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Rainbow Vista: A panoramic view of multi-colored sandstone.
Although it’s a short hike and mostly flat, I rated this hike moderate just because of the last bit of steep climbing to the Rainbow Vista. Like the name, Rainbow Vista was very colorful. According to the sign, we were looking at 150 million years of time since the dinosaurs walked on earth. This untouched colorful wilderness was an amazing view to take in.
Fire Canyon Lookout trail requires a bit of scrambling and rock climbing but it’s very doable. We climbed up to one of the rocks with a great viewpoint and had a lunch break.
Click here for video
Next Hike: Fire Wave
- Out and back
- Terrain: Dirt/sandy/rock
- Difficulty: Easy (kid-friendly)
Fire Wave is a must-see when you visit. When you google “Valley of Fire images”, most of the pictures you see are from here. Watch your steps as the rocks can be slippery with loose sand and just take your time and enjoy the stunning view.
Click here for video
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Final Hike: White Dome
- Loop
- Terrain: Sandy/dirt/rocky
- Difficulty: Moderate
- There is a small picnic area with benches near the parking lot.
This is the last stop on Mouse Tank Road and I think it was my favorite. The sandy trail began at the end of the cul de sac with a short ascent. The ascent of the hill was rewarded by an extensive view of what was ahead. Many people, who were not comfortable with hiking, enjoyed the views from here and turned around. We hiked down to the canyon.
Looking back up
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Valley of Fire was what I expected and more!!! Not only bright red Aztec sandstone nestled in gray and tan limestone mountains is eye-catching but it’s from the Jurassic period. How cool is that! I was sad that I only had one day to explore. These photos don’t do it justice so head over to our Facebook Page for more videos!
Good to Know:
- Hike Date: 2.20.17
- Daily-use Fee: $10/vehicle for non-Nevada residents
- There are two campgrounds and all campsites are first come first served with fee
- Pets are not allowed in the visitor center
Hiking Girl with Dog 
Great post and great hike. I knew valley of Fire SP was there but never stopped. Next time we drive from Vegas to southern Utah NPs, we’ll definitely stop and visit… and think of you and Xenia as we explore! Big Horn Sheep are COOL! Thx.
Ooh, you must go next time, Mike! You won’t be disappointed. And yes please think of us so we can be there in spirit! 🙂 Big horn sheep rock!!
I saw the bacon and fried egg and may not have quite concentrated on the rest of the post. (Heads to kitchen to make bacon sandwich!!!) Lol!!
Hahaha!! I take full responsibility. Hopefully you were able to finish the article after the yummy sandwich! 😉
OK – that pic of Xena in her harness looking into the camera is sooooo cute!! I’m pretty sure I was at that rainbow vista – so pretty!! I love seeing wildlife – I remember when I was there, my best friend was driving and I got so excited and yelled “GOAT!!!!!” as loud as I could (I couldn’t help myself!) and scared her so bad – she thought a boulder was falling towards the car or something – nope just me getting excited about fluffy animals! LOL oops! We still joke about that to this day!!
Please tell me you were at least driving and you didn’t scare the driver. LOL Thank you, I love that picture too. I still can’t believe I spent all day on one road! I wish I had my GoPro then. I have to go back!!!
Beautiful…love the close-up and that room service shot! 🙂
So basically, you like the cute dog pictures and not so much the nature pictures. I get that. Haha.
Sorry, cannot resist that face!!
That bacon stare is hilarious. I’ve had my share of eyes following the bacon too. That must be some place when you can spend an entire day on one road. Great photos especially Xena. Such a sweetie.
I never give her table scraps but she keeps trying. The girl is persistent.👍Yes, the park is stunning!! You’d love it! So far for you though..
I can admit that I’m guilty of giving them teeny bits sometimes. It is far but that just means a bit more planning to get there.
Your adventure spirit is truly inspiring!
Thank you so much! I feel the same when I read about your adventures with Xena.
This is actually useful, thanks.
Glad you find the article helpful!
I love valley of fire!! I try to go overtime Im passing through Nevada. Great post and love the photos of your pup!
Thank you.:) You should go next time when you are passing by! It’s absolutely gorgeous!!
It certainly is. I have been a few times and went just a few months ago. It was a little too busy at that time but always beautiful!!
Oh, I am glad you got to go!