Valley of Fire, NV
We left Sand Hollow State Park, outside Hurricane UT, Thursday morning and headed south on I-15. Our original plan called for a drive to Bolder City, south of Las Vegas. But when we thought about our visit to Valley of Fire State Park last year, we decided it would be irresponsible to pass so close to the park without a return visit.
Virgin River Canyon on I-15 in Arizona
So we took Nevada Exit 93 and headed south on NV-169 through Overton, NV to the east entrance to Valley of Fire State Park. The views out the windshield as we drove into the park reminded us of why we wanted a return visit to this beautiful area.
There are two campgrounds in the park with a combined total of 72 sites. One of the campgrounds is set up for large RVs with wide sites, water, and 50 amp power. All sites are first come/first served, so we made sure to arrive before noon to increase the chances of getting a site. We were please to find that many sites were available when we arrived, including site 32, where we stayed on our previous visit. Site 32 is a pull-in site with great views to our front and sides.
After setting up on our site, we hopped into the Jeep and headed further into the park for some hiking (surprise!).
The views along the park road are beautiful
While there are some maintained hiking trails in the park, one of the great things about Valley of Fire is that you can just pull over to the side of the road and hike into one of the many dry washes, then climb up slickrock to check out the views. We stopped at what is marked Wash #3 and hiked to the east.
Parked at Wash #3
Heading up the sand on the dry wash
See the Jeep?
We’re spending two nights in Valley of Fire and have a hike planned for tomorrow. So stay tuned for more rock pictures!
Oh one of my favorite parks.
We’ve visited Las Vegas several times to see family but never heard of this park. I will show your great snapshots of this stunning place to my sister to inspire her to drive up there. As for us, well, we are following your trail.
MonaLiza, Valley of Fire is an easy 50 mile drive from Vegas. When Jessica came to visit in Vegas last year we drove over and hiked all the main trails and got back to Vegas by 8:00. It is most definitely worth the drive. Even if one doesn’t hike, the drive through is beautiful.
One of my biggest regrets in RVing was visiting Las Vegas a few years ago and not knowing about the Valley of Fire – we won’t make that mistake next time! Terrific photos of the red rocks!
Rick, the park is a little gem for sure. Staying in the campground among the rocks is wonderful.
Now wait a minute. Let me re-read that sentence…..You ARRIVED and were set-up by NOON….yikes!!!!
Oh, Paul, aren’t you a funny guy:) There was a very good reason for our early arrival…this park doesn’t take reservations and there are limited electric/water sites. So we needed to get there early. Also, a short trip (an hour and half) helps:) A record for us!
Ignore my husband. He can be sarcastic at times…lol
You have us so excited to get back out west. We really miss the desert scenery.
Now that is one huge site! Isn’t it a thrilled to just pull over and enjoy God’s gorgeous country. I just love those rocks and the formations are amazing. We have never been able to find that rock with the man’s face in it. Could you send us the GPS coordinates for that one?
Marsha, I don’t think you want to bother trying to find that strange face. It was rather scary:)
Such a wonderful place (that I’ve only visited in photos 😦 ) , and one we are looking forward to spending some time exploring. Love the dry wash and red rock! Those sites are a great size.
Jodee, check our blog from Feb. 2013 for photos of the main trails in the park that we did during our last visit. This visit we created our own adventure and also did a trail not listed on all the maps. But definitely put this on your list:)
We have yet to stay at Valley of Fire and now we know exactly where to stay…thank you!
Lisa, the campground is beautiful all nestled in among the rocks. Climbing available right out your door, literally! The problem is that they don’t take reservations and it is 15 mile drive back to the park from the main road. This is our reason for such an early arrival.
Looks like I need to add this to our “to-do” list. Very cool place!
Yes, Cathy, a must for all hikers.
Wow gorgeous pictures. What a beautiful place. Even the trip there looked wonderful. Going on my list too. Thanks for introducing me.
Sherry, you will love this place including the gorgeous campground. Hike where ever you want, even right out your door!
This is a place that’s long been on our list — we spent a couple of days in Las Vegas several years ago, but didn’t find out about the park until later. Seeing your great photos reminds me that we need to get to this park! So nice that the campground is beautiful, too.
Thank goodness for fellow bloggers! That’s how we discovered this gorgeous place.
Another one that has been on our list for some time. Now we know where to stay as well. Looking forward to more lovely red rock images.
Yes, LuAnn, you have to stay in the park campground. It is so neat all nestled in the rocks. One more blog on the way:)
😀
Great site … and they planned it right so you can have the view out your windshield.
I love reading about all of the parks I find written about in RV blogs… We visited Las Vegas once but did not know about Valley of Fire. Another destination added to my list. Check!
Yes, Holly, this is a must visit place:)
Erin, each site has an amazing view all around. The campground is right in all the huge rock hills.