Valley of Fire State Park Hikes and Tips! (What to Know Before You Go)

Heading to Nevada?  Check out my Valley of Fire State Park Hikes and Tips for everything you need to know before you go!

Just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas will take you to the tranquil Valley of Fire State Park, a red rock wonderland out in the rugged Mojave desert.  With shady caves, windswept arches, ancient petroglyphs, and sweeping views, a visit to the Valley of Fire will leave you with feelings of awe and wonder!  Seriously… it’s stunning!

Before you plan your trip, check out these top Valley of Fire State Park Hikes and Tips to make sure you don’t miss a thing.  I’ve compiled the best hikes and sights in the Valley of Fire as well as the top insider tips you need to know before you go!

Are you ready to visit this hidden Nevada gem?

Here is everything you need to know before you go…

Valley of Fire Tips State Park Hikes and Tips

#1: Elephant Rock – Valley of Fire

As the name suggests, Elephant Rock is a large rock formation which (surprise!) is in the shape of an elephant.  As one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Valley of Fire, you can’t miss a visit to the beautiful rock.

Elephant Rock is located at the eastern end of the park, where there is a parking lot and restrooms.  From there, it’s only a 0.15 mile hike to Elephant Rock.

#2: The Cabins – Valley of Fire

The historic stone cabins at the Valley of Fire were built in the mid 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) right after the Valley of Fire was designated a State Park.  The Cabins served as a place for travelers to stay for many years, before they were closed down.

While the Cabins are no longer operating as a motel, you can now visit the three empty cabins, which were constructed of local red rock, making them blend into the landscape.  The area around the Cabins was transformed into a picnic area, and can now be reserved for weddings and large family get-togethers!

#3: The Beehives – Valley of Fire

Contrary to what the name suggests, The Beehives are not actually beehives, but large rocks shaped like beehives!  Many years of strong winds and layers of silt adding up created the unique beehive texture on the rocks.

Now the beehives are located right off the Valley of Fire Highway.  Once you park in the large dirt parking lot, simply take the short trail which goes around the rocks to get an up close view at the incredible texture.

#4: Atlatl Rock – Valley of Fire

This short 250-foot long trail is the best place to see Petroglyphs (ancient Native American rock drawings) in the Valley of Fire.  This trail is pretty much just a metal staircase which ascends 50 feet high onto a large red rock, up close to a large rock face with petroglyphs.

Atlatl Rock

The Metal Staircase

The Petroglyphs

#5: Fire Canyon Overlook

The Fire Canyon Overlook is further north in the park, at the end of Fire Canyon road.  While most of the sights in the Valley of Fire are up close, the Fire Canyon Overlook gives you a birds eye view over the entire area, with stunning views of the white and red rock with the barren mountains in the distance.

#6: Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s Tank Trail (0.8 Miles Out-and-Back)

The short hike through Petroglyph Canyon is perfect for people of all ages.  The flat, sandy trail takes you through a magnificent red rock canyon with walls marked with ancient petroglyphs.  At the end of the trail  you’ll come out of the canyon and finally get to the Mouse’s Tank formation, a large red rock jutting up into the sky!

Valley of Fire Things to Do: What to Know Before You Go

Getting to Valley of Fire From Vegas:

From Las Vegas, take I-15 North for 45 miles, and take exit 75 for the Valley of Fire Highway.  You’ll go straight on the Valley of Fire Highway for another 14 miles until you reach the entrance station.

Valley of Fire Entry Fee:

The small fee to enter the Valley of Fire State Park is $10 per vehicle, or $8 if you’re a Nevada resident.

Camping at Valley of Fire – Atlatl Campground:

Camping in the Valley of Fire is an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed, if you have the time!  There are two campgrounds, the Arch Rock Campground and the Atlatl Rock Campground.  Both have the same rates, which are: $20/Night + $10 for RV Hookups.

Related: RV Recipes for the Road

What to Bring to the Valley of Fire:

Okay, now to the essentials!  If you’re going to do any hiking whatsoever, you’ll need to bring some sturdy hiking shoes.  Flip flops are the perfect casual footwear for around town.  Also, the sun can be pretty intense year-round, so don’t forget a pair of sunglasses.

Now that you’ve seen these Valley of Fire Tips, don’t stop now!  Check out these nearby travel destination guides below…

American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (14 Epic Days)

Las Vegas Budget Travel Guide (20 Affordable and Free Things to Do)

Zion National Park Hikes and Travel Tips

Bryce Canyon Travel Tips

Arizona Grand Canyon Travel Tips

Sedona Arizona Travel Guide

Phoenix Arizona Travel Guide

Bucket List Trips

Now that you’ve seen this Family Friendly Las Vegas Travel Guide, don’t miss out on anything else!  Follow along with Never Ending Journeys for more fun Travel Inspiration and Ideas!

Have you been to the Valley of Fire?  What are YOUR favorite Valley of Fire State Park Hikes or Viewpoints?? 

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