Want to infuse a heavy dose of adventure into your Las Vegas vacation? Folks, do yourself a favor and take a day trip to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas.
Famed for its 4,000-year-old petroglyphs and swirling colors, this 46,000-acre state wows visitors with its jaw-dropping views and outdoor pursuits. While it sits an hour away from Vegas, its surreal landscapes are a wild contrast to Sin City’s neon lights.
What’s more, a day trip to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas is quite easy on the wallet, so start planning your day trip to Valley of Fire State Park by heeding the pointers shared below.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in the Valley of Fire State Park or expert tips, these words of advice will come in handy on your trip.
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How to get to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas
Valley of Fire rests 58 miles from the energetic and renowned Las Vegas Strip. On average, the drive to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas takes about an hour.
To get to this state park from the Strip, drive the I-15 North for about 35 to 40 miles. Then, take Exit 75, and go East toward Lake Mead or Valley of Fire State Park. Drive for about 17 miles to the West Entrance Station on Valley of Fire.
There are no public transportation options to Valley of Fire from Las Vega, so bring your car on your Las Vegas trip or rent one from a trustworthy provider. Alternatively, there are operators that provide day tours to Valley of Fire State Park.
When driving, you can also use a GPS or any navigation app to reach the park.
Additional information:
- Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, Nevada
- Opening times: Daily from dawn to dusk
Our top recommended tours:
Best time to visit Valley of Fire State Park
Open year-round, Valley of Fire State Park is an exciting day trip destination at any season. However, the cooler months are ideal for anyone who wants to experience the top things to do in Valley of Fire State Park.
The desert heat in summer may be too intense for hiking or a prolonged stay. With milder and more pleasant temperatures, fall and spring surely are perfect for hiking and exploring the Valley of Fire State Park.
For those who want to steer clear of the crowds, visit the park in winter. Not only is it the least busy season, but the temperatures and conditions are also prime for hiking.
Morning is the best time to visit and see the wonders of Valley of Fire State Park. The midday crowds have yet to arrive, and the desert heat is more tolerable in the morning. Not to mention, the colors of the valley look striking at this time of the day.
Late afternoon is a fantastic time to visit Valley of Fire State Park too since the temperatures are cooler and the crowds have already dissipated.
Our top recommended tours:
- Valley of Fire and California Mojave Desert tour
- Valley of Fire and Seven Magic Mountains Day Tour from Las Vegas
Things to do in Valley of Fire State Park in 1 day
There are so many things to do in Valley of Fire State Park, but, guess what? You can see the most mesmerizing sights and hike the most scenic trails in the Valley of Fire State Park in just one day.
Here’s a breakdown of how you can experience a rocking day trip in Valley of Fire State Park.
1st stop: Beehives
There’s no better way to start a day trip to Valley of Fire State Park than to see the Beehives. Situated near the West Entrance Gate, this one-of-a-kind attraction is a collection of gorgeous orange rocks that look quite like gigantic beehives.
With a decent parking space, it’s a fabulous spot for a quick op in Valley of Fire State Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may climb up the rocks and snap some breathtaking selfies.
- Time to spend: 10 to 30 minutes
Our top recommended tours: Valley of Fire State Park Tour w/Private Option (2-6 people)
2nd stop: The Visitor Center
Set right in the heart of the park, the Visitors’ Center is, for most travelers, the first stop on their day trip to the Valley of Fire. However, since the Beehives are closer to the West Entrance, and it’s a quick pit stop, we made the Visitor Center the second stop on our itinerary.
As you wander around the center, you’ll find a ton of intriguing exhibits detailing the human and geological history of the area. Furthermore, it shares fun tidbits about the park’s fauna and flora.
You can also use the restroom and fill up your refillable water bottle. There is also a store to grab snacks and souvenirs. From there, you may take a short hike to the Balancing Rock as well.
- Time to spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Our top recommended tours:
3rd stop: Hike the Fire Wave trail
No list of the best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park is complete without this scenic trail. As you hike this trail, you’ll find the famous and striking Fire Wave. With its swirling colors and ethereal formations, this landmark will remind you of Arizona’s iconic and world-famous Wave.
To me, it’s somewhat a mini version of the Wave. Additionally, it’s a fairly easy hike and even suitable for beginners. While there, find a nice spot where you can eat your lunch or enjoy a picnic.
- Time to spend: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Length of the hike: 1.25 miles
Our top recommended tours:
4th stop: Hike the White Domes Trail
Keep things rolling and hike the second best and most popular trail in Valley of Fire State Park – White Domes. The hike starts where you’ve parked your car near Fire Wave trail.
Like the First Wave trail, this hike is pretty easy and beginner friendly. Along the way, you’ll spot tons of impressive rock formations, such as a small slot canyon and large boulders. There’s also the ruin of an old film set from the 1966 flick The Professionals.
Although not as alluring as the Fire Wave, this trail will still give you scores of dazzling views and sights.
- Time to spend: 1 hour
- Length of the hike: 1.25 miles
Do you have the right hiking gear? Our top 40 Hiking Essentials: The Ultimate Hiking Packing List
5th stop: Stop at the White Domes Road
You’ve already been on this picturesque road once on your way to the trails from the Visitor Center. This time, you should spend time making stops, taking photos, and relishing the scenery.
You’ll find several trailheads and pull-outs as you drive along this road. It’s all up to you where you’ll be stopping by to soak up the views.
We recommend checking out the Rainbow Vista trailhead where you’ll see some cool sights and views.
- Time to spend: 30 minutes
Fill up with water at the Valley of Fire State Park visiter center, do you have a good water bottle? Best Travel Water Bottle (Top 9 + How To Choose the Right One)
6th Stop: Admire Elephant Rock
At the edge of White Domes Road, head to the left, and drive your way to the park’s East Entrance. Before you reach the entrance gate, take a glance on the road’s left side to spot the Elephant Rock.
Afterward, make your way to this unique formation, and find out why it’s called Elephant Rock. Once there, snap a ton of photos and selfies with the rock formation in the background. Just don’t climb the rock formation itself, as it can be rather dangerous.
- Time to spend: 15 to 30 minutes
Not happy with your photos from your past travels? Here’s what we use
7th Stop: Atlatl Rock & Petroglyphs
Cap off your day on a high note with a pit stop at Atlatl Rock. Besides its imposing and remarkable size, this rock formation also features captivating and mysterious petroglyphs. In addition, you can see these carvings up close by taking the stairs that take you up to the petroglyphs.
- Time to spend: 15 to 20 minutes
Make sure you have the right clothing for hiking in the desert: How to Choose the Best Shirts for Hiking Shirts (Advice for Men & Women)
Day Trip Tips for Visiting Valley of Fire from Las Vegas
Can’t wait to see Valley of Fire State Park? Before you start packing your bags, make sure to take note of these pointers.
Pack a lunch
There’s no restaurant or convenience store within the park, and driving back to the nearest food joint at the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza will take a lot of time. That’s why you should pack a lunch, a few light bites, and eat inside Valley of Fire State Park.
Just don’t forget to properly dispose of all your trash.
Sun protection is a must
Even in winter, you can easily get a sunburn hiking in the Valley of Fire, so wear some sunscreen, and bring sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes and face.
Use a refillable water bottle
Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up at the campsites or Visitor Center. Also, bring enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your day trip. We recommend that you drink at least two liters of water per day when visiting Valley of Fire State Park.
Check the park’s weather
The park is set right in the heart of the desert, meaning you can expect extreme temperatures. In winter, days are normally pleasant and mild. However, in summer, daytime temperatures hover around 100 degrees F.
You might also check any flash flood warnings. I know it sounds a little crazy, but the desert has washes, slot canyons, and other regions that can flood during thunderstorms.
Want to ask us something about day trips to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas? Please, let us know what you think by sharing your thoughts in the comment section.
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