Valley of Fire State Park

General Information

Valley of Fire:  (702) 397-2088

To reach the Valley of Fire State Park, drive approximately 35 miles north of Las Vegas on I-15 to Exit 75 (Hwy 169).  There is gas and food available at the Indian Smoke Shop located at the exit.  Take Hwy 169 East for approximately 15 miles to the park entrance. From there it is approximately another  4 miles to the visitor center.  Click here for "Getting There Map"

Park Hours:  The visitor center hours are 8:30 to 4:30, but you can drive through the park at any time day or night.  Maps are available at the entrances, visitor center, and on their web site.

Fees:  Currently is $6.00 per car load of people and is paid at one of the entrances to the park or at the visitor center. 

Visitor Center: Open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  It contains displays and provides information on the history of the park, as well as  post cards, books and most importantly maps of the park.

Brief History:  The Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park, dedicated in 1935 and consisting of just under 35,000 acres.  It's gets its name from the red sandstone formations making up the valley.  The sandstone has been  exposed by extensive erosion over the past 150 million years creating the incredible scenery that we enjoy today.  The valley was occupied as early as 300 BC.  First by the Fremont (Basket Makers), next came the Anasazi and then, until current times, the Paiute.

Rock art that was created by the original inhabitants can be mainly found in two areas of the park, Atlatl Rock and Petroglyph Canyon (Mouse's Tank).  See "Driving Directions to Valley of Fire" for aerial maps to petroglyph areas.

Nature:  For animals representative of this area, please check out the "Critters and Stuff" page.

Reminders:

• Take photographs, but please do not remove or disturb any artifacts, plants, rocks, minerals, or animals.  All are protected by either state or federal laws.
• Please be careful with litter.  Use the trash containers provided or carry out your trash if on a trail system.
• Drive only on approved roads and park only in designated places.  There is no off-roading allowed in the park area.
• Camping and campfires (grilling) are allowed only in designated areas.  There are two campgrounds (additional fees), picnic areas, and restrooms located in different areas throughout the park.  There is great hiking for the entire family. Get hiking information from the visitor center or call (702) 397-2088.  See Map

Weather:  This area is typical of the desert -- it can be freezing in the winter, to well over 100 degrees in the summer.  The rains are usually light in the winter and can be heavy during summer thunderstorms with the total average annual rainfall about 5.5 inches.  Come prepared with the proper clothing, footwear, and water.  For a few desert tips, please see our "A Few Tips for Hiking in the Desert" page.

Average year around temperatures

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Valley of Fire information  (702) 397-2088

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