Valley of Fire State Park

State: Nevada. Type: state park in Clark County, near Overton. Nevada's oldest state park, officially designated in 1935 (federal land transfer to the state occurred in 1931); named a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Covers roughly 40,000-46,000 acres (sources vary: park's own site cites 40,000 acres; Wikipedia cites 45,937.88 acres). Known for red Aztec sandstone formations roughly 150 million years old.

Valley of Fire sits in the Mojave Desert about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, near the town of Overton in Clark County. It is Nevada's oldest and best-known state park, built around vivid red Aztec sandstone outcrops that formed from ancient shifting sand dunes roughly 150 million years ago and appear to glow, or "catch fire," in low sunlight. The park preserves petroglyphs left by Ancestral Puebloan and Basketmaker peoples going back roughly 2,000-2,500 years, along with sites tied to later Puebloan and Paiute presence, plus three stone cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s-40s. A new $30 million visitor center opened November 10, 2025, replacing the older facility and adding exhibits on the park's geology, ecology, prehistory and history. Visitors typically drive the park's scenic road and stop at short trailheads to see landmarks like Atlatl Rock and Mouse's Tank up close.

The park is located at 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, Nevada 89040, in Clark County, roughly 16 miles south of Overton and about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It occupies a basin measuring roughly 4 by 6 miles, with elevation ranging from about 1,320 to 3,009 feet.

The park has a hot desert climate. Winter daytime highs run roughly 54-75°F, while summer highs commonly reach 100-115°F. Annual precipitation averages only about 6.5 inches. Vegetation is sparse desert scrub (creosote bush, various cacti) with wildflower blooms possible in spring after rain.

Fall through spring (roughly October through April) is the recommended window, avoiding the dangerous summer heat; several trails are subject to seasonal closures from May 15 through September 30 due to the frequency of heat-related medical emergencies and search-and-rescue calls. The park also closes for annual maintenance December 1-14.

Land for the park was transferred from federal to state ownership in 1931, and Nevada officially designated Valley of Fire as a state park in 1935, making it the oldest in the state park system. It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1968 in recognition of its geology. The Aztec Sandstone formations date to the Jurassic period, roughly 150 million years ago. Petroglyphs found throughout the park, including at Atlatl Rock and Mouse's Tank, were created by Basketmaker-era and later Ancestral Puebloan peoples over a span from roughly 300 BC to 1150 AD, with later Southern Paiute presence in the area. Three stone cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and early 1940s still stand in the park. A new $30 million visitor center opened November 10, 2025.

Popular activities include scenic driving along the park road, short hikes to petroglyph sites and rock formations, picnicking, and photography of the red sandstone at sunrise or sunset. Rangers and the visitor center offer exhibits on the park's geology, ecology, prehistory and history. Camping is available for overnight visitors. Because of the heat risk, park guidance specifically warns that "hiking in high heat is dangerous even on shorter trails."

Key sites include Atlatl Rock (a major petroglyph panel reached via a short stairway), Mouse's Tank (a natural rock basin along a petroglyph-lined trail), the park's petrified wood/trees, and the CCC-built stone cabins. The new visitor center, opened November 2025, is itself a destination for orientation and exhibits before exploring the park.

Most visitors drive from Las Vegas, about 50 miles southwest, via Interstate 15 to the Valley of Fire exit near Overton. There is no public transit directly serving the park, so a personal or rental vehicle is the practical way in.

The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset, year-round. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the park office keeps separate hours of Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on state holidays.

Day use costs $10 per vehicle for Nevada-registered vehicles ($15 for out-of-state vehicles); bicycle entry is $2. Camping runs $20 per vehicle/night for Nevada vehicles ($25 for out-of-state), plus $10 for utility hookups, per the park's official site.

A half-day (3-4 hours) covers the main scenic drive and short trailheads; a full day allows more time for hiking, photography, and the visitor center exhibits.

The park has two developed campgrounds with 72 total camping units plus three group-use sites (accommodating up to 45 people each); all sites require reservations, with a 14-day camping limit per 30-day period. RV sites with hookups, showers and a dump station are available on-site. Beyond the park, the nearby town of Overton and the broader Las Vegas area (about 50 miles away) offer hotel and motel options for visitors who prefer not to camp.

The park itself has no restaurants; visitors typically bring their own food and water for picnicking, or eat before/after their visit in the small town of Overton nearby or in the wider Las Vegas metro area, which has the region's full range of dining options.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area lies not far to the south, and Las Vegas, about 50 miles away, offers the closest major concentration of additional attractions, dining and lodging for visitors extending a Valley of Fire day trip.

There is no airport or rail station at the park; Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, roughly 50-55 miles away, is the nearest major airport. A personal or rental car is required to reach and explore the park, as there is no public transit service to the site.

Extreme summer heat is the park's primary hazard; carry ample water, avoid strenuous hiking during the hottest parts of the day, and heed the seasonal (May 15-September 30) closures on certain trails, which exist specifically because of heat-related medical emergencies and search-and-rescue incidents. Stay on marked trails to protect fragile rock art and formations. For any emergency, dial 911.

Plenty of drinking water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy closed-toe shoes for uneven rocky trails, and a full tank of gas or charged vehicle, since services are limited near the park.

Visit in the cooler months (fall through spring) and go early or late in the day for the best light for photography and to avoid peak heat. Fill up on gas and bring your own food and water, since on-site services are minimal. Check the park's official site for current trail closures before visiting, particularly in summer.

Dial 911 for any emergency. The park office can be reached at 702-397-2088 or vofsp@parks.nv.gov for visitor questions, per its official website.

Nevada State Parks - Valley of Fire - https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.