Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest state park, lies in Moapa Valley about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas and is reached in roughly an hour by car. The route follows I-15 north to exit 75 and then SR 169 into the park. A rental car is the practical choice, with day-use entry of $15 per non-Nevada vehicle ($10 for Nevada plates); National Park passes are not accepted. Guided tours with Strip pickup cost about $150 to $250 per person. The park is known for red Aztec sandstone formations that glow in morning and late-afternoon light, plus ancient petroglyphs. Key stops include Mouse's Tank, where a short trail passes rock art, the Fire Wave, a striped sandstone formation reached by a short hike of roughly 1.5 miles round trip, and Elephant Rock near the east entrance. The Visitor Center, open about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., has exhibits on geology and desert wildlife and sells water and maps. A sensible one-day plan reaches the park shortly after sunrise, when light is best and temperatures are lowest. The morning covers the Fire Wave and the scenic drive through the main loop, followed by Mouse's Tank and Elephant Rock around midday. The drive out can include a stop in the town of Overton or a return along I-15 with lunch in Mesquite or back in the Las Vegas valley, since food within the park is not available and visitors should bring water and snacks. Picnic tables and shaded ramadas offer rest stops inside the park. The best season is October through April; many trails are closed from mid-May through September because of extreme heat, and the park is closed from December 1 to 14. Through the end of 2026, visitors are directed to the east entrance Monday through Thursday, so checking the park website before departure is advisable. Plan for five to eight hours including driving, and carry at least a liter of water per person even on short walks.