Fire Wave Trail

Fire Wave Trail is a short sand and slickrock walk in Valley of Fire State Park, about 50 miles (one hour) northeast of Las Vegas in Nevada. The trail starts at Parking Lot 3 on White Domes Road, within the park at Overton, NV 89040. No public transit serves the park, so visitors arrive by car via I-15 and SR 169. Day use costs $15 per non-Nevada vehicle and $10 per Nevada-plated vehicle, and the west entrance is closed Monday through Thursday through the end of 2026, so visitors on those days should use the east entrance. The round trip is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) with roughly 150 feet (45 m) of elevation gain, and the hike takes 45 minutes to an hour, which makes it easy. The first part follows a sandy path over low dunes, then the route crosses slickrock marked with posts and small cairns. The surface is a mix of sand and sandstone, and there is almost no shade. The destination is a swirling formation of red and white striped sandstone, often called the Fire Wave because the bands curl across the rock like a frozen wave. The pattern is formed by iron-stained layers of Aztec sandstone, and the rock is best photographed in late afternoon, when low sunlight deepens the colors. Hikers usually turn around at the formation, though the trail can be extended toward the White Domes area. No water or shelter exists along the route, so 1 to 2 liters of water per person should be carried. The park closes the area each year from May 15 to September 30 because of extreme heat. Closed shoes and a sun hat are advisable, and visitors should avoid walking on fragile desert soil away from the marked route. The park can be reached at 702-397-2088.