Hiking in Valley of Fire State Park: The Best Trails & What to Expect
Welcome to the Valley of Fire!
Hiking in Valley of Fire State Park has become one of my favorite things to do in Nevada. I have been a few times now—once in the peak of summer (would not recommend) and again in winter when the weather was much more forgiving.
No matter the season, this place is worth a visit with its beautiful red and pink-hued rocks and simple hikes that still make you feel like you have stepped onto Mars. If you are thinking about visiting, here is everything I wish I knew beforehand, plus the trails I think are actually worth your time.
Oh & as always, practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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hiking in the valley of fire state park
Valley of Fire Overview
A view along the Fire Wave hiking trail in Valley of Fire State Park!
Location: Off Interstate 15— about 1 hour northeast of Las Vegas. The closest town is Overton.
Park Hours: Sunrise to Sunset. Visitors must be out of the park or in their campsite by sunset.
Fees & Reservations:
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle (Nevada residents)
$15 per vehicle (non-Nevada residents)
Camping Fees: You can book your camping reservation here.
$20 per night per vehicle (Nevada residents)
$25 per night per vehicle (non-Nevada residents)
Additional $10 per night for sites with utility hookups
Best Time to Hike: I suggest visiting during fall through early spring — from October to April — when temperatures are the most comfortable for hiking. May through September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching dangerous levels. I made the mistake of visiting in August once, and it hit 113°F. Definitely do not recommend!
Facilities:
Visitor Center with park information (9 AM—4 PM)
Two campgrounds—Atatl and Arch Rock
Picnic & Drinking Water Areas
There are parking areas at each of the trailheads. Do not park on loose sand or gravel areas—stick to designated parking spots.
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leash no longer than 6 feet on all trails. They cannot enter the visitor center.
Pro Tip: Be sure to carry plenty of water for your dog and paw protection! I would not recommend bringing your dog along in the summer months, as it is too hot.
How to Get to Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located in southeastern Nevada, about 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The easiest way to get there is by car. You want to enter through the West entrance.
From Las Vegas:
Distance: Approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas
Driving Time: About 1 hour
From St. George, Utah:
Distance: Approximately 90–94 miles southwest of St. George
Driving Time: About 1 hour and 58 minutes
Nearest Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas— a 1-hour drive from Valley of Fire State Park.
Best Time to Hike Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire State Park is open year-round. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferred weather conditions and activities. I usually suggest between Fall and Spring to avoid the extreme heat in summer.
Spring has ideal hiking conditions, with average temperatures between 70°F and 90°F.
Summer can be EXTREMELY hot, with average highs exceeding 100°F and sometimes reaching up to 120°F. If you plan to visit during these months, start your hikes early, bring plenty of water and electrolytes, and mentally prepare yourself for some heat.
Truthfully, I would not recommend heading there during this time — the heat is unbearable. In true Gina fashion, I totally underestimated the August heat, and let me tell you, I regretted it. I barely made it a mile before I thought I was going to melt. I was completely unprepared, with not enough water, which had already warmed up by the time I got back to the car anyway. I definitely pushed myself beyond what I should have in that heat, and looking back, I honestly got lucky I did not have a heat stroke. You might think I am exaggerating, but I promise, I am not.
Moral of my story: learn from me and be more prepared than I was if you go in the summer (or learn from my mistake and do not visit in June, July, and August).
Fall is another great time to visit the Valley of Fire. Temperatures are similar to spring, but they begin to cool off more in October and November.
Winter is quieter and cooler, with average highs between 50°F and 65°F. Snow is rare, but light rain is possible. Dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable during your visit.
Always check the local weather forecast before your hike, as conditions can change rapidly in desert environments.
Where To Stay Near Valley of Fire State Park
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Best Option Near Valley of Fire: North Shore Inn at Lake Mead
Best Option in Mesquite (55 minutes): Eureka Casino Resort
Best Low-Budget Vegas: Tru By Hilton
Best Mid-Budget Vegas: The Berkley or The Westin Lake Resort and Spa
Best High-End Budget Vegas: The Cosmopolitan (my favorite!)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links at no additional cost to you!
The Best Hiking Trails In Valley of Fire State Park
The Fire Wave in Valley of Fire State Park— one of the best hikes.
Me wandering through the slot canyons along the White Domes hiking trail in Valley of Fire State Park!
For those who want to hike in the Valley of Fire…
Mouse’s Tank Trail: Although this is not necessarily one of my favorite hiking trails in the Valley of Fire, it is excellent for those who want a shorter, family-friendly trail with unique rock formations and petroglyphs. It is a wonderful option for dogs and kids! The trail is around 15 minutes round-trip. I suggest downloading the AllTrails map so you do not venture past the end of the trail.
Distance: 0.75 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 49 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy peasy
Trail Type: Loose sand
What You’ll See: Petroglyphs, Rock Formations
Is it Worth it? I would not prioritize this hike unless you are specifically looking for short hikes and do not plan to complete The Fire Wave / White Domes / Seven Wonders (more on these below). I have hiked quite a bit in the southwest, so this trail does not stand out to me as a must-do.
Rainbow Vista Trail: This will be a fun trail for you if it is your first time in the desert and you want to take in the new vegetation, terrain, and landscapes of a sandy place. On the other hand, one of the best things about the trails in Valley of Fire is hiking through the colorful, multi-hued rocks. Aside from orange, this trail does not offer much of this. Another important note is this trail in the summer GETS HOT. So I would avoid it in the summer, especially if you are not used to the heat, and have children with you, or your pet.
Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 104 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy, unless hiking this one in the summer. You are completely exposed in the open desert.
Trail Type: Loose sand
What You’ll See: Rock formations, vegetation, overlook
Is it Worth it? I would skip it unless it is your first time in the desert. Definitely skip it if you are visiting in the summer.
Fire Wave Trail: This incredible trail in Valley of Fire is one of the best hiking spots around, leading to a stunning red and pink wavy rock formation—it honestly feels like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Everyone keeps talking about the 'new wave' in Arizona, but to me, this is an even better place to experience something similar to the iconic Arizona Wave, minus the crowds. Along the trail, you will also find so many different colored pastel rocks and cool formations to take in.
This trail does have limited shade, so it is best to head there early in the morning. The trail is well-marked, making it easy to follow as you hike.
Distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Difficulty Level: Moderate according to the Valley of Fire, labeled as easy on AllTrails
Trail Type: Loose sand and larger slabs of rocks
What You’ll See: The Fire Wave (small-scale version of The Wave in Arizona), unique rock formations that span a palette of white, pink, red, orange, and yellow, a beautiful landscape moment capturing the colorful rocks with the desert in the back, and even the snowy mountains beyond that.
Is it Worth it? Yes! This is one of the best trails in the Valley of Fire—and honestly, in all of Nevada. The colors of the rocks along this trail are incredible, unlike anything I have seen anywhere else.
This trail is closed in the summer (June 1 - September 30).
Fire Wave & Seven Wonders Trail Loop: This trail is a continuation of the Fire Wave, so it already has my vote. You will weave through small pink and yellow canyons before reaching the main road. It was definitely another one of my favorite hikes in Valley of Fire.
Distance: 1.8-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 187 feet
Difficulty Level: Moderate (strenuous if in summer)
Trail Type: Loose sand and rock
What You’ll See: The same as above, plus the pastel pink canyon, short slot canyons
Is it Worth it? Yes! The pastel pink canyons are absolutely beautiful. And you might as well do the full loop—it is the same distance as doing the Fire Wave out and back. Plus, you can even add on another awesome trail (White Domes—see below).
Pro Tip: Fire Wave/Seven Wonders closes in the summer due to high temperatures (June 1 – September 30).
The White Domes Trail: Who doesn’t love slot canyons? The White Domes Trail takes you through towering slot canyons that are just as incredible as those found in Arizona and Utah. You can add this trail to the one above, making it a larger, more adventurous loop that captures all of my favorite things about the Valley of Fire. Bonus! There is even an old movie set along the trail from 1965, AND Star Trek: Generations (1994) was filmed somewhere along this trail.
Distance: 1.1-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 177 feet
Difficulty Level: Moderate (moderately strenuous if you do the full loop with the Fire Wave & Seven Wonders, totaling 3.1 miles)
Trail Type: Loose sand and gravel, some rough terrain with climbing over rocks
What You’ll See: Slot Canyons and the remains of an old movie set!
Is it Worth it? Yup! You have the most epic trail in the Valley of Fire once you combine The White Domes with Fire Wave/Seven Wonders. You could spend your entire time in the Valley of Fire State Park doing nothing but hiking this trail, and it would be worth it.
Arch Rock in Valley of Fire State Park. You can hike around it or view it from the street!
Admiring petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada.
For the non-hikers…
First off, driving along the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway alone gives you amazing views of the rock formations, colors, and the desert stretching out ahead. So if that is all you have time for, it is still a good teaser of the park.
There are plenty of short walks and stop-off points if you do not want to hike at all, including:
Lone Rock— a lonely rock and resting place to enjoy a snack or lunch!
Balancing Rock— At just 0.1 miles out and back, it is pretty much what you would expect—a rock balancing on another. Many national parks, like Arches, have formations like this, so if you have seen one, you have seen them all.
Elephant Rock: If this is your first time visiting the southwest, this could be a cool spot to check out, especially with families. The 0.2-mile out-and-back trail takes you to an elephant-like rock formation, which is fun to see. If you are up for a longer hike, you can extend your adventure by continuing onto the 1.25-mile loop (I have never done this one myself). Otherwise, I would skip!
Arch Rock: Again, these names make what the rock is quite obvious! You can easily view it from the road, so there is no need to hike. And please, do not climb on it! It is a bit underwhelming if you have seen rock arches or been to Arches National Park.
The Beehives: This stop-off is especially great for families because the rocks are shaped like beehives (duh)! The rock formations showcase geologic cross-bedding—the formation of rock layers at angles due to wind and water movement.
Atlatl Rock: I really enjoy this short hike. I say hike because you must climb two sets of stairs to reach the petroglyphs at the top. Aside from the glyphs, you are rewarded with incredible views of the Valley of Fire from above!
Unfortunately, some people have vandalized the rock with names and dates. Please respect the park and its history, so future visitors can enjoy it as much as you do.
Petrified Log Loop: A small 0.3-mile loop to see petrified wood up close, but obviously, if you have seen some before or fossils are not your thing, you can skip. You can learn more about petrified wood here!
Fire Canyon Overlook: If this is your first time in any national or state park in the southwest, you will probably find this overlook just as amazing as I did when it was my first. That said, on my second visit, it did not feel quite as impressive. If you have spent time exploring the southwest before, this one is skippable—but it is an easy stop-off if you are passing by.
Find an easy-to-follow Valley of Fire itinerary for your trip here!
Essential Hiking & Safety Tips
Some of the colorful small slot canyons along the hikes in Valley of Fire State Park. Fire Wave / Seven Wonders Trail.
Always check the weather before booking your trip to ensure you choose your preferred conditions and know what to pack, especially in the hot summer when extra water is essential and heat strokes are more common. Bringing layers is your best option to accommodate the cooler mornings and evenings. Desert weather can change fast.
Stock your car with snacks, water, and electrolytes to stay hydrated during your travel. This is even more important if you plan to visit during the summer. Early morning visits are best to avoid the heat.
On the topic of summer, know your limits. Do not push too hard, especially in the heat.
Wear sun protective items like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc.
Bring a backpack with essentials on your hikes, including food, water, electrolytes, a cell phone, etc. The desert can be unforgiving.
Be sure to know how far destinations are and where the closest gas station is to avoid running out in the middle of nowhere. There are no gas stations inside the state park.
Pack sturdy hiking shoes to prevent falls, navigate slippery trails, and avoid injuries. If you are traveling from outside the US, purchase travel medical insurance in case of an emergency. My boyfriend (UK) uses Safety Wing’s US plan while he is here.
If you do not have a US SIM, I suggest downloading an eSIM such as Airalo to access maps, trails, and emergency phone calls during your trip.
Download AllTrails to your phone so you have access to the trail maps!
You can find the park map here!
Stay on the trails to protect the environment and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Valley of Fire worth hiking?
Yes! I love Valley of Fire State Park. It is such an easy day trip from Vegas and offers something for everyone. There are easy overlooks and short trails, as well as longer trails for those who want to hike more. It is family-friendly and dog-friendly!
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes! They must be leashed.
What is the best time to hike in the Valley of Fire?
I suggest Fall through Spring for the most comfortable hiking temperatures.
What is the best time of day to hike the Valley of Fire?
In the mornings, to avoid the heat!
Are there slot canyons in Valley of Fire State Park?
Yes! Along the White Domes Trail.
Which is better to see, Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire?
These two parks are actually quite different! Valley of Fire offers some cool viewpoints, short hikes, and longer (but still easy) trails that are great for every hiker. It features striking red rocks and a desert landscape, set in the middle of nowhere. On the other hand, Red Rock Canyon has a mix of brown, multicolored, and red rocks, along with longer hikes throughout the park. Some are easier than others, but the park has some challenging hikes. It is also a great spot for rock climbing. Red Rock is located near Summerlin, just outside of Vegas, in a more residential and populated area.
Looking for your next otherworldly hike? Check out Moonscape Overlook in Utah.
