Valley of Fire State Park in one day is not ideal, but if you don’t have the time it can be done. If you get there early it can be done. Valley of Fire State Park is about an hour drive from Las Vegas but I highly recommend going. Even if you don’t like to hike you can see some amazing views for your car.
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Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest State Park and it was my #1 must see thing on my trip. The red rock formations and amazing colors blew me away. There were colors and shapes at Valley of Fire State Park that I had never seen before.
It’s $10 admission.
I would recommend getting a reservation slot beforehand and getting there early to see everything in 1 day. I got there around 6 or 7 in the morning and didn’t see anyone for the longest time.
Overview of 1-Day Itinerary
Check out AllTrails
- Arch Rock
- Windstone Arch: Drive-up/Short walk
- Atlatl Rock: MUST SEE
- Elephant Rock: 0.25 roundtrip (RT)
- Mouse’s Tank: 0.75 RT
- Rainbow Vista (Fire Canyon): 1 mile RT
- Fire Arch: 1 mile RT
- White Domes: 1.25 miles RT
- Fire Wave: 1.25 RT
Valley of Fire State Park
Before the trip, I got advice to start at the West Entrance travel through the park, and work back to the West Entrance. It’s 7 miles from the West to the East Entrance. It was nice to be able to get my bearings and what I wanted to see and do. There are several pull-offs where you can admire the formations if hiking isn’t your thing.
Elephant Rock – you can see the Elephant Rock from the road. There is also 0.2 loop or 1.25 mile loop. I did the 0.2 loop.
I found out after my trip that there is a hike that isn’t marked that takes you to a unique triple arch (tag The Lovers Passport & All Trails) This is known as Pretzel Arch, Triple Arch, or Lighthouse Arch.
Historic Cabins
From here I would recommend taking the White Domes Road. It’s a 5.5 scenic drive one way. So a total of 11 miles, but it’s totally worth it. Even if you don’t do any of the hikes the views from this road is phenomel. The colors and the landscape were something that I have never seen before.
The first stop is Balancing Rock which is 0.4 roundtrip near the visitor center.
Rainbow Vista – 1.0 mile RT – I don’t remember this trail, but from research and different people saying this one can be passed up.
Fire Canyon Overlook/ Silica Dome – This is the spot if you don’t have much time. It’s so pretty. I could not get over it.
White Domes Loop – This is 1.1 loop with a slot canyon. There are also remains from a tv set.
The P3 parking lot is the start of 2 trails: Fire Wave which is 1.5 out and back. Seven Wonder is a 1.8 loop with the Pink/Pastel Canyon connected on the southeast corner of the Seven Wonders loop.
Arch Rock – This was the last thing before heading home. Some people recommend starting here especially if you are there at sunrise.
Atlatl Rock – This was a spot that I didn’t know I needed to see. It has a bunch of petroglyphs that are etched into the side. You can see carving of sheep, snakes, rivers, and more. There are several other locations around the park where you can find petroglyphs – historic cabins and lone rock is where I first noticed them.
Picnic Areas
Shaded areas with restrooms are located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, the Cabins, near Mouse’s Tank Trailhead and White Domes. Reservations are not required to visit the park for day use.
Camping
There are 72 campsites with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. . All campsites are available by reservation. For more information and to book a campsite, check out the Nevada Park Service page.
Afterward, there is Windstone Arch if you are interested. There are no signs or trails. You won’t see the Winston Arch from the road.
This is definitely on my bucket list to go back and camp here. Since I have gotten into hiking and camping, my list of places has grown along with the places I want to visit. My list shocks even me sometimes because there are some things on my list I NEVER thought I would want to do.
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