![]() ![]() Among the finds are ancient petroglyphs (not visible in this photo) etched into the sandstone. Significant archaeological artifacts have been found throughout Moapa Valley, with some dating back to 300 BCE. The slab was subsequently faulted and uplifted by tectonic forces, and then eroded by water and wind into the current landscape. This sandstone here formed from ancient sand dune fields that covered the area during the Jurassic Period. At sunset, valley outcrops made of bright, rust-colored Aztec sandstone appear to be on fire, which led early European explorers to give the area its colorful name. Red-orange rock exposures near the center of the photo mark the Valley of Fire State Park, located approximately 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the northeast of Las Vegas. Both rivers empty into the Overton Arm, the northern part of Lake Mead that eventually merges with the Colorado River to the south. The nearby Virgin River, by contrast, is bordered by dark vegetated areas and lacks urban structures. ![]() The Muddy River flows through Moapa Valley, where it is bordered by agricultural fields and towns. The Muddy and Virgin Rivers cut through the desert to deliver water to Lake Mead reservoir. Named for the apparent shape, Elephant Rock is far less traveled and photographed than other “fire” features scattered throughout the park.While in orbit over southern Nevada, an astronaut onboard the International Space Station took this photo of brightly colored rocks and deep canyons in the Mojave Desert. Elephant RockĬontinuing past the Mouse Tank Road turn off on the Valley of Fire Highway brings you to Elephant Rock. Past the visitor center you will come across the 1.5 mile fire wave trail that brings you to the swooping outlines of the fire wave. One of the most photographed places in the Valley of Fire, the Fire Wave is a series of rings in the red sandstone. ![]() Overnight camping – $20 per night + $10 for utility hook up Don’t Miss These Photogenic Spots Fire Wave This option may be a shorter distance from Henderson or Boulder City, Nevada. If you are looking for a more scenic drive to reach the park you can also reach Valley of Fire via Northshore Road (highway 167) through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You can drive to most of the well-known trailheads and rock formations along the same road. There is one main road through the park that can be driven as a scenic loop. After taking the I-15 North from Las Vegas for about 30 miles, turn onto Valley of Fire scenic byway for 15 miles and enter the park from the northwest near the Fire Wave. The commute to Valley of Fire State Park from Las Vegas requires about an hour of drive time, but it’s pretty straightforward. This area is far enough from the city of Las Vegas to have an identity of its own, but close enough to be easily accessible by anyone attracted to the area by Las Vegas. Archaeological sites throughout the park are evidence of the early pueblo cultures that called Valley of Fire home. Desert marigolds and indigo bush awaken in the springtime, joining the abundant stands of beavertail and cholla cactus. In addition to geologic marvels, the park is rich in flora, fauna and human history. This is in part due to the stark contrast of wide open desert landscape and the sudden interruptive tangles of vibrant red rock formations and petroglyphs. ![]() Hikers, campers, cyclists and even movie directors have found something special about Valley of Fire State Park since its designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. At sunset these rocks bear an uncanny resemblance to a valley literally on fire, hence the name. The oldest state park in Nevada, Valley of Fire State Park is characterized by its red sandstone formations. ![]()
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