Valley of Fire State Park is a great place to explore an incredible desert landscape without the crowds. Today I am sharing my Ultimate Guide to visiting Valley of Fire and including the 5 Best Valley of Fire hikes.
Roughly an hour north of the Las Vegas’s famous strip, you’ll find one of my favorite local state parks- Valley of Fire. The park is known for its bright red and orange rock formations, petrified trees, petroglyphs , and if you have some luck on your side you may see some mountain sheep. Valley of Fire is a great day trip and worth the drive if you’re in the area. There are lot of hiking trails, rock climbing routes, a great visitor center, and a notch place to catch the sunrise or sunset.
I was born and raised in Las Vegas and have been to Valley of Fire many times growing up. I have also taken my own kids a hand full of times! Below I’ve written an ultimate guide to everything you need to know before planning your visit. Here are my 5 favorite Valley of Fire hikes as well as everything you need to know before visiting the park. I have included the best times of year to visit the park, where you can stay, information to keep the park in the best condition, and more!
If you’ve been before, be sure to share your favorite Valley of Fire hikes and things to do!
State Park Information
Valley of Fire is open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset (Rangers drive around and will kick you out at sundown). There is a $15.00 fee for a day pass per vehicle. Is you are a NV local, a day pass is only $10 dollars. You can bike into the park for $2.00 per bike. Pets are welcome on a leash, and in addition to dogs on the trails, there are designated horseback riding trails for equestrians.
Bathrooms are pretty available throughout the park as well as two campgrounds, a group camping area, and RV sites with full-hookups. You don’t need a reservation to enter the park, but you would need one to secure a camping spot. There is also Wifi access available for purchases if you are looking to camp for an extended period of time-up to 14 days.
You can check out their website directly for any park closures or special events: Valley of Fire State Park Official Website. Before we dive into trails, here is a reminder that hiking in high temperatures can be dangerous if you are not smart and prepared. So, be aware of heat warning, know that trails take longer to complete when it’s hot, and have plenty of water on hand for both humans and pets. Don’t be intimated by the heat, just don’t underestimate it!
Best Time to Visit Valley of Fire State Park
My favorite time to visit Valley of Fire is in the early spring and late fall. It’s the perfect weather and not too hot yet. But people visit year round and everyone goes for different reasons. So here are some pros and cons to when to visit and enjoy Valley of Fire hikes.
Spring (March-May)
Daytime Temps: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
Pros: The temperatures are mild and wildflowers are blooming.
Cons: Can be crowded during spring break.
Summer (June-August)
Daytime Temps: 95–115°F (35–46°C)
Pros: You’ll find fewer crowds, and the early morning and evening light is perfect for photography.
Cons: The extreme heat can be dangerous, making most daytime hiking uncomfortable or unsafe.
Fall (September-November)
Daytime Temps: 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Pros: Comfortable weather and fewer visitors than spring make for a pleasant experience.
Cons: Early fall can still bring high temperatures, especially in September.
Winter (December-February)
Daytime Temps: 45–65°F (10–18°C)
Pros: Cool weather is great for hiking, and the park is usually quiet and peaceful.
Cons: Mornings can be quite chilly, and daylight hours are shorter.
Leave No Trace in Valley of Fire
Stay on Designated Trails & Rocks
The desert environment is incredibly fragile, and human impact can take decades to heal. Here’s how to minimize damage:
✅ Use official trails – Valley of Fire has many established trails leading to stunning viewpoints and formations. Avoid creating new trails, as this can cause erosion and harm desert plants.
✅ Walk on durable surfaces – If you need to step off the trail, stick to slick rock (solid rock) or sandy washes rather than stepping on fragile vegetation or cryptobiotic soil. This soil (a crusty, dark layer) helps retain moisture and prevent erosion, but even a single footstep can destroy it.
✅ Respect climbing guidelines – While scrambling on rock formations is generally allowed, avoid climbing on areas with petroglyphs or delicate rock structures that could break.
✅ Follow cairns and signs – These markers help prevent trail erosion by guiding hikers on the safest paths.
Pack Out All Trash (Even Small Stuff)
Even biodegradable items like apple cores or orange peels do not belong in the desert because they take a long time to decompose and can disrupt the ecosystem.
✅ Bring a small trash bag – Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, tissues, and crumbs. Even tiny bits of micro-trash add up over time.
✅ Pick up other litter if you see it – If you spot trash left by others, consider picking it up to keep the park pristine.
❌ Don’t leave food scraps – Leftover food attracts wildlife and can alter their natural behavior. Dispose of it properly outside the park.
✅ Dispose of pet waste properly – If bringing a dog, pack out their waste in a sealed bag rather than leaving it behind or burying it.
If you have to go to bathroom and there are no facilities around, make sure to find an area 200 ft away from the trail and any water source to do your business. Bring a bag to pack out your toilet paper as it doesn’t break down well in the desert soil. Or better yet, you can use a Kula cloth or bandana to wipe.
If you have to go number 2, human waste needs to be packed out as the desert soil can’t decompose it well. You can pack a wag bag to keep keep it sealed and sanitary to pack it out. Don’t forget to pack hand sanitizer!
3. Respect Wildlife
Valley of Fire is home to bighorn sheep, lizards, foxes, and desert tortoises. Interacting with wildlife in the wrong way can harm both the animals and visitors.
✅ Observe from a distance – If you see wildlife, enjoy watching but don’t approach or attempt to touch them. Even small animals can bite or carry diseases.
❌ Don’t feed wildlife – Feeding animals causes them to become dependent on human food and disrupts their diet. It can also make them aggressive toward people.
✅ Be extra cautious with desert tortoises – These are a threatened species and are protected by law. If you see one, never pick it up—it can release its stored water as a defense mechanism, which could lead to dehydration and death.
✅ Keep dogs leashed – Dogs must be on a leash at all times to prevent them from disturbing wildlife or fragile plants.
4. Leave Petroglyphs & Rocks Undisturbed
Valley of Fire is one of the best places in Nevada to see ancient petroglyphs, some dating back over 2,000 years! These carvings are irreplaceable cultural artifacts, and they must be protected.
❌ Never carve or write on rocks – Graffiti, even with something like chalk, permanently damages the site. Defacing rock formations or petroglyphs is illegal and can result in hefty fines.
❌ Don’t move or stack rocks – While rock stacking (cairn building) is popular in some areas, unauthorized cairns can mislead hikers and disrupt the natural landscape. Leave rocks where they are. If your kid does build a little tower, just be sure to knock it over before you leave.
✅ Teach kids about preservation – If you’re visiting with children, help them understand why these petroglyphs and rock formations are important to protect.
Dogs in Valley of Fire
Dogs are allowed in Valley of Fire State Park (Yay!!) but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. They are welcome on most trails, roads, and in campgrounds, but they are not allowed inside the Visitor Center. To protect the park’s fragile desert ecosystem, keep dogs on designated trails and never let them disturb wildlife like bighorn sheep or desert tortoises.
Since temperatures in the park can be extreme, especially in summer, bring plenty of water and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Always clean up after your dog and pack out waste, as pet waste can harm the environment.
5 Best Valley of Fire Hikes
Mouse Tank
Trail Length: ~0.8 miles Out and Back
Hike Time: 20-30 Minutes
Facilities: Bathroom, Picnic Area with shade. No Water at this trailhead.
Elevation: ~80 feet
Difficulty: Easy
This is a fun, easy hike with lots of petroglyphs along the trail. It’s one of my favorite Valley of Fire hikes for kids. You’ll walk on sand through a small red sandstone canyon. The hike leads to a small natural basin that can sometimes collect water after it rains. There really isn’t any shade on this trail so keep that in mind when deciding to start, depending on what time of year you visit.
On this trail there are hundreds of Petroglyphs, many of them concentrated on the left hand side.
There is some fun folklore about this trail, named after an outlaw accused of theft and possible murder called “Little Mouse” who alleged used the basin area as a hideout in the 1800s. The story goes that he stole horses, food and supplies from settlers in the area and used the water that gathered in the “tank” to survive. So there is some local gossip for you to think about when you’re enjoying this quick out and back hike!
Rainbow Vista
Trail Length: ~1 mile Out and Back
Hike Time: ~less than 1 hour
Facilities: Bathroom, Picnic Area. No water at this trailhead.
Elevation: ~105 feet
Difficulty: Easy
A very family-friendly Valley of Fire hikes with great views. This trail takes you through a short canyon that opens up into a view point. It’s short and sweet, with great views for less than a mile of hiking. There are a few sections of the trail with minor rock scrambling but most of it is soft sand. There are a lot of beautiful view points along the trail! You’ll notice the common theme that these trails can get very hot, so make sure you have water, a hat, sunscreen, and a plan!
White Domes
Trail Length: ~1.1 mile Loop
Hike Time: ~1 hour depending on crowds
Facilities: Bathroom and picnic area. No water at this trailhead.
Elevation: ~180 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
White Domes is one of my favorite Valley of Fire Hikes. The parking lot for this hike can fill up quick, and finding a spot can be very limited in the area. I would plan to get there early to make sure you can park at the trail head! The trail starts out with very sandy footing with a quick mild incline. You can also do this trail counterclockwise, if you prefer.
The trail can be tiresome to little legs due to the sand (i.e. walking on loose sand at the beach), so wear good footwear and plan for extra time. About half way through the trail you’ll hit a slot canyon. It’s a fairly short section of the hike but makes the hike unique and an exciting part of this Valley of Fire hikes.
Even though is trail is rated as moderate, it is still very kid friendly. There are lots of places to play along the trail and there may be small water puddles in some parts of the canyon if it is has rained recently. If you only have time for one hike in the park, this would be my top recommendation!
Fire Wave Trail
Trail Length: ~1.3 mile Out and Back
Hike Time: ~45 minutes – 1 hour
Facilities: Bathroom and picnic area. No water at this trailhead.
Elevation: ~150 feet
Difficulty: Easy
A short trail with great views. The trail head is right by parking lot #3 along mouse’s tank road (aka white domes road).If you have little kids that will want to run around, this is a great spot. This trail is well marked and parking is fairly easy. The name “fire wave trail” come from the resemblance of an ocean wave, except frozen in place in the multicolored red rock.For most of the trail you’ll be hiking on a combo of sandstone and sand. This would be a great place to end your day and watch the sun go down. There are a few trail markers as we’ll as cairns (small stacked rocks piles that indicate you’re on the trail).
Pinnacles Trail Loop
Trail Length: ~5 miles Loop
Hike Time: ~2 hours
Facilities: Bathroom, Picnic Area. No water at this trailhead.
Elevation: ~430 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a trail with some shade! But don’t let it fool you, this one is longer so make sure you have an excess of water for yourself. This trail’s signage also can be confusing and you’ll have spotty cell services, so download the trail map before heading out. Some people say that if you follow the trail clockwise you’ll have better markers.
There is some moderate elevation gain as well as some rocky sections. There is a set of fairly steep set of stairs and if you have pets, watch out for small cactus around the trail that can hard to see. On particularly hot trails I definitely throw on little dog boots on my dog Summit, if I am worried about trail conditions on his paws. I love this Valley of Fire hikes because it’s a little bit longer than others in the park and the Pinnacles are amazing.
Where to Stay in Valley of FIre
Atlatl Rock Group Campground
Type: State Park Group Campground
Best For: Tent campers and RV travelers looking to stay inside the park for early hikes and stunning sunsets. Especially big groups.
Why it’s great: Located within Valley of Fire State Park, this scenic campground places you right among the red sandstone formations. Wake up to dramatic desert views, watch the stars from your picnic table, and enjoy the peace of a more remote desert experience.
Amenities: Shaded picnic tables, fire pits, water spigots, restrooms, and electric hookups at select sites. Sites book up fast so make sure to put your reservation in early!
Arch Rock Campground
Type: Primitive State Park Campground
Best For: Campers wanting a quieter, more rugged experience within the park.
Why it’s great: Just down the road from Atlatl Rock, this no-hookups campground offers a more secluded feel, with campsites tucked into red rock alcoves and natural formations. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude and dramatic scenery.
Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings. No water or electric hookups—bring what you need. First-come, first-served.
Echo Bay RV Village (Lake Mead NRA – near Overton)
Type: RV Park
Best For: RV travelers who want full hookups and a quieter setting near both Valley of Fire and Lake Mead.
Why it’s great: About 30 minutes from the park, this RV park offers a peaceful lakeside atmosphere with easy access to both Valley of Fire and boating on Lake Mead. It’s a nice alternative if the park campgrounds are full.
Amenities: Full hookups, showers, laundry, restrooms, and a convenience store. Reservations available.
North Shore Inn at Lake Mead (Overton, NV)
Type: Motel
Best For: Families and visitors who prefer a traditional hotel stay with nearby dining and air conditioning.
Why it’s great: Located in the town of Overton, just 20–25 minutes from Valley of Fire, this small, locally owned motel offers clean, comfortable rooms and easy access to both the park and amenities like restaurants and grocery stores.
Amenities: Outdoor pool, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mini-fridge, and microwave.
Where to Eat in Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire doesn’t have places to eat right by it, but if you drive a a bit (20 minutes up to an hour), you can find some good options.
Moapa Travel Plaza (Moapa)
Good for: Quick snacks, fast food, and Navajo tacos (from the on-site food truck)
*Basic but convenient for a bite on your way in or out of the park*
Distance: 15-20 minutes from the west entrance
Sugar’s Home Plate (Overton)
Type: American diner food
Known for: Small-town, homey feel with hearty portions
Distance: ~25 minutes from the east entrance
La Fonda (Overton)
Type: Mexican
Known for: Good salsa, chimichangas, and cold drinks
Distance: ~25 minutes from the park
Big B’s Texas BBQ (Henderson)
Type: Barbecue
Known for: Ribs, brisket, and generous portions
Distance: ~1 hour from the park, heading south
The Great Greek (Henderson)
Type: Mediterranean
Known for: Gyros, lamb, and healthy options
Distance: ~1 hour from the park
Cafe Zupas or Mendocino Farms (Henderson)
Type: Soups, salads, sandwiches
Known for for: A fresher, quicker meal with something for everyone
Distance: ~1 hour from the park
Leave a comment letting me know your favorite Valley of Fire hikes and your favorite things to do in the park!
