(Valley of Fire) is located in Nevada, just an hour from Las Vegas. This state park is not as well known as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and other natural attractions scattered around Vegas. But if, when traveling to Las Vegas, you suddenly find yourself with one extra day or even at least half a day, then it’s worth spending it on a trip to the Valley of Fire to take a break from the neon lights of the Strip and the noise of the casinos.

We've driven past the "Valley of Fire" sign on I-15 many times and never found a way to enter this park. Now I think that’s right, because traveling through the Valley of Fire requires preparation. The fact is that many interesting places are not marked on the map of the park, there are no signs for them on the roads, and only on the Internet can you find information about their location and existence.

We began our preparation by reading an interesting report about a trip to the Valley of Fire on the Vinsky forum: http://forum.awd.ru/viewtopic.php?p=3774822#p3774822 Then we armed ourselves with an electronic guide brochure made by German photographers: http ://www.synnatschke.de The brochure is in English, its price is $5.50 (4 euros) and it is worth(!) the money. This brochure not only provides GPS coordinates for interesting arches and photo spots, but also the best times to get beautiful photos. Without this information, we would not have seen half of the places we visited in the Valley of Fire.

Day 1

We entered the park at 5 pm. A record heat wave hit Nevada that day. In Las Vegas the temperature rose to +48 degrees, and despite it being evening, in the Valley of Fire the thermometer of our car showed +51.

Entry fees are collected at self-service stations. Put 10 dollars in an envelope, tear off the spine and this will be your receipt for payment. We hoped that for ten they would give a pass for a week, as is often the case in other parks, but no, one day costs 10 dollars. Well, well,” we sighed, “we’ll have to fork out for it again when we arrive early in the morning another day.”

The main goal of the first day was reconnaissance of the area before the morning race. Since the main points of interest are not indicated on the map in any way, I wanted to find them in the evening, so as not to waste precious time before sunrise the next morning. The plan only partially justified itself.

The first official attraction of the park that came our way was a stone with ancient Indian petroglyphs, Atlatl Rock.

It is located at the top of the rock and a staircase for visitors leads to it.

Windstone Arch

We didn't stay long at the inscribed stone and drove on along the Loop Road. Somewhere along this road we were to find a small Windstone Arch. The brochure gave GPS coordinates and said that it was not easy to find, and indeed it turned out to be so. I wandered among the stones with a phone GPS and could not find a point whose coordinates coincided with the numbers written on a piece of paper. The process of searching for Windstone Arch itself was interesting because in the meantime we photographed interesting stones that came our way.

After half an hour of such fermentation, I slapped myself on the forehead, realizing my mistake. The road containing Atlatl Rock, Arch Rock, and Windstone Arch loops from the park's main highway to the same highway. We pulled in at a stone with Indian writing on it because that driveway was paved. And Windstone Arch is located on the opposite - southern entrance of the loop, which we passed without noticing.

Finally, the required stone was found.

Windstone Arch is interesting because it is located inside a rock. Wind, sand and water carved a cave in the stone, and inside it, such a rickety structure was miraculously preserved. We would never have found this arch on our own, and if we had, we most likely would not have paid attention, and only thanks to the Vinsky travel forum and German photographers, we were able to more thoughtfully examine this stone and appreciate the play of erosion. We diligently tried to remember the location so we could find it the next morning and then drove to Scenic Drive, which leads north from the visitor center.

Evening was approaching, but it did not bring any coolness. The only difference between evening and day was that the sun no longer burned, although the air remained just as hot and instantly dried out your nose, lips and mouth as soon as you got out of the car.

Further along the way deeper into the park, next to Loop Road, there was a sign pointing to another official, but not very noteworthy Beehives attraction - rocks in the shape of wild bee hives. I didn't want to waste any time on them, but Nat insisted and took a few pictures.

Originally, after the Loop Road, I wanted to go to Fire Wave, which, as the brochure said, looked best at sunset. The Fire Wave became something of an unofficial symbol of the Valley of Fire after it was discovered by Synnatschke photographers. However, there were already three cars in the parking lot next to the sign for Fire Wave. Here we had to choose either to go to the Fire Wave and jostle with those people, or to continue searching for three other points that were somewhere nearby and had mysterious names: Crazy Hill, Fire Cave and Thunder Arch (Thunderstorm Arch). All these names are unofficial - they were invented by the same German photographers, but de facto they have already become standard names on Internet resources where discussions of the Valley of Fire take place.

The path to Fire Wave led to the east, and to Crazy Hill and Thunder Arch - to the southwest. I was torn by internal contradictions and ended up leaving Fire Wave the next day.

Fire Cave

We descended a hundred meters from the parking lot along stone ledges and the trail disappeared from view. Once again I had to rely on GPS readings. The landscape was not entirely impassable, but the path was made quite difficult by the fact that we had to move along stone gorges, which, although not deep, clearly dictated the direction of movement. And if it seemed to me that I needed to go not “here”, but “there,” then changing direction was problematic.

At some point we found ourselves on the edge of a low cliff. I vainly checked the numbers on the GPS and on the printout and, judging by these numbers, the Fire Cave was literally two steps away from us, but nothing similar was visible. Here we again discovered a path leading down the cliff. Having gone down it, we came across the Fire Cave, which was really right under our feet!

Although it is called a cave, it is actually several branching arches that form a gallery. These arches are so strangely shaped by the wind that they look more like petrified tree trunks than sandstone. The size of the gallery is completely unclear from the photographs. So it's always a good idea to take a look at the Fire Cave when you have something nearby for scale.

Crazy Hill

The sun was hiding behind the hills and we had 15-20 minutes left to find Crazy Hill, which was located somewhere very close - literally 150 meters from the Fire Cave. We hurried further down. Nat went down to the right, along a sandy path, and I went up to the left along gentle rocky humps. It seemed like we were playing hide and seek with an elephant. I looked around, shouted to Nat, who had hidden behind the rocks, and realized that Crazy Hill was somewhere very, very close, but I could not see it. Having climbed to the top of another rounded rock, I realized that I was on the right path. Crazy Hill shone with its crazy colors in the pinkish light of the sunset sky reflected from the red rocks. It looked as if they poured a bucket of pink paint on the mountain, and then a bucket of white, and then a bucket of yellow, and continued to do this until the mountain turned into the embodiment of impressionism.

If you look closely at the photographs of Crazy Hill, you will see that a black stripe of road is visible in the distance on the left. It turns out that the top of the hill should be just as visible from there. And I thought it would be interesting to find this hill among the jumble of rocks and take a picture from the road in that direction.

Thunderstorm Arch

It's a stone's throw from Crazy Hill to Thunder Arch. Also about a hundred meters or even less, and this time I knew exactly where to go. But the 50-degree heat weakened Nat’s patience and she flatly refused to go further into the stone ruins, saying that she would wait for me at the Fire Cave.

I quickly walked along the sandy path that skirts the ridge of rocks from the south, and literally immediately came across Thunderstorm Arch. The Thunder Arch was even closer than I expected. It was also miniature like Fire Cave. One person squatting could fit under the arch. Unfortunately, the good light has already disappeared and dusk has set in, giving everything around a bluish tint. I took a few pictures and came to the conclusion that I would have to go to Thunder Arch another day to look at it in normal lighting.

It was nine o'clock in the evening, a hot summer night was rapidly approaching, and when we got to the car, it was already almost dark. In just three hours in the Valley of Fire - from five to eight o'clock in the evening - we managed to see quite a bit: Indian writings and hieroglyphs-petroglyphs on Atlatl Rock, Arch Rock on Loop Road, found the Windstone Arch hidden inside a stone, drove past The Beehives, which left no impression, climbed up Crazy Hill and walked to the miniature Fire Cave and Thunderstorm Arches. There were still a few interesting places in our plans that we definitely wanted to visit, so we planned to come to the Valley of Fire again early in the morning - on the way back home from Las Vegas. In the meantime, I wanted to take a cool shower and relax in an air-conditioned room.

An hour later we were in Las Vegas and, despite being tired, immediately after a shower we went wandering along the Strip on a hot 43-degree night.

This amazing and colorful place is located in the Mojave Desert, about an hour's drive from the bright lights of Las Vegas. Sunlight, illuminating the bright red rocks, makes the valley glow, and the layers of multi-colored rocks, which stretch for many kilometers, shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow. Viewing the Valley of Fire from a place called Rainbow Vista is breathtaking. (38 photos)

Colored rainbow rocks in the Valley of Fire during sunset. This is an almost untouched place of wild nature, visiting which by car or on foot you will experience a real “adventure in color”. Photo: LDELD

Sunrise over the colorful Valley of Fire. These rock formations are so stunning in color that the hill is known as Crazy Hill. Photo: James Marvin Phelps

Fire Wave can be found after about half an hour of hiking in the Mojave Desert. Like the vast majority of the formations in the park, it is composed of red sandstone, which began to form its shape from sand dunes about 150 million years ago. Photo: James Marvin Phelps

Rainbow Vista is just part of Nevada's oldest state park. Other interesting natural sites include: Arch Rock, Atlatl Rock, Beehives, Petrified Logs, Balanced Rock, Mouse's Tank, Fire Canyon, Silica Dome, Seven Sisters, White Domes and Elephant Rock. It is said that some people prefer to get married in the Valley Instead of the fiery Las Vegas or the world-famous dancing fountains of Bellagio, there are four wedding venues in the Valley of Fire: Seven Sisters, Rainbow Vista, Visitor Center and Cabins. Photo: Phil ( zrim)

Elephant Rock is an arch in the shape of an elephant. It's just off the main Valley of Fire road, which is also scenic. Photo: Jens Fricke

One of many wonders in the form of waves, canyons, domes, towers, ridges and valleys. The photographer called it "Colorful Drainage". Photo: James Marvin Phelps

Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, Valley of Fire. An "atlatl" was a device that was used to launch spears or darts. Centrifugal force helped increase throwing range. The ancient Indians used such a device and depicted it in petroglyphs (rock paintings) on Atlatl Rock. Don't miss this interesting place. Photo: Peter Kemmer

In 1930, the Civilian Conservation Corps built three cabins in the Valley of Fire. These historic structures, built during the Great Depression, serve as a place for travelers to rest, but overnight stays are prohibited. Photo: LDELD

Milky Way over the Valley of Fire. The photographer admitted that it was difficult to photograph the starry sky in an area so close to Las Vegas. Planes flew overhead too often. Photo: Carl Jones

Morning glow in the Valley of Fire, located about four and a half hours from Antelope Canyon, Arizona. Nevada State Park is named "Valley of Fire" because of the red sandstone formations that appear to glow in the morning or evening sunlight. Photo: James Marvin Phelps

Morning reflections. Near the eastern entrance to the Valley of Fire is Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Photo: Jens Fricke

Pink Canyon. The photographer writes: “This small, colorful canyon in the Valley of Fire is located along the road north of the Visitor Center. In an easterly direction it leads to the Fire Wave." Photo: John Fowler

Desert Chuckwalla iguana in the Valley of Fire. The state park is “teeming with wildlife, but most of the animals here are nocturnal. Among the inhabitants there are many species of lizards and snakes, as well as coyote, lynx, fox, skunk, hare, and antelope gopher. Desert sheep may also be seen, most likely during the middle of the day. The desert tortoise is a rare species protected by state law.” Photo: Leyo

White Domes. Wide desert horizons, canyon ditches, variety of colors, arches and caves attracted cinema. In the White Domes area in 1966, they filmed the typical Western movie The Professionals. Starring: Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster and Claudia Cardinale. This fact contributed to the development of roads and access to this wonderful area. Photo: Phil (zrim)

“Desert bighorn sheep,” writes the photographer. These animals were hunted long ago by natives using an ancient tool, the atlatl, which predates the bow and arrow. Photo: James Marvin Phelps

Lizard in the Valley of Fire. All plants, animals, artifacts, rocks and minerals are protected by state law. Rock climbing is limited to specific areas, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset. There is a camping area after sunset. Photo: Jenny (vmabney)

Cracked dirt on the Mouse's Tank route. Mouse's Tank is a natural pool in the rock where water accumulates after every rainstorm. There are excellent examples of prehistoric petroglyphs along this route.” Photo: Sarah Nichols

Antelope gopher. Valley of Fire National Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in Nevada. Throughout its territory, fossilized trees and 3,000-year-old Indian petroglyphs are found. This area is attractive for camping, hiking, picnics and photography. Photo: James Marvin Phelps

Rainbow layers of rocks in Rainbow Vista. Various TV shows were filmed in the Valley of Fire, and films were also shot: “The Professionals” (1966), “Domino” (2005), “Cherry 2000”, “Transformers”. Almost all of the exterior scenes of Mars from the sci-fi action movie Total Recall starring Arnold Schwarzenegger were filmed in the Valley of Fire. Photo: Andrew Davidoff

Atlatl Rock. The author of the photo says: “Petroglyphs can be found throughout the park, but Mouse's Tank and Atlatl Rock are two places where they are abundant.” Photo: Sarah Nichols

One of the most scenic roads I've driven is through a Nevada state park called the Valley of Fire. For millions of years, canyons, arches, and “waves” were formed from sand. In addition, there is a lot of rock art, so-called petroglyphs. As you understand, I wasn’t able to just lie down in the hotel afterwards...

Oddly enough, the world's gambling capital is perfect for nature lovers - from morning to evening you can trek around the surrounding area, take photographs and admire the “cosmic” landscapes, and in the evening you can already spend some money on roulette and “relax” near the dancing fountains at the Bellagio Casino.

One of the state parks I haven't been to before is Valley of Fire. It's just an hour from Vegas (50 miles). This is not as popular a place as the Grand Canyon or Death Valley, but this is its main advantage.

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The park is very compact and at the same time very diverse. The cost to enter Valley of Fire is $10 per car or $20 per camper.

Of course, I came here primarily for the beautiful road scenery, but I discovered a lot of other things here. For example, I walked to the “wave”, which is a layered two-tone “swirl” of solid sandstone. You've probably seen the famous The Wave (Coyote Buttes) in Arizona, but getting there is quite difficult. And here, in the “Valley of Fire,” there is a similar natural phenomenon without any restrictions on access.

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How nature created this is a big mystery to me.

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As elsewhere in the USA, the lion's share of tourists comes from our Chinese friends, who, according to observations, do not feel at all the difference between the “Valley of Fire” in Nevada and the Alhambra Palace in Andalusia - the main thing is to check in with a standard facial expression and move on.

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A popular one here is the Dodge Challenger. Huge and stupid. Who doesn’t drive it: Mexicans, Indians, Chinese, shady people. In other words, those who go are those who have big complexes and who love cheap show-off. Naturally, all of the listed groups of citizens rent this car. A self-respecting cowboy will buy a 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger HellCat. This is also a show off, but at least not so cheap.

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But the car of a man without complexes is a Ford Fiesta.

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Do you think I'm joking? The Fiesta is actually a nice car. I expected it to be bumpy on the track, but no. It does not matter. And in the city, while everyone is struggling on their trucks, I quickly slip into any... I stand in any free small parking space.

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Let's not rush into the city, but rather enjoy the road and roadside scenery of Valley of Fire.

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Despite the small size of the park, you need to plan at least a day from sunset to dawn to visit the “Valley of Fire”, because there are several trekking routes with different views. For example, I never got to the famous arch due to lack of time and ordinary laziness. So put on your sneakers, grab some water, bananas, sweets and let's go! If anyone in your group doesn't want to burn calories on the 4-kilometer hike to the arch, then give them meat, coal and fire - there are plenty of public grills here.

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And don’t forget to refuel the car before the trip, otherwise it will be inconvenient if the fuel runs out somewhere in the middle of the park. Well, right next to the hotel there was dear Shell, where you could pull a “one-armed bandit” in the store.

Photos

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All the necessary information on one of the most vibrant and textured parks in the USA - the Valley of Fire. Here you will see the ornate forms into which nature has transformed the sandy desert that once existed on these lands. “Waves”, “hives”, “rainbows” - these are the unusual phenomena of the Valley of Fire, worthy of the attention of tourists who come for miracles.

general information

Park name: Valley of Fire State Park

State: Nevada, Clark County, USA

Distances from Valley of Fire:

• Death Valley - 183 miles/293 km (3 hours)
• Las Vegas - 54 miles/86 km (1 hour)
• Los Angeles - 323 miles/516 km (5 hours)
• Grand Canyon - 312 miles/499 km (5 hours)
• Hoover Dam - 68 miles/108 km (1.5 hours)

Short description: an incredibly beautiful and bright park, striking with its rich colors and variety of shapes. Here you can see natural arches, picturesque canyons, “waves” very similar to the famous Coyote Buttes, unusual sandstone formations, stunning landscapes and much more.

Schedule: The park is open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk (camping around the clock). The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 to 16:30 daily. There are two entrances: western (West Entrance Station) and eastern (East Entrance Station).

Cost of visit:

• car ticket and all passengers - 10 dollars;
• individual ticket(for those who came to the park by bicycle or walked) - 1 dollar;
• bus - for those who came to the park by bus, the cost of visiting will be $2;
• Annual Entry Permit- $75 (valid for a year and valid for Valley of Fire only, available from rangers);
• Passport Annual Permit- $100 (valid for a year and applies to all parks located in the state of Nevada).

*Payment is made at stations (self-pay stations) or in booths. In the first case, you will see an information stand, next to which there will be envelopes in which you will need to put money, fill out the necessary information and put the envelope into the iron safe tube standing next to it.

Annual Pass/Park Pass state parks does not apply, their visit is always paid separately.

Park size: The Valley of Fire park is relatively small and in order to see the main points of interest, it is enough to drive along two parallel roads, making mini-hikes. Conventionally, I would divide it into three parts:

• Valley of Fire Hwy to Mouses Tank Perpendicular Road
  There are several points and trails along this stretch. Here you can admire the sand arches, the so-called “beehives,” and see ancient petroglyphs.
• Mouse's Tank Road
  In this part of the park, the colorful sand formations that can be found on some trails are especially striking. In addition, here you can walk inside the canyon and see excellent “road scenery”.
• Valley of Fire Hwy after Mouses Tank Road
  This section is rich in intricate sandstone figures, such as the “Elephant” and “Seven Sisters”.

TOURS FROM LAS VEGAS TO NEVADA NATURAL RESERVES

The desert state of Nevada, in close proximity to Las Vegas, is home to several nature reserves. Of course, these reserves are less known than the Grand Canyon National Park, but they are much closer to Las Vegas and fit very well into the “from morning to lunch” period, i.e. a time when experienced tourists go out into nature to freshen up a little and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas casino.

Jeep Tours from Las Vegas
in international groups or individually with a Russian guide

Choosing a comfortable jeep as a means of transportation for tours of natural reserves is natural and rational. The undoubted advantages of jeep tours also include their cost-effectiveness. In addition, in many cases, a jeep is the only type of transport that can be used to get to the excursion destination.

You can always meet bikers in US National Parks. In America in general, and even more so against the backdrop of the untouched nature of the Parks, they look especially colorful and organic. Package offers have been developed especially for this category of tourists, which include motorcycle rental Harley-Davidson, BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory And Yamaha, developed programs with recommendations for the route and accommodation in hotels popular with bikers. You can also go to National Parks in organized groups, with a professional guide and a technical support vehicle.