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Valley of Fire State Park

Nevada's oldest state park — 40,000 acres of blazing red sandstone, ancient petroglyphs and Mars-like slot canyons an hour from the Strip.

Where
Las Vegas Strip
Tickets
$15 per vehicle (non-Nevada plates)
Fire-red Aztec sandstone formations at Valley of Fire State Park Fire-red Aztec sandstone formations at Valley of Fire State Park

What to expect at Valley of Fire State Park

An hour northeast of the Strip on I-15, the desert flares into 150-million-year-old Aztec sandstone that literally looks on fire when the sun hits it low. Valley of Fire is Nevada's first and oldest state park (1935) and has stood in for Mars in more films than anyone can count. Compact enough to see in a morning, wild enough — Fire Wave, Seven Wonders Loop, White Domes — to justify a full day for hikers.

The park does not take reservations for day use, but the two campgrounds fill fast for full moons. Come in at the west gate off I-15 exit 75, pay the $15 non-resident vehicle fee at the self-serve station, and drive straight to the Fire Wave lot (mile 4 of Mouse's Tank Road). The 1.5-mile round trip to Fire Wave is best at 8:00 in summer or any time October-March.

Plan your visit Tickets$15 per vehicle (non-Nevada plates) WhereLas Vegas Strip Opening hours Park open daily sunrise-sunset Visitor Center 8:30-16:30 daily Closed Thanksgiving and December 25 Hotels near Valley of Fire State Park

Questions about Valley of Fire State Park

What does it cost?

$15 per vehicle for out-of-state plates, $10 for Nevada plates. Camping is an additional $25 per night.

Are there free-entry days?

No. Valley of Fire is a Nevada state park and charges every day of the year.

How long should I spend?

Plan 4-5 hours including the drive from Vegas, or a full day if you want to hike Fire Wave, White Domes and Seven Wonders.

When is it closed?

Grounds open sunrise to sunset every day. The visitor center closes Thanksgiving and December 25.

Do I need to book?

No booking for day visits. Campsites at Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock are reservable at reservenevada.com up to six months ahead.

How do I get there without a car?

There is no public transit. Guided small-group tours from the Strip run $110-150; a rental car for the day is usually cheaper.

Where to stay

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