Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park spans 40,000 acres of red sandstone formations over 150 million years old. The best hikes are Fire Wave and White Domes, where you might spot bighorn sheep. Entry is $10 for Nevada vehicles, $15 out-of-state, but trails close May to October due to extreme heat.
Think this looks like Mars? Surprise, it's just an hour from Las Vegas. Welcome to Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest and most jaw-dropping state park, originally dedicated in 1935. Spanning over 40,000 acres, the park gets its name from the blazing red sandstone that seems to ignite at sunrise and sunset. Some formations are over 150 million years old, and they've got style, like Elephant Rock, Arch Rock, and the mind-bending Balancing Rock. You'll definitely want to hike Fire Wave and White Domes, two of the most photogenic trails in the state. And yes, bighorn sheep might casually walk past your car like they own the place, because they kind of do. Entry is just $10 for Nevada vehicles, $15 for out of state, and the park is open sunrise to sunset. Summer temperatures can be brutal, so be aware that park rangers close many of the hiking trails from May to October for your safety. No matter when you visit, don't forget to bring water, sunscreen, and a hiking buddy. Whether you're into geology, hiking, or just want a unique photo shoot backdrop, Valley of Fire is a perfect day trip from Las Vegas. I can't believe it took me 10 years of living in Las Vegas to finally visit. Please hit like if you're into adventures and tag your hiking buddy in the comments.
