Half-Day Trip to Valley of Fire State Park

Hello, my lovely readers! Here is the second article of our recent adventure to Las Vegas. On our 4 Day escapade, we covered two Top Day-trip spots near Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park, and the Valley of Fire State Park.

We spent two days exploring the Death Valley and half a day in Valley of Fire State Park. I wish we had more time to explore this stunning park. But I’m glad we were able to squeeze this into our itinerary.

You can find more articles and guides about our trips to the Southwestern USA. Head to the Amazing America page to know more. You can also subscribe to my newsletter for updates on my recent articles.

In this blog post, I’ll share details about our half-day itinerary, other spots you can cover in the park, the best place to stay in Valley of Fire State Park, and how to reach it.

Our Half Day Itinerary

We were driving back from Death Valley National Park and had only a few hours of daylight left before sunset. So, we couldn’t stop at every point mentioned in the top spots list. However, we enjoyed driving through the park and did a short hike to watch the sunset, which was a great experience overall.

Valley of Fire State Park Sign

Upon entering the State Park, our first stop was at the sign board. The location was so scenic that we couldn’t resist stopping here for pictures. The golden hour brought out the vivid colors of the mountains and made a stunning photo backdrop. It truly lived up to its name, “Valley of Fire.” 

We had some fun moments, clicked a million photos, and admired the gorgeous rock formations and natural beauty surrounding the area.

Beehives

Our second stop was Beehives, a unique rock formation by the park’s west entrance. The rocks resemble giant beehives, shaped by the forces of Mother Nature over time. We had a lot of fun climbing rocks and making fun poses for photos.

While walking around the trail, we spotted a few “Do Not Climb” cards posted near a few rocks for safety reasons. Do check them before climbing any rock.

The Drive to Crazy Hill

The entire drive around the park requires a special section since it is one of the most beautiful roads you’ll come across in the USA. Every turn was breathtaking. The climbs, the drops, and the golden hour made it even more gorgeous. 

We wanted to reach Crazy Hill before sunset, so we continuously drove to the point. However, if you have time, do stop by the spots listed in the top spot lists and capture some memorable photos.

You can watch my Valley of Fire State Park Vlog to get a glimpse of the scenic drive you’re about to experience in person, and if you haven’t thought about it yet, this video will surely make you want to plan one soon.

Crazy Hill

Our final stop was Crazy Hill, one of the park’s best scenic overlooks providing a spectacular view. We watched the vibrant hues of the desert landscape come alive with the fading light, creating a magical end to our day trip.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we began our journey back. We decided to spend the night in Moapa to avoid the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. We stayed at the North Shore Inn near Lake Mead, a beautiful budget hotel merely 20 minutes drive from the east entrance. 

It was our second time staying at this hotel, and I can say it’s one of my favorite hotels in southern Nevada. The first time we stayed here was back in 2023 during our trip to Zion National Park. I highly recommend staying here if visiting the Valley of Fire State Park.

Other Top Spots in Valley of Fire State Park

Atlatl Rock

Atlatl Rock is a beautiful sandstone cliff etched with petroglyphs. The rock is located near the west entrance and offers a short hike up the stairs to get a closer look at these fascinating rock carvings. It is also a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of the valley.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is a popular spot near the east entrance of the park. This unique rock formation resembles an elephant with a long tusk. An easy 0.3-mile walk to this oddly shaped natural arch that will leave your mind boggled. If you’re entering the park from the west entrance, this might be a detour that’s totally worth taking.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is the best place to learn about the park’s geology, history, and conservation efforts. The drive to the visitor center is incredibly scenic, so keep your cameras rolling. Walk around the trails near the visitor center and explore the stunning rock formations. Check out the shop to grab souvenirs and chat with park rangers for insider tips.

Timing: 9 AM to 4 PM

Petroglyph Canyon

This is another place where you’ll find petroglyphs. Park at the Petroglyph Canyon parking and follow the Mouse Tank trail. The trail is named after a notorious Southern Paiute Indian renegade who used the area as a hideout. You’ll spot symbols and drawings on the rocks throughout the trail that will give you a glimpse of the past.

Arch Rock

Arch Rock is another natural sandstone arch formation near the west entrance. It is a great spot for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of red rocks against the blue desert sky.

Hiking Trails

The park offers numerous easy to medium hiking trails to explore its unique terrain up close. Two of the most popular trails are the Fire Wave Trail and White Domes Trail. The Fire Wave is a popular hike passing through a trail of colorful sandstone formations resembling a fiery wave. The White Domes trail, on the other hand, passes through slot canyons and ancient rock formations.

Stay at Valley of Fire State Park

North Shore Inn at Lake Mead is the closest hotel in the Valley of Fire State Park, merely a 20-minute drive from the east entrance. We’ve stayed here twice and love this place for its comfort and amenities, making it a complete value-for-money hotel. Moreover, the hotel offers free breakfast which is quite delicious.

There’s a Mexican restaurant opposite this hotel, La Fonda, that is a good place for lunch and dinner. We ordered a Carnitas Dinner Plate which was good for two people and cost $20. Alternatively, you can head to the closest town Overton, which is a 5-minute drive from the hotel. You’ll find all the essentials, from a gas station to a grocery store and popular eateries including Subway and McDonald’s.

If you have time, you can also check out the Lost City Museum. This museum was built during the Hoover Dam construction to preserve artifacts from Anasazi Indian sites and offers an insightful glimpse of the region’s native history.

Timing: Daily (except Mondays) 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Ticket: $6 per adult

Reaching Valley of Fire State Park

Car is the best mode to reach Valley of Fire State Park. You can hire one from the Airport rental facility, which would cost between $80 to $100 a day (with insurance). The drive from Las Vegas is short and scenic and makes a great day trip spot or stopover spot on the way to the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park. 

If you don’t drive, worry not! There are plenty of guided tours to the Valley of Fire State Park that begin from Las Vegas. Here’s one that I recommend. 

• Day trip from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park and Seven Magic Mountains – Value for money
• Hiking in Valley of Fire State Park – great for hikers to explore the region in a group

Park Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle