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Travel & Experiences

Planning your trip to Valley of Fire, Nev.

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Dramatically sculpted, chiseled and twisted red rock formations dominate the 35,000 acres of Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Here, Elephant Rock greets the sunrise.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
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The nearest town is Overton, Nev. There is no lodging inside the park, only two campsites near the park’s west entrance, easily reached by a marked turnoff from Interstate 15. Arch Rock Campground is the smaller and more primitive of these, but, on the other hand, is more scenic. It includes such notable rock formations as Arch, Piano and Poodle rocks.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
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The sun gleams through Atlatl Rock.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
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A hollow in a rock wall provides one camper with a ready-made room for the night.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
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A desert bighorn sheep makes himself right at home.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
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Springtime in the Valley of Fire means blooms on the beavertail cactuses.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
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The Anasazi arrived perhaps 1,000 years ago and may have been responsible for many of the rock art petroglyphs in the park, which include images of hunters, bighorn sheep and other less identifiable shapes.  (Dan Blackburn / For The Times)
By Dan Blackburn
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THE BEST WAY TO VALLEY OF FIRE, NEV.

From LAX, AIRFARE here

From Los Angeles, take Interstate 15 past Las Vegas to the Highway 169 turnoff to Valley of Fire State Park. It is about a 51/2-hour drive.

WHERE TO STAY

Valley of Fire State Park: (702) 397-2088, https://www.parks.nv.gov/vf.htm

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There are two campgrounds: Atlatl Rock Campground is RV-friendly and has full hookups, modern restrooms and hot showers. Arch Rock Campground is more primitive and better for tent camping, although there also is room for RVs and smaller campers. If possible, settle in at one of the campsites numbered 20 or above. These are the most scenic and secluded. Both campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. There also are group campgrounds that do require reservations.

The park entry fee is $10 per vehicle or $2 per person, whichever is greater. The campsite fee is $20; for RVs with hookups, the fee is $30 per night, which includes the $10 entry fee.

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