Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park, about an hour northeast, famous for its blazing red Aztec sandstone, petroglyphs, and otherworldly rock formations like the Fire Wave. Open sunrise to sunset; entry $15 per non-Nevada vehicle ($10 residents). Stunning and worth the drive from Vegas.
Key facts
| Hours | Park: sunrise to sunset daily Visitor Center: daily 9:00-16:00 After 16:00 use exact-cash self-pay envelopes at entrance |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | No public transit; drive (~50-60 min northeast via I-15) or take a guided tour. |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time to go | Early morning or late afternoon, fall through spring; avoid summer midday heat |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.2/10- Value9.0
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility4.0
Frequently asked questions
- When's the best time to visit Valley of Fire?
- Fall through spring, and early morning or late afternoon within the day. Summer is brutally hot and can be dangerous for hiking, and the low-angle light morning and evening makes the red rock absolutely glow. Avoid midday heat.
- Can I visit Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam in one day?
- It's a stretch but doable for the ambitious, since both are day trips from Vegas in different directions. Realistically, each deserves its own half to full day. Valley of Fire alone easily fills a morning or a whole day.
- How far is Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?
- Roughly 50 minutes to an hour northeast, about 55 miles via I-15 and the Valley of Fire Highway. There's no public transit, so drive yourself or book a guided tour. The remoteness keeps it less crowded than closer spots.
- What are Valley of Fire's hours?
- The park is open sunrise to sunset for day use (campers can stay overnight). The visitor center runs 9am to 4pm daily. If you enter after 4pm, use the exact-cash self-pay envelopes at the entrance booths.
- What is there to see at Valley of Fire?
- The vivid red sandstone formations are the stars: the Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, the Beehives, Atlatl Rock petroglyphs, and the White Domes loop. There are short hikes, a scenic drive, and ancient Native American rock art throughout.
- How much does Valley of Fire cost?
- Day-use entry is $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada plates and $10 for Nevada residents; walk-ins or cyclists pay $2 per person. Camping runs $20-25 per night. Bring exact cash if you arrive after the visitor center closes at 4pm.
- Is Valley of Fire worth the drive?
- Yes. It's a genuine natural wonder, arguably the most spectacular scenery within an hour of Vegas, and a total contrast to the Strip. Photographers and hikers rave about it. Just plan around the heat and the drive time.
- Is the Fire Wave hike hard?
- It's a relatively short, moderate hike, roughly 1.5 miles round trip, but there's no shade and the sand and rock radiate heat. Go early with plenty of water. In summer the trail can close during extreme temperatures for safety.
Nearby in Ask Las Vegas
- Hoover DamAttraction55.24 km · 690 min walk
- Lake Las VegasNeighborhood55.53 km · 694 min walk
- Broadacres MarketplaceMarket60.42 km · 755 min walk
- Wetlands ParkPark61.65 km · 771 min walk
- Aliante Nature Discovery ParkPark62.36 km · 779 min walk
Where to stay near Valley of Fire State Park
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score