Ultimate Guide to Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire State Park is located in the south of Nevada, about 50 miles or 80 kilometers to the east of Las Vegas. It’s the oldest and largest state park in Nevada and is known for its bright red sandstone formations that appear to be on fire during sunset. Filled with beautiful panoramic vistas, short hiking trails, petroglyphs, and scenic drives, the Valley of Fire makes for a perfect day trip from Las Vegas. In this guide we’ll highlight the things you need to know before you go as well as the best things to do in the Valley of Fire State Park.

Check out our video of the Valley Of Fire State Park to get a sense of what it's like there!

Things to know before you visit the Valley of Fire State Park

1. There is no public transportation to the Valley of Fire

The Valley of Fire cannot be reached by public transportation and you’ll need a car to visit the park. It’s best to rent a car in Las Vegas or book a day tour from there.

2. Price to enter the Valley of Fire State Park

It costs 10$ per vehicle per day or 15$ for vehicles that are not from Nevada to enter the Valley of Fire State Park.

3. Opening hours and best time to visit the Valley of Fire

The opening hours from the park are from sunrise to sunset. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit as well because it’s a lot quieter. The best seasons to visit are probably spring and fall when it’s pleasantly warm.

4. Valley of Fire roads

There are two main roads that wind through the park:

• The Valley of Fire Highway runs west to east and this is where the two entrances are located.

• Mouse’s Tank Road runs from the Visitor Center to the north into the heart of the park. This is the most scenic part of the park.

5. Time you'll need to explore the Valley of Fire

You need at least a few hours to visit the park and see the viewpoints. To have the best experience, we recommend exploring a full day but there’s enough to see if you want to spend two days as well.

6. Camping in the Valley of Fire State Park

If you plan to spend two days here, there are two campsites near the west entrance of the park. The fee is $20.00 per vehicle, per night or $25.00 for non-Nevada Vehicles. It’s an additional $10.00 for sites with utility hookups

7. Food and restaurants

The last thing you should know is that there are no restaurants or stores in the park so make sure to pack your food. The park has barbecues at certain parking lots that you can use if you bring your own coals.

You can find more information on the official state park's website.

The 5 best viewpoints in the Valley of Fire State Park

1. Mouse’s Tank Road

This road is one of the most photographed spots in the Valley of Fire State Park. There are several places along Mouse’s Tank Road that offer a great view. We hiked up a rock at the Rainbow Vista Parking Lot to see the winding road from above.