Valley of Fire State Park

LOCATION: 55 miles from Las Vegas. From Las Vegas head east on I-15, 48 miles to the Valley of Fire exit. Then approximately 7 miles to the beginning of the park.

CLIMATE: This is the desert and so temperatures vary greatly. Winter temperatures can range from below freezing to 75 degrees. Summer temperatures usually exceed 100 degrees, even going at times as high as 120 degrees on the valley floors. Annual rainfall averages 4", usually as light winter showers or summer thunderstorms. Spring and fall are the preferred seasons for visiting the Valley of Fire.

HISTORY: The Valley of Fire derives it's name from red sandstone formations, formed from great shifting sand dunes millions of years ago. Complex uplifting and faulting of the region, followed by extensive erosion, have created the present landscape. There are many important rock formations in addition to sand stone; limestone, shales and conglomerates.

Prehistoric users of the Valley included the "Basket Maker" people and later the Anasazi Pueblo farmers from Moapa Valley. There are fine examples of rock art left by these ancient people within the park.

VEGETATION: Creosote bush, burro bush and brittle bush are scattered throughout the area. Many cactus thrive, such as beavertail, cholla. Flowering plants in the spring are the desert marigold, indigo bush and desert mallow.

ANIMALS: Most desert animals are nocturnal and not frequently seen by the passing motorist. Birds include the roadrunner, raaven, house finch, and sage sparrow, migrant birds also fly through the area. Coyote, kit fox, spotted skunk jackrabbit and antelope ground squirrels live in the park. Many species of lizards and snakes are common in the park. The PROTECTED species is the desert tortoise, if you are lucky enough to come across one, please leave this harmless creature to liveit's life in peace in it's own environment (thus saving yourself fines and headaches!)

CAMPING: Located near the west end of the Park there are two campgrounds with 51 total units/fees payable at campgrounds/shaded tables/grills/water/restrooms. There are 3 group areas each can accommodate 45 persons. They are available for overnite camping and/or picnicing by advance reservation ONLY, contact the Valley of Fire State Park for information.

PICNICING: Shaded picnic areas (some with pottable water), are located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, the Cabins, and near Mouse's Tank trailhead.

HIKING: Many intriguing hikes are available to visitors. Inquire at the visitors center for suggestions on day hikes of varying lengths and terrain difficulties. Click on hiking to view trailheads.

VISITORS INFORMATION:

Visitors Center: The visitors center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory, and history of the park and the nearby region. It is strongly recommended that each visitor make this their first stop when entering the park, and pick up a map as a minimum. The center also provides drinking water and restrooms, postcards, books, slides, and film are on sale for your convenience. OPEN 8:30am to 4:30pm daily, the ranger station is located here.

West Entrance Station: Maps, points of interest and information.

PARK FEATURES: Click here for sites to be visited and map.

RULES AND REGULATIONS: THE DESERT IS VERY FRAGILE! Thoughtless motorists and visitors in the past have left many scars, nature will not be able to restore the damage in your generation or the next. So for your safety and to protect the environment please follow these rules:

1. Drive vehicles ONLY on approved routes of travel (get a park map), and park only in designated places along the roadside shoulders. NO motor vehicles are allowed on trails.

2. Camp ONLY in designated campground sites.

3. Fires permitted ONLY in designated grills and fireplaces.

4. All plants, animals, rock and mineral materials in the park are protected by state law. Please do not remove or disturb any rocks, petrified wood, or other natural objects.

5. Pets are welcome, but the MUST be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length. They are not allowed in the visitor center.

6. All artifacts and other signs of Indian civilization are protected by state and federal law. Penalties will be enforced.

7. Please conserve the water provided for your convenience.

8. Please be careful with your litter. Use the trash containers provided.

9. Check at visitor center for information regarding professional photography use of Nevada State Parks.

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK, P.O. Box 515, Overton, Nevada 89040. (702) 397-2088.

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