3 Beautiful Hikes in the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada
If you happen to find yourself in Las Vegas and have time to spare, definitely visit the Valley of Fire State Park. Essentially an hour away from the city, in the Mojave Desert, the Valley of Fire is an amazing place. The area is filled with a variety of colorful rock formations made of Aztec sandstone. You can visit lovely slot canyons, climb up interesting rocks, admire petroglyphs, or hike on slick rock. It’s a land of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts for sure! When reflected in the sun, the whole valley appears to be on fire, hence its name. I think it would be great to spend several days exploring the park but if you are limited on time, here are 3 beautiful hikes in the Valley of Fire you will certainly love.
The Fire Wave
The Fire Wave Trail is absolutely beautiful and is probably the most popular hike in the park. It starts out of parking lot number 3 along the White Domes Road. It is short (1.5 miles-long), easy, and memorable. For best views of the Fire Wave, I recommend walking all the way to the end of the trail and looking back towards Gibraltar Rock, the large rock visible from the parking lot. The stripes and the vivid colors of the waving slick rock are stunning. Go early to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the area without the crowds.
Pastel Canyon
Pastel Canyon is a lovely slot canyon along the White Domes Road. It is unmarked but you can easily find it by locating wash number 4 (there is a small marker on the east side of the road) or wash number 5, which are virtually next to each other. You can park your car in a little pullout on the west side of the road or just drive to parking lot #3 and hike back. The canyon is located on both the east and the west side of the road. For a lovely rainbow of pastel colors and beautifully polished canyon walls, head east. For more of a rugged canyon experience, head west. Although Pastel Canyon does not require you to scramble or squeeze through incredibly narrow walls like other slot canyons do, it definitely is worth exploring.
White Domes Trail
The White Domes Trail starts at the parking lot, at the end of the White Domes Road. This short 1.2 mile trail is actually a loop. It begins with somewhat of a steep descent and then requires you to hike through sand for a bit. It is all well worth it since you’re hiking next to magnificent white and pink boulders. Another attraction of this trail is a short slot canyon with pretty tall walls. This scenic hike is a lot of fun, so don’t miss it.
What else should you see in the Valley of Fire?
The Valley of Fire has a lot of trails and several view points. Stop by the Beehives, admire the panorama at Rainbow Vista, or picnic around the Seven Sisters. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have spectacular views. Enjoy!
