Overton, United StatesHalf dayMorning
Valley of Fire
Ideal: Ideal for photography, nature, short hikes, desert scenery, and road trips.
Nevada's first state park, declared in 1935. The red sandstone is roughly 150 million years old and wind-sculpted into waves, arches, and mushroom shapes; the striped face at Fire Wave is the most photographed spot. Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock date back about 2,500 years to ancestors of the Pueblo people. The otherworldly landscape has been used on screen: Mars scenes in Total Recall and the finale of Star Trek Generations were filmed here.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1935
- Heritage status
- National Natural Landmark
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Why go?
- To see Nevada desert and rock scenery at its strongest
- For striking red rock textures in photos
- For a nature-focused alternative near Las Vegas
Travel tip
Colors pop at sunrise and sunset; avoid midday heat in summer.
