Established in 1935, the Valley of Fire Nevada is the oldest state park in Nevada. From the Valley of Fire Las Vegas is just 55 miles northeast. The Valley of Fire State Park is also just six miles from Lake Mead. Covering nearly 35,000 acres, the park gets its fiery name from the 150-million-year-old formations of eroded red sandstone which can look brilliantly aflame when hit by sunlight. Open year-round, the Valley of Fire Nevada is a popular Nevada vacation destination, and many visitors like to add a visit to the park to their list of things to do in Las Vegas. After enjoying the Las Vegas luxury hotels and extravagant entertainment, some time in nature-whetherhiking at the Valley of Fireor participating inunforgettable Valley of Fire weddings-can be a very refreshing change of pace.

The Valley of Fire State Park is mesmerizingly beautiful, and one of the best ways to soak up the unique and stunning natural setting is to walk around. The park has a full-service visitor centerwhere hikers can get suggestions on trails of varying terrain and length. Sites to look for while hiking at the Valley of Fire include Atatl Rock and Mouse's Tanks, where some of the many 3000-year-old petroglyphs in the park are easily visible. Other notable sites include unusual and interesting sandstone formations at Arch Rock, Piano Rock, Bee Hive, Seven Sisters, and White Domes. For a panoramic view of a multicolored sandstone, don't miss Rainbow Rock.

If you want to go hiking at the Valley of Fire but don't want to go it alone, consider exploring the Valley of Fire State Park on one of the tours in the Valley of Fire led by well-informed guides. Tours in the Valley of Fire vary in length, difficulty, route, and topics. Easy as well aseasy-to-moderate hikes might be one or two miles, while a moderate level hike could be a 5.5 mile roundtrip hike. Rangers takethe guesswork out of your hike, pointing out various formations and explaining their history. Taking tours in the Valley of Firemakes seeing all of thebest sights hereeasy.

Las Vegas Strip Map

Another reason visitors come to the park is to tie the knot. Especially given the park's close proximity to Las Vegas, Valley of Fire weddings are popular with couples who want a small wedding in a gorgeous natural setting. Las Vegas weddings are famously easy, and Valley of Fire weddings are no exception. A couple can fly in on a private wedding helicopter tour from Las Vegas, taking an exhilarating aerial trip from thecity and touching down in the park to say "I do" with a stunning backdrop of brilliant red sandstone formations.

While visiting the Valley of Fire Nevada, be sure to respect the rules of the park. For example all the plants, animals, minerals, and artifacts are protected by state law, so taking away bits and pieces with you is a big no-no. Cars must keep to designated routes, and pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. If you have any questions about what is permitted, check with the park's visitor center. The rules are there for everyone's benefit, ensuring that the Valley of Fire Nevada will be a beautiful state park for years to come.