Valley of Fire State Park is nestled in the heart of Nevada. It is a breathtaking testament to the power of nature. With its otherworldly landscapes, vibrant rock formations, and rich history, this park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast or nature lover. Last time we were here was with my sister in 2018. From Cedar City, Utah it was about a 3-hour drive. We stopped in Overton, Nevada at the Inside Scoop for lunch.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire is about an hour’s drive east of Las Vegas, Nevada. The park’s name is derived from the striking red Aztec sandstone formations that dominate the landscape. These rocks, formed millions of years ago, have been sculpted by wind and water into a kaleidoscope of shapes and sizes. As the sun rises and sets, the rock formations seem to ignite, casting a fiery glow across the desert.
This geologic wonderland became known as ‘Valley of Fire’ in the 1920s after gaining popularity among travelers. The park formally opened in 1934 and received legal designation in 1935. During the first year of operation, 9,000 people visited. It is Nevada’s largest state park. Summer highs often exceed 100F and can reach 120F, with nighttime lows between 60F and 90F. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from freezing to 75F. Average annual rainfall is below 7 inches.
The Valley of Fire is not just a geological wonder; it’s also a historical treasure trove. Ancient petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years, created by the region’s first inhabitants, can be found throughout the park. These intricate carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and the people who once called this land home. For thousands of years, these lands have been used by Native Americans for many purposes. Their petroglyphs (carvings on desert varnish and sandstone) are found throughout the park. Ancestral Puebloans lived nearby from AD 500-1100. They relocated after a harsh drought and the Nuwuvi, or Southern Paiute, entered the area and are still part of the community. There are also petrified trees. Cabins were built by Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
White Domes Loop is a 1.1 mile loop with a slot canyon and remains of a ’60s movie set.
Desert Bighorn Sheep reside in the park.
Atlatl Rock Campground
There are two campgrounds. Atlatl Rock, which offers 50-amp electric and water, but only a dump station. There are showers and the sites are well spaced. Even then, because Valley of Fire is so close to Las Vegas, which is great for Las Vegas residents but bad for anyone else wanting to visit on a weekend because the park will be booked well in advance. The Arch Rock campground doesn’t have any amenities. At Atlatl Rock there was no cell service or over the air TV channels. The Parks WIFI was difficult, but we eventually logged into it. They blocked our Pepwave router, so we could only log into the computer and couldn’t switch between devices. They are running fiber optic to the State Park, which will help immensely. I suggested they skip fiber optic and just go with Starlink. The entire Park will be closed next month for badly need repairs.
Rancho Jurupa Regional Park, Riverside, California
Valley of Fire was our last destination before heading home to San Diego. It was about a 5 hour drive to Riverside then 1.5 hours the next day to San Diego. We could have done it in one day, but we aren’t allowed to keep our Airstream at the house overnight to unload it before putting it in storage. It was easier to get a good nights rest, drive home, unload the Airstream, then put it in storage. All that took about 6 hours. We’ve stayed at Rancho Jurupa before. They have large concrete sites with good spacing, 50-amp service, good water pressure, sewer and marginal WIFI.
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