• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

12 Epic Things to Do in the Valley of Fire, Nevada

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 · Southwest, USA

Fiery red rock formations, prehistoric petroglyphs, ancient tribes… The Valley of Fire State Park is such a cool destination to add to your bucket list.

On our road trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, we took the scenic route through the Valley of Fire. It only adds an extra hour of drive time and is so worth it. Trust me, you won’t regret checking off these epic things to do in the Valley of Fire before you continue onto Zion! Besides, the Valley of Fire in Nevada also makes for a fun day trip from Vegas!

Go on an epic hike, check out panoramic viewpoints, and leisurely make your way through the fiery red rock valley that has millions and millions of stories to share. There are several bucket-list-worthy things to do in the Valley of Fire to fill up the morning before you cross over state lines into Utah.

Here are 12 epic things to do in the Valley of Fire, Nevada!

You don’t need an America The Beautiful park pass to visit the Valley of Fire state park in Nevada. However, if you plan on visiting Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park (or any other national park) afterward, you will need a US national park pass!

Table of Contents show
Things to Do in the Valley of Fire (1 Day Itinerary)
1. Photograph the Beehives
2. Wander the Exhibit at the Visitor’s Center
3. Hike the Fire Wave
How to hike the Fire Wave in the Valley of Fire:
4. See the Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock
5. Drive the scenic White Domes Road
6. Get a Running Road Shot!
7. Hike to Mouse’s Tank – An Outlaw’s Hideout
8. Stop for Panoramic Views at Rainbow Vista
9. Fire Canyon/Silica Dome Viewpoint
10. Take a Break Under the Seven Sisters
11. Watch for Bighorn Sheep and Other Wildlife
12. Check Out the Petrified Logs from Ancient Forests
Bonus Valley of Fire Thing to Do – Balanced Rock!
Final Tips for Visiting the Valley of Fire in Nevada
Save this Valley of Fire, Nevada bucket list to Pinterest!

Things to Do in the Valley of Fire (1 Day Itinerary)

1. Photograph the Beehives

The Beehives - Valley of Fire

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

One of the first things to do when you arrive at the west entrance of the Valley of Fire is to hop out and photograph the Beehives (located on the right side of the road). The Beehives are a series of unique sandstone formations that look like beehive nests. Over millions of years, wind and water eroded holes into the sandstone to create this unique geological formation. It doesn’t take very long to visit them (10-15 minutes) and is worth getting out to see.

2. Wander the Exhibit at the Visitor’s Center

Located about halfway through the Valley of Fire is the Visitor’s Center. You’ll see it camouflaged on your left. Make sure to stop here to refill water (free), stock up on snacks and drinks, and most importantly, to get more information about the park, current trail conditions, and updates.

Wandering around the interpretive displays and exhibits inside the Visitor’s Center is one of the best things to do in the Valley of Fire if you care about learning more about its transformation through history and the diverse Native peoples that used to inhabit this land. The center is open from 8:30-4:30, but you can enter the Valley of Fire park much earlier if you want to get a head start on an early morning hike.

Tip: Make sure to heed the advice of the rangers at the Visitor’s Center concerning current trail safety. During heat waves, the Valley of Fire can experience dangerously hot temperatures that make hiking unsafe and heat exhaustion a real possibility.

3. Hike the Fire Wave

Fire Wave in the Valley of Fire State Park

The Fire Wave is one of the most popular hikes and things to do in the Valley of Fire in just one day. The Fire Wave is a unique formation of striped rock that gives the impression of a wave. The hike is short – about 1 hour – and rewards you with an epic vista.

How to hike the Fire Wave in the Valley of Fire:

The Fire Wave trailhead is easily found across from parking lot #3 on the road to the White Domes. The trail begins on the right side of the road and follows a squishy, sandy trail toward the Gibraltar rock. You’ll skirt these towering red rocks and follow the trail markers (poles) out onto the hard sandstone. Keep going until you see the Fire Wave begin. Hike down the slick rock and you’re there.

It takes 25 minutes each way. The only respite from the sun is under a small rock overhand with a bench. Once you pass this mark, you’re out in wide-open space. The views are incredible. Take a moment to stand still and be quiet – the silence of the valley is almost deafening. Quite the contrast from Las Vegas!

Please be careful when hiking the Fire Wave. The morning we hiked the Fire Wave it was extremely hot – around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite going easy and drinking plenty of water, the heat became too much and we started to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion (banging headache, blurry vision, flushed cheeks, rapid heart rate, etc.) We saw other people hiking on different trails, but the Fire Wave really releases the heat from the rock which is all around you. There’s also zero relief from the sun’s direct exposure. Besides, what is doable for others isn’t what’s best for you!

fire wave in the valley of fire state park
gibraltar rock fire wave hike
hiking the fire wave in valley of fire state park

4. See the Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock

Before you head further into the park, take a left and drive the 2-mile Scenic Loop Road which takes you to Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock. At Atlatl Rock, you have the unique chance to see the etchings of ancient tribes into the red rock. You might even recognize some of the shapes and figures of these petroglyphs! To get there, you’ll need to climb up a short flight of steps to reach the rock face.

Fun fact: “Atlatls” were throwing sticks/dart throwers that the tribes used to make their darts and spears stronger.

5. Drive the scenic White Domes Road

The WhiteDomes Road is a 5.5-mile scenic route that takes you to several must-see places in the Valley of Fire. On this road, you’ll pass by Mouse’s Tank, Rainbow Vista, Fire Canyon Road, parking lots, the Fire Wave, before reaching the end at White Domes. Watch out for Bighorn Sheep scurrying the rocks alongside this road!

6. Get a Running Road Shot!

white domes scenic road valley of fire
fire canyon - valley of fire state park

If you visit the Valley of Fire during a quiet time (without hardly any road traffic), you could possibly get a fun road shot. There is a long stretch of road here and oftentimes travelers will hop out to snap a quick photo. PLEASE be careful though and keep off the shoulders of the road. About mid-way down this road, there’s ample space to park on the shoulder without getting too close to the road or rocks.

7. Hike to Mouse’s Tank – An Outlaw’s Hideout

Mouse’s Tank is one of the historical things to do in the Valley of Fire. This location has a unique backstory that you can learn all about on your visit to the exhibits at the Visitor’s Center. In short, in the late 1890s, there was a Paiute outlaw named Little Mouse who used this area as a hideout to escape the accusations of his crimes from killing two prospectors in the valley.

It’s a short 0.75-mile hike to this hideout which is a natural basin that collects rainwater (hence the name “Mouse’s Tank). Along the way, you can see many prehistoric petroglyphs similar to that of Atlatl Rock.

8. Stop for Panoramic Views at Rainbow Vista

Rainbow Vista is aptly named because of the gorgeous variations in colors of the sandstone that marks the valley. Whether it’s orange, yellow, pink, purple, or even blue, it’s likely the Valley of Fire has it. Keep your eyes peeled!

9. Fire Canyon/Silica Dome Viewpoint

Another unique vista is at Fire Canyon/Silica Dome viewpoint where you can see the red rock appearing ablaze at Fire Canyon in contrast with the supple white rock of Silica Dome. Silica Dome is one of the best examples of the geological formations in the Valley of Fire because of the sand grains that are made up of almost pure silica. This gives the rock a white color. If you look at the base of the dome, you’ll see the typical red rock stain iconic throughout the park – that is due to the trace amounts of iron in the rock.

10. Take a Break Under the Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters are seven towering rock formations along the side of Valley of Fire Road. They are standing close together and look alike, hence their name. This is a great place to hop out of the car and explore around the rocks, sit down for a picnic on the bench, or just catch your breath.

11. Watch for Bighorn Sheep and Other Wildlife

Bighorn Sheep in the Valley of Fire Nevada
Bighorn Sheep in the Valley of Fire State Park

Within two minutes of entering the Valley of Fire State Park for the first time, we almost crashed into a trotting Bighorn Sheep that darted out from a bush. Then, at the Visitor’s Center, there was a whole group of them just grazing right by the parking lot. Wildlife in the Valley of Fire is abundant – from snakes and lizards to kit foxes and coyotes! Watch your step when hiking and leave wildlife be.

12. Check Out the Petrified Logs from Ancient Forests

On either end of the Valley of Fire State Park, you’ll find two locations (west and east entrances before/after the Visitor’s Center) where you can see petrified logs that washed in with the ancient sea from forests that lived 225 million years ago. These “petrified” logs and stumps look like wood but are solidified and replaced by rock.

Bonus Valley of Fire Thing to Do – Balanced Rock!

Balanced Rock - Valley of Fire

For panoramic views of the ancient valley, stop for a mini hike to see Balanced Rock. This rock seemingly defies gravity as it hangs tilted on its side. You can spot it nearby the Valley of Fire Visitor’s Center or as you exit the White Domes Scenic Road.

Final Tips for Visiting the Valley of Fire in Nevada

  • Weather: Prepare for hot, dry weather in the summers with temperatures that exceed 100°F. Hike early in the morning and take frequent water breaks. The best time to visit the Valley of Fire is during the more pleasant spring and fall.
  • Water: It’s recommended to take at least one gallon of water per person. Free water refills are available at the Visitor’s Center as well as snacks/refreshments for purchase.
  • Time: If you complete this list of things to do in Valley of Fire, then expect to spend at least 3 hours or more here. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Time change: If you’re crossing into Utah to go to Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, remember there is a 1-hour time difference (you’ll jump ahead 1 hour).

I hope this bucket list guide for things to do in the Valley of Fire helps plan your trip! The Valley of Fire State Park, in my opinion, is extremely underrated and has so much to offer. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions!

Save this Valley of Fire, Nevada bucket list to Pinterest!

  • Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
  • Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
  • Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
  • Share via EmailShare via Email

By: Bri · In: Southwest, USA

you’ll also love

Panoramic view of Port Townsend, Washington Victorian seaport with wooden ships and boats in the bay.19 Amazing Things to Do in Port Townsend — Washington’s Charming Victorian Seaport
Grand Canyon North Rim vs South RimGrand Canyon North Rim vs South Rim – Which Should You Visit?
Utah Welcome Sign | 2 Week Southwest Road Trip ItineraryThe Ultimate 2 Week Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (From Las Vegas to Denver)

Join the List

Stay up to date with the latest adventures and travel guides.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

Hiking the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trails in Bryce Canyon

Primary Sidebar

hello!

I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

About Me

Connect

join the list

Featured Posts

Woman holding juice at a tropical beach bar at a chic beachfront restaurant in Bonaire.

15+ Best Places to Eat on Bonaire Island

Story Guide to Kolkata, India | Bits of Bri

3 Days in Kolkata, India — The City of Joy

bahia de banderas nayarit mexico

13 Cutest Beach Towns & Destinations in Nayarit, Mexico

QUICK LINKS

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • WORK
  • CONTACT
  • COURSE
  • DESTINATIONS

Search

Let’s Connect!

@bucketlistbri

Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure Add “diving with sea lions” to your adventure bucket list!! 

Literally a dream come true to be in the water with these playful pups 🦭✨🤿

Just watch your head and fingers, they like to nibble 😂 

📍 Los Islotes, Baja California Sur
🤿 w/ @thedivegurusmex 

Would you do this!?! Send to someone who would!🦭🥹

#divinglife #losislotes #lapazmexico #bajacalifornia #scubadivingmag #padi #divemexico #bajasur #seaofcortez #sealions #espíritusanto #mexicoadventures #ecotourism #ecoblogger #adventureblogger #wildlifelover
Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Follow My Adventures

Footer

On the Blog

  • Start Here
  • Destinations
  • Digital Nomad
  • Responsible Travel
  • Slow Travel
  • Van Life

Info

  • Work With Me
  • Blog Course
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

adventures await x

Copyright © 2023 · Bucketlist Bri | All Rights Reserved

185 shares