Are you visiting Las Vegas? Heading to Southern Nevada with children in tow and looking for an outdoor, nature escape to get away from the craziness of the city? When we visited California, we decided to add on Las Vegas and spend a couple days in the area. As an outdoor enthusiast, finding a nearby state or national park was a priority.
Valley of Fire State Park in southern Nevada did not disappoint! And while Vegas may not be the ideal destination for children (although there is plenty to do still!), there are plenty of Valley of Fire State Park hikes that will be perfect for the whole family when visiting the area!
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About the Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located in the Moapa Valley of Southern Nevada, near the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is a 46,000 acre sprawling desert known for its unique sandstone rock formations, petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years, and the fiery red/orange look the rocks take on at sunrise or sunset.
Valley of Fire State Park is not as well known as the West’s many national parks, but it is nonetheless gorgeous and worth a visit, a hidden gem! At just under an hour from Las Vegas, the park will transport you into an entirely different world, surrounded by towering red, orange, white, and pink rock formations that will make you pause for a moment (or more!).
The park was founded in 1935 and has taken the name of the largest and oldest state park in Nevada. The rock formations in the park, formed during the Jurassic Period, have been home to Native American tribes over thousands of years, including the Basketmaker, Ancestral Puebloans and the Southern Paiute tribes.
Today, the area sits as a protected park allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the area’s natural beauty and participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and rock climbing (in certain areas of the park).
Valley of Fire State Park Hikes
White Dome Trail
The White Dome Trail is one of the most scenic trails in the park, and at only 1.1 miles in length, it is a perfect choice for a family hike. The trail has an elevation gain of about 177 feet. The trail starts out on a sandy path before beginning the descent with some rocky areas.
The loop trail takes you past the changing landscape of Valley of Fire State Park, including sandstone fins, rock formations, a slot canyon, and vast wide open views. You will also be treated to colorful rock formations, including pink, white, and red sandstone formations.
The famous white domes that give the trail its name are one of the main draws of the trail. Along the way, you’ll also encounter remnants of an old movie set and panoramic views of the surrounding desert. With its mix of natural beauty and history, the White Domes Trail is one of the best Valley of Fire State Park hikes.
After you have passed through the slot canyon, you will want to turn right at the junction to head back to the parking area. If you miss the turn, you will find yourself heading on to the 8.7 mile Prospect Trail. There is very little if any shade along the trail, so be prepared with water and sun protection.
Fire Wave Trail
One of the best Valley of Fire State Park hikes is the Fire Wave Trail. The trail is a popular 1.5 mile trail that is full of swirling colors and stunning formations. Beginning along a sandy path before switching over to rocks, the trail takes you through vibrant red, orange, and white sandstone formations, before bringing you to the Fire Wave.
The path is mostly flat with some sandy sections, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. Elevation gain on the trail is about 236 feet. For the best photos, visit just after sunrise or at sunset when the colors really pop.
The Fire Wave Trail can be hiked as an out and back trail, or in combination with the White Dome Trail and/or Seven Wonders Trail. It is important to note that the Fire Wave Trail is closed during the summer months due to extreme heat conditions. Be sure to verify trail conditions and hours before your visit. There is no shade along this trail, so make sure you are prepared with sunscreen, sun hats, and plenty of water!
Valley of Fire State Park Hikes: Petroglyph Canyon Trail
Petroglyph Canyon Trail (also known as Mouse’s Tank Trail) is an easy 0.7 mile trail that takes you to well preserved, historic petroglyphs in the park’s sandstone formations. The trail takes you through a sandy canyon that is lined with petroglyphs for almost the entire duration of the trail. Elevation gain along the trail is virtually none (only about 42 feet of elevation gain).
The trail is considered moderate, with sandy paths and some mild rock scrambling that kids often find adventurous and fun. Along the way, families can spot unique rock formations and desert plants, making it a great opportunity for a little natural science lesson. The highlight of the trail is the chance to see centuries-old petroglyphs, which spark curiosity and offer a glimpse into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants.
Rainbow Vista Trail
The Rainbow Vista Trail is an excellent choice for Valley of Fire State Park hikes for families. This easy, 1.1-mile out-and-back trail winds through a stunning landscape of vibrant red sandstone formations, colorful rock layers, and panoramic desert views.
The trail is relatively flat with only a 70 ft. elevation gain, making it accessible for young hikers, and offers plenty of opportunities to pause for water breaks, photos, or a quick snack. The end of the trail rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of Fire Canyon. The trailhead for Rainbow Vista Trail is found just past the visitor center on White Domes Road.
Elephant Rock
While not exactly a hike, Elephant Rock is still a cool spot in the park to visit. The total distance out and back is only 0.3 miles with an elevation gain of only 52 feet, but it will bring you to a rock formation that resembles an elephant.
Elephant Rock is located near the East end of the park. There are two parking areas, the main parking area for this attraction, and the parking area for the Natural Arches and Charlie’s Spring trails (these trails are longer at a total of 14 miles).
Valley of Fire State Park Hikes: Seven Wonders Loop Trail
The Seven Wonders Loop Trail is probably the most inclusive Valley of Fire State Park hikes. The trail will take you past many of the park’s main features, including Fire Wave, White Domes Slot Canyon, Crazy Hill, Fire Cave, Striped Rock, and Thunderstorm Arch.
The Seven Wonders Loop Trail is about 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 200 feet. You can start the trail at the Fire Wave trail head, which takes you to the scenic Fire Wave area. From there, continue on through Kaolin Wash and to Pastel Canyon.
Continuing on the trail, you will pass additional “wonders”, including Striped Rock, Crazy Hill, Thunderstorm Arch, and Fire Cave. Depending on when you visit, some of the slot canyons can be filled with a little bit of water if it has recently rained. You can usually bypass the canyons on nearby slick rocks, but be sure to bring good hiking boots for both the rocks and if you have to tread through some water.
Balancing Rock Trail
The Balancing Rock Trail is not exactly a hike, but it is an easy walk for families to see an interesting rock formation in the park. The walk is only 0.2 miles out and back, with virtually no elevation gain. The trail is located right off of the Valley of Fire Visitor Center parking lot.
The trail takes you to a massive sandstone boulder that appears to be balancing on a thin pedestal base. Bighorn sheep are said to frequent the area, so be cautious and make sure to follow all wildlife encounter safety reminders.
Best Time to Visit the Park
The best time to visit and do Valley of Fire State Park hikes is from October to May. These months will still be warm, but will give you some milder temperatures with averages in the 60-70’s.
I would recommend avoiding the park during the summer months from June to September. It is not uncommon to see temperatures in the 100’s during these times. Many trails are also closed during this time for hiker safety, including the popular Fire Wave Trail, so you may not be able to experience all the highlights you want to.
The best time of day to visit the park is at sunrise or just before sunset. During these times, the rock formations will appear to glow red/orange, the phenomenon that gives the park its name. The visitor center is generally open 9am to 4pm, so that is another thing to take note of if you plan on stopping there.
Tips for Valley of Fire State Park Hikes
- Start early! Starting early can help you avoid the heat and the crowds. Starting early will also allow you to beat the sun and experience the oranges and reds of the valley at their best.
- Bring plenty of water! There is no food service within the park, so plan ahead and bring your own! Make sure you have food and water.
- Cell phone service is very spotty throughout the park. Plan on not having it and be prepared with maps/a plan.
- There are two entrances into the park. The East entrance near the Lake Mead National Recreation Area or the West entrance easily accessible from Vegas.
- Be sure to bring good, sturdy hiking boots. Many of the Valley of Fire State Park hikes involve sand and rocks, so you will want to make sure you have good traction.
- When choosing your hikes, make sure you factor the sand in when making decisions. Sand makes hiking harder, so a shorter hike that is usually easily doable for the littles may not be as easily done at Valley of Fire.
- Reaching the park by Uber/Lyft is not recommended as it is common to get stranded. There is poor cell service in the area and getting a return ride can be difficult.
- Valley of Fire State Park does allow dogs in certain areas, as long as they are on a leash of no more than 6 ft.
Be a Responsible Tourist When Visiting Valley of Fire State Park
When enjoying Valley of Fire State Park hikes, make sure your behaviors are protecting the beauty and natural environment of the park! Be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles-clean up after yourself and carry out any trash. Stay on the trails to protect fragile ecosystems. Respect wildlife and be prepared for wildlife encounters, to minimize damage to you and the animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valley of Fire State Park good for hiking with kids?
Yes! Valley of Fire State Park has several short and scenic trails that are great for families. Kids will love exploring colorful rock formations, slot canyons, petroglyphs, and unique landscapes.
How Much Time Do You Need in Valley of Fire State Park?
Realistically, you could see most of the highlights in the park in one day. The park is not huge and many of the hikes are short, allowing you to complete many of them in a day. However, staying for 2-3 days will allow you to fully explore the park and take your time, soaking in the gorgeous views in front of you.
I Don’t Have Time to Hike. Is Driving Through the Park Worth It?
Yes! Driving through the park is well worth it and one of the main activities. The drive will take you past many viewpoints just a step outside your car, allowing you to enjoy some of the views without the hike.
Are Pets Allowed in the Park?
Yes! Pets are allowed in certain areas of the park and on hiking trails, but they must be on a leash of no more than 6 ft. in length. They are not allowed in the visitor center.
How much water should you bring when hiking in Valley of Fire?
Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially when hiking with kids. The desert heat can become dangerous quickly, and there is very little shade on many trails. Carry water for everyone in your family and take frequent breaks.
What is the best time of year to do Valley of Fire State Park hikes with kids?
Fall, winter, and spring are the best times for hiking in Valley of Fire State Park. They are the most comfortable times to hike without the extreme summer temperatures. Many of the trails are also closed during the summer, so you may miss out if visiting at that time.
Can you bring a stroller on Valley of Fire hiking trails?
Most hiking trails are not stroller-friendly because of sand, rocks, and uneven terrain. A baby carrier is usually a better option for families visiting with infants or toddlers.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
Book Your Accommodations
Planning your next getaway? Let us help you get all the details in order! Start with your accommodations!
Book your traditional hotel accommodations using Booking! We love booking because of the wide variety of options, that can accommodate every budget and unique family needs!
Alternatively, consider booking a VRBO and having the entire place to yourself! VRBO is another great options for families because it gives you your own space and access to essential amenities like a full kitchen.
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