1 Day Itinerary for Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is filled with sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and family-friendly trails, making it an excellent destination for families.

9 am – after entering the park, make a quick stop at the Beehives, located near the west entrance. This will allow everyone to stretch their legs after a long ride, and it’s a great place for kids to explore and climb.

9:30 am – check out the nearby Atlatl Rock with ancient petroglyphs for a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Don’t miss the Arch Rock that is just around the corner for a fun family photo spot.

10:15 am – check out the visitor’s center and pick up the Junior Ranger booklets for your kids

11:30 am – head to the Petroglyph Canyon trailhead to enjoy your packed lunch under the shaded picnic tables. An alternative spot could be Seven Sisters.

1:30 pm – Hike Mouse’s Tank Trail, a 0.75-mile RT hike through Petroglyph Canyon. The trail is relatively flat and features numerous petroglyphs along the way, making it both educational and engaging for children.

2:30 pm – hike either Rainbow Vista Trail, a 1-mile round-trip hike offering panoramic views of the park’s multicolored sandstone formations, or White Dome’s Loop, a 1.1-mile trail featuring a slot canyon, diverse rock formations, and remnants of a movie set.

4:00 pm – Hike the Fire Wave Trail leading to the park’s famous Fire Wave formation. Connect this trail with the Pastel (Pink) Canyon trail for a 2-mile loop (AllTrails calls it ‘Fire Wave and Seven Wonders Loop’). This is a great sunset hike!

Cost: $10 per vehicle ($15 for non-NV plates)
I suggest visiting in the Fall, Winter, or Spring, as the summer can get very hot, and some of these trails are closed between May 15th and September 30.

Is this park on your bucket list?