Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest State Park. It covers an area of 34,880 acres (141 km²) and was dedicated in 1935. Valley of Fire is located 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Las Vegas at an elevation of between 2,000 and 2,600 feet (610 and 790 m). It abuts the Lake Mead National Recreation Area at the Virgin River confluence. It lies in a basin 4 miles (6 km) wide by 6 miles (10 km) long, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Overton, Nevada.This beautiful desert park is 52 miles northeast of Las Vegas and only six miles from Lake Mead. A visit to the park is a trip back in time where visitors can experience red sandstone rock formations that have been carved by centuries of wind erosion into many exotic shapes. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyph. Entrance Fee: An entrance fee is charged to enter the park, with additional fee for camping. Current fees are posted at the park entrance. Currently the fee is $6.00 per vehicle.
Nature
The area plant community is dominated by widely spaced creosote bush, burro bush, and brittle bush. Several cactus species, including beaver tail and cholla, are also common. The springtime bloom of such plants as the desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow are often spectacular along park roads. Resident birds include the raven, house finch, sage sparrow, and roadrunner. a coyote Many migrant birds also pass through the park. Most desert animals are nocturnal and not frequently seen by the passing motorist. Many species of lizards and snakes are common in the park, as well as the coyote, kit fox, spotted skunk, black tailed jack rabbit, and antelope ground squirrel. The desert tortoise is a rare species and is protected by state law. If you are lucky enough to come across one please leave this likable and harmless creature to live its life in peace in its own environment.
Park Features
Although there are petroglyphs spread through the entire park, there are two areas in particular with many petroglyphs that are relatively easily accessible. These are Mouse’s Tank and Atlatl Rock. The park also features three cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Although overnight camping in the cabins is now prohibited, they were previously an important stopping point between Overton and Las Vegas.
Climate
Typical low desert conditions exist. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from freezing to 75 degrees F. Daily summer highs usually exceed 100 degrees, and may reach 120 degrees. Summer temperatures usually do not vary widely from day to night. Average annual rainfall is four inches, coming in the form of light winter showers and summer thunderstorms. Spring and fall are the preferred seasons for visiting the Valley of Fire.
Driving to the park from east or west is equally scenic. There is a good visitor center near the west entrance, although it seems rather excessive for this relatively small park, with a few interesting cacti outside. Various viewpoints and named features along the road, including several short foot paths.
