5 Best Valley of Fire Hikes

Valley of Fire is the most popular state park near Las Vegas. It is getting more crowded each year but with how beautiful and unique the landscape is, it’s easy to see why

here are the best valley of Fire hikes

I remember going to Valley of Fire years ago when we were driving from Las Vegas to Zion. At that time, the park wasn’t crowded at all – even on a weekend. Fast forward to this year during COVID – the park was SO crowded. We were so shocked the first time we went there, that the next time we went, we decided to go on a Sunday thinking that most folks would be home having Sunday dinner.

Valley of Fire is my hands-down favorite park in all of Nevada, even if it has gotten really crowded. Most visitors think of it as a stop-over destination, but I actually (personally) like Valley of Fire more than Zion National Park and even Bryce Canyon National Park.

Valley of Fire is one of those magical places where you can keep coming back to.

Where is THE Valley of Fire

Where is Valley of Fire? The closest airport to Valley of Fire is Las Vegas. Once you land, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive there heading East.

Many people will head to Valley of Fire on the way to Zion National Park or Bryce National Park, but I personally think Valley of Fire is worth a longer stop – and even a few days of camping if you can spare the time!

When should I visit?

Like most hikes around Las Vegas, you can go year-round but it gets VERY hot in the summer. I would recommend visiting Valley of Fire between October and April to avoid the heat. Another benefit is visiting during the fall/winter is that Vegas typically sees fewer visitors and therefore there will be fewer visitors to Valley of Fire.

It’s definitely doable from May to September but I would watch the temperature and bring gallons and gallons of water. I personally almost never hike with my dogs if it is over 90 degrees. Sunrise and sunset may be best.

How busy is the Valley of Fire?

Valley of Fire State Park has changed a ton in the past few years. Back when I visited in 2013, it was still pretty unknown. Social media and Instagram was around but not that level. Fast forward to 2020 and park visitation has really exploded.

That means that if you are entering on a weekend, be prepared to wait 30 min to even enter the park. Once you get into the park though, there are enough hikes to make it seem not as crazy as Arches National Park or other National Parks where you have a “single site” (eg Delicate Arch).

Looking for other hikes near Vegas? Check out my Ultimate Hiking Guide to Las Vegas.

5 Best Valley of Fire Hikes

Here are my favorite hikes. If you are limited to only 1 day, feel free to comment below and I will give you my suggested itinerary! I’ve been to Valley of Fire so many times so I know the truly best “bang for your buck” areas.

1. FIRE WAVE

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Time: Approx. 1 hour with photos
• Come here for: An easy hike to a crazy wave formation and great photos
• Best to hike: Morning (in the summer) or during the day (all other seasons). Not the best choice for sunset

Fire Wave may sound really similar to “The Wave” but it’s far more accessible. “The Wave” requires a permit and the permit system is so crazy right now. I’ve personally been trying every month for 9 months and haven’t received it. I also tried the walk in permit but there was a line of 200 people for like 10 spots. Insanity!

So instead we have the Fire Wave 🙂 It’s maybe a little unfair to think of the Fire Wave as an alternative to “The Wave.” It’s actually a gorgeous landscape that kind of looks like the pig ear cookie (if you are familiar).

2. WHITE DOME LOOP

• Distance: 1 – 3 miles
• Time: Approx. 30-45 min with photos, up to 1.5 hours if you connect all 3 miles
• Come here for: An easy hike with more white / light pink rocks
• Best to hike: Morning (in the summer) or during the day (all other seasons). Is also a nice choice for sunset

White Dome is at the very north of the park. It is the end of a very beautiful drive down the main road. The actual White Dome loop is about 1.1 miles but you can connect the loop and do a little more exploring.

Sunset is nice here but you have to be in the right spot or else you will have some shadows from the canyon walls.

3. ELEPHANT ROCK

• Distance: 0.3 miles
• Time: Short, 20 min.
• Come here for: An easy hike with more white / light pink rocks
• Best to hike: Sunrise, sunset, at night for a good backdrop for the elephant

Elephant Rock is exactly what it sounds like! It’s more of a view point than a hike, but it’s funny elephant shape makes for a great stop. I personally think it looks better around sunset.

If you are into night photography, this is a great one too. Don’t forget you need to be camping to be able to stay past sunset. You can read more about camping here.

4. PETROGLYPH CANYON

• Distance: 1 mile
• Time: 45 minutes
• Come here for: A sandy, flat hike with cool Indian petroglyphs
• Best to hike: During the day. It’s not too exciting during sunrise or sunset

Petroglyph Canyon is a flat hike or walk through sand that takes you past some nice petroglyphs. There isn’t a giant sign that points you to them, so make sure you are looking up, left, and right to see all the petroglyphs! I’ve seen a lot of people completely walk past them without realizing they missed it 🙂

5. *THAT* ROAD, OFFICIALLY KNOWN AS WHITE DOMES ROAD

• Distance: couple hundred yards
• Time: as long as you want to take photos
• Come here for: A viewpoint off the main road for ‘that’ photo
• Best to hike: Sunset is gorgeous here

The main road through Valley of Fire is famous. You may have seen photos of it online there the road is winding around beautiful, beaming red rocks. The place where the photo is taken is about the middle of the way through the road, after you pass the hill up. There isn’t a sign and there isn’t a parking lot. You can just park off the side of the road and then hike a few hundred yards up.

For the exact GPS location, DM me on Instagram or leave a comment below.

Recommended Gear FOR VALLEY OF FIRE

Packing the right gear is important for Valley of Fire. The immediate park is a little isolated so it’s important to pack everything you need! There is pretty much only a gas station for the last 10 minutes before you get to the park.

Hiking Boots / Shoes

Having the right shoes is super important. Whether you like lighter shoes like I do or a sturdier hiking boot, Hoka One One and Salomon are my go-to products.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is super important out at Gold Butte! There is some shade under large rocks but not a lot. You can also be out here for miles so it’s important to be prepared! Here are some of my favorites

Protein Bars from Level Foods

Level Foods has been my new go-to bar. I found that their bars have been better on my stomach. They are Gluten free, Dairy free, Non-GMO.

Water Storage

I personally prefer using an MSR Drom Bag because I’m fairly lazy to take water bottles out of my bag, but both options are great. Make sure to bring plenty of water on your trip

Have you been to Valley of Fire State Park before? What did you think?

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