

The scenic byway is just under 11 miles, and it connects the east and west entrances. But even if you arrive at midday, expect to be captivated by the ruddy rocks against the royal blue backdrop of the Nevada sky. That’s when the rocks are at their most luminous. If possible, try to time your drive through the park for either sunrise or sunset. “Mimicking the dance of a flame, the rocks change from benign oranges and browns to deeper, more dramatic shades, while the sun and its shadows seem to mold the rocks into new shapes,” says the website. The long ribbon of blacktop beckons as it winds its way past scarlet cliffs and peculiarly shaped rocks. Majestic is the word that the Travel Nevada website uses to describe the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway, and I would second that. Here are just a few of the unforgettable scenic spots you’ll find there. In fact, it might just be the best Vegas day trip available. Overall, if you’re traveling to Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park is a must-visit Nevada destination. But if you’re planning to sightsee mostly from your car, you can still take in the beautiful scenic drive and several of the notable rock formations without too much exertion during the hot weather. I visited in June, and the temperatures were already too hot to be comfortable on many of the sand-and-rock trails of the state park. The winter months are cool but still comfortable, with average highs of 57 degrees in both December and January. October is warm and sunny, with an average high temperature of 83, while November is noticeably cooler, with an average high of 67.

March and April are optimal, with average highs in the 70-degree range. The average high temperatures in June, July, and August all top 100 degrees: 101 in June, 106 in July, and 103 in August. Because, really, the name says it all - it’s fiery hot in the summer months. I recommend planning your visit to Valley of Fire during the cooler weather of the spring or fall. Still, the park retains an aura of remoteness - so close yet so far away from the big city. Fittingly, the natural wonder is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park.Īt less than an hour’s drive northeast of the major tourist draw of Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park attracts about a quarter of a million visitors a year. Unlike glittery Vegas, though, the Valley of Fire is all natural, featuring sandstone rock that was formed 150 million years ago during the Jurassic Period. And for some Vegas-style flare, there’s also a whimsical elephant, a fierce spear-thrower, and a beehive valley. The Valley of Fire State Park glows with pink-and-beige-pinstriped waves, rainbow valleys, and crimson arches. When it comes to blazing colors and monumental shapes, there is a spot in Nevada that might just rival the spectacle of the Las Vegas Strip.
