Valley of Fire State Park is a hidden gem nestled between Las Vegas and the epic national parks of Utah and Arizona. With its fiery red sandstone rocks, petroglyphs, slot canyons, and stunning rock formations, this often overlooked Nevada State Park offers a jaw-dropping experience for visitors. There are multiple beautiful hikes and things to see!

If you're flying into Vegas, this is a GREAT stop between Vegas and Zion National Park. This is a dog-friendly park and dogs must be kept on a leash 6 feet or shorter when on the trails.

The classic shot shown above in the first photo is located here: 36.448894, -114.515682

Valley of Fire State Park
Day use entrance fee:  $10.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles: $15.00 per vehicle)
Camping:  $20.00 per vehicle, per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $25.00 per vehicle, per night) + $10.00 for sites with utility hook ups
Bike in:  $2.00 per bike

Annual Trail Closures: For the safety of guests, staff, and local rescue services, many of the park's trails are closed annually during the warmer months (May-September). This last year, the trails were closed May 15 - September 30, 2024.  The Trails include: White Domes Loop, Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Loop/Pastel Canyon/Pink Canyon, Pinnacles Loop, Propect Trail, Arrowhead Trail, Natural Arch Trail (excluding Arch Rock), and Charlie's Spring. These trails have a history of frequent medical calls, search and rescue missions, and fatalities during this time of year. Unfortunately, the demand is more than we are able to safely manage.

STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE

• HIKE NAME: Fire Wave

• DISTANCE: 1 miles RT

• ELEVATION GAIN: 150 feet

• RESTROOMS: No, nearest vault toilets are located 1 mile away at the very end of Mouse’s Tank Road at The White Domes Trail.

• DOG FRIENDLY: Yes

• PERMIT: No

• FEE: $10.00 ($15.00 for Non-NV Vehicles)

• VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: 2WD

• TRAILHEAD COORDINATES: 36.488270, -114.528630 (You can also combine with Pastel Canyon, which I did, but makes it a bit longer at 1.4 miles RT)

Annual Trail Closures: For the safety of guests, staff, and local rescue services, many of the park's trails are closed annually during the warmer months (May-September). This last year (2024), the trails are closed May 15 - September 30, 2024.  The Trails include: White Domes Loop, Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Loop/Pastel Canyon/Pink Canyon, Pinnacles Loop, Propect Trail, Arrowhead Trail, Natural Arch Trail (excluding Arch Rock), and Charlie's Spring. These trails have a history of frequent medical calls, search and rescue missions, and fatalities during this time of year. Unfortunately, the demand is more than we are able to safely manage.

STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE

• HIKE NAME: Pastel Canyon (aka Pink Canyon)

• DISTANCE: 0.85 mile RT (from the trek shown) // THIS TREK IS NO LONGER ACCESSIBLE AND YOU MUST START AT THE FIRE WAVE TRAIL AND IS 1.4 miles RT

• ELEVATION GAIN: 20 feet

• RESTROOMS: Not at the TH, but yes in the park

• DOG FRIENDLY: Yes

• PERMIT: No

• FEE: Yes, Day use entrance fee:  $10.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles: $15.00 per vehicle), Bike in:  $2.00 per bike

• VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: 2wd and paved

• TRAILHEAD COORDINATES: 36.47959, -114.52664

• MAP PROVIDED IN WEBSITE: Yes, Gaia GPX

This trek will take you first to Pastel Canyon and then on to the more popular Fire Wave. I like going this direction, as its opposite of most people. Morning light will have the canyon shaded and bring out the most vibrant pinks.

UPDATE JANUARY 2025: The trek described here is no longer accessible and parking off the road has now been blocked. To access Pink Canyon, you will need to park at the Fire Wave and continue on to see the canyon. You can no longer access from this shorter route.