Mojave Desert – Nature’s Jackpot at the Valley of Fire

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By Françoise Rhodes, Host of Traveling With Françoise Radio & Television

At CoachellaValley.com we make sure you know all about things to see and do in the Coachella Valley, but with the help of Traveling With Francoise we also want you to have amazing experiences outside of the area. A “not to miss” in my book is the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.

Located about an hour north of Las Vegas, I had never heard of the Nevada’s first State Park marked as Nevada Historical Marker #150, until a German tourist asked me if I had been. Frankly I was embarrassed (being a person who loves to travel) that I didn’t know about the area, so I started asking around. Interestingly I discovered that International tourists seemed to know all about the Valley of Fire, yet my American counterparts replied with a “what?”

In any case I found the Valley of Fire State Park to be a wonderful day trip away from the casinos, crowds and Las Vegas experience. I also think it will definitely add to your Vegas getaway.

So what is the Valley of Fire? The State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 35,000 acres in the Mojave Desert, about 58 miles Northeast of Las Vegas or 16 miles south of Overton, Nevada. The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park’s attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays.

With so many things to see and do in the park it’s important that your first stop is the visitor’s center located several miles within the park. The reason I say this is that you’ll see so many different rock formations and colors driving in, I don’t want you to missing anything because you didn’t know that what you are seeing has a name, description and history.

The park offers miles of hiking, and several camping areas. Animals are abundant and not afraid to stop and look at the visitors driving through. You’ll be amazed at the many fine examples of rock art (petroglyphs) at several sites within the park left by the ancient peoples who called the area home, or the spectacular vistas that turn the colors of the rainbow at dawn and dusk.

The Valley of Fire State Park is quickly becoming the place for weddings and events, plus popular filming location for commercials and movies. It is also a photographer’s dreamscape, whether you are an amateur or professional, you’ll find that every direction you turn offers something new in your viewfinder.

So put on some casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes, step away from the gaming tables and slot machines for a day trip to a one of a kind experience called the Valley of Fire State Park. For more information visit https://www.valley-of-fire.com/

Valley of Fire Fees

Entrance $10/vehicle ($8/vehicle Nevada resident) at fee station or self-pay booth

Camping $20/night plus $10/night for utility hook-ups ($2/night discount Nevada resident)