Valley of Fire- Oldest State Park in Nevada (Las Vegas, NV)

Valley of Fire State Park is located about 50 miles (80 km.) northeast of Las Vegas. It is Nevada’s oldest state park and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968.

Valley of Fire derives its name from the red sandstone (formed through the earth's movements from the age of the dinosaurs) that almost looks like it is on fire from the sun's rays during the day.

There are several key attractions in this park, all named after their appearances. Starting from the visitor center, to the west are Beehives, Arch Rock, and Atlatl Rock. To the east are Seven Sisters, Cabin, and Elephant Rock. Mouse's Tank, Rainbow Vista, Fire Canyon, and White Domes are located north of the visitor center.

This park, and Atlatl Rock in particular, is renowned for its Native American petroglyphs that almost look like messages from aliens.

Elephant Rock is very famous and appears in many brochures. The rock formation is shaped like an elephant standing with its nose pointing downwards. 

White Domes is like a narrow maze that makes it very interesting. There are other areas such as the Professionals Movie Sites and Slot Canyon that are fun to browse through.

The Wave, located near parking area #3, is a hiking trail consisting of rocks that formed with wave patterns.

A popular location for TV commercials (especially automobiles) and other commercial photography, Valley of Fire has provided a setting for several films and television shows:

- "Viva Las Vegas" (1963 film) starred Elvis Presley and had several shots filmed in the park during the racing scenes for the movie’s finale.

- "The Professionals" (1966 film) starred Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, and Claudia Cardinale. As one of three locations used in the film, all that remains of the set is a portion of a rock wall from a hacienda (can be seen along White Domes Trail).

- "Total Recall" (1990 film) starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, and almost all the outside scenes of Mars were shot in Valley of Fire.

- "Star Trek: Generations" (1994 film) included the scenes from planet Veridian III, and Silica Dome is particularly famous among Star Trek fans as the site of captain James T. Kirk's death and burial.


 

For more information, please see the Travel Guide page.