Closing out 2019 – Hiking in Valley of Fire State Park

Between Christmas and New Years we spent a couple nights in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, about 60 minutes northeast of Las Vegas. For some amazing pictures, check out the park’s website at vofsp@parks.nv.gov. While you are there, check out the trail map. It is the most amazing trail map I have seen!

The camping is first-come first-served (72 sites with only a handful of sites having electricity and water). The campground was full the two nights we stayed there. 

We picked up the “What to do in a day” flyer from the visitor center and did our best to be tourists. 

We hiked the White Domes Loop on day one. 

The next day we hiked the Fire Wave. It is not on the trail map because it is not really a trail. It is a short hike from Parking Area 3. I popped the colors on this a bit, but the reality is so much better than the photo!

And Rainbow Vista. At the top of the hike we found this Compass Barrel Cactus just begging to be in the picture.

And Mouse’s Tank. Side note, until we stayed at Hueco Tanks State Park in Texas I did not know that a tank was the name for a natural collection point for water. The tanks I have seen since then have all been depressions in the rock (usually sandstone) where water collects during a runoff. So, the tank was not much to look at. But, along the way there were petroglyphs and a side trail that gives you a view of Fire Canyon. 

On the way back, we snuck through a small slot and found this small canyon/valley. It was a wonderful, peaceful spot that we had to ourselves! And yes, the rocks were worth the picture!

All beautiful. Even though the weather was comfortable and the hikes were short, the sun was out, the air was dry, and bringing water is a definite must.

Those were the last hikes of 2019. As a dear friend and wise woman told us, “Keep moving!” That’s our plan!

Steve