14 incredible things to do in the Valley of Fire

1. Explore the Valley of Fire Visitor Center

The Valley of Fire Visitor Center contains many exhibits, souvenirs, and park information. If you’re looking to get acclimated to the park or would like to learn about the rich history of the area, this is one stop you won’t want to skip.

Learn more: Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

2. Enjoy the Seven Sisters rock formation.

The Seven Sisters is grouping of red rocks standing tall from the desert floor. This jaw-dropping site features a picnic area and is worth the quick stop to explore.

3. Examine 4,000-year-old petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock

Carved into Atlatl Rock are ancient petroglyphs made by tribes whom lived in the Valley of Fire. This historic spot features the “Atlatl,” a throwing stick or dart which is depicted in the drawings.

Learn more: Atlatl Rock

4. Have a picnic and view ancient petroglyphs at Lone Rock

Lone Rock is a quick stop along the route to the historic cabins. Visitors can enjoy petroglyphs, a picnic lunch and sweeping views of the surrounding red rock formations.

Learn more: Lone Rock

5. Visit Elephant Rock

This uniuqe elephant shaped rock formation is located just off the Valley of Fire Hwy near the east entrance. You’ll find a natural arch made from sandstone that makes up the elephants tusk.

6. Learn about the Historic Cabins

Originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, these cabins were used to house visitors to the newly created Valley of Fire State Park. The cabins still remain standing today for visitors to explore this piece of historic significance.

Learn more: Valley of Fire’s Historic Cabins

7. Climb around the Beehives

Located near the west entrance of the Valley of Fire, this popular spot is one of the first locations visitors will come across after they enter the park. It gets incredibly busy, so come early if you want the best chance of photographing these unique formations.

We didn’t get a great photo while we were there, so enjoy this lovely one taken by Western Lanscapes.

8. Snap a photo of Arch Rock

Arch Rock is located near the Arch Rock Campground on the west side of the Valley of Fire. This unique rock formation was formed by a combination of strong wind and rain over a thousands of years.

Go early to see this marvel or walk over from Atlatl Rock for viewing. If you try and drive when the park is busy, you may end up like we did without snagging a spot. We had to settle for looking up photos online. It’s on our bucket list to see on our next trip to the park.

9. Enjoy the Fire Canyon lookout and summit the Silica Dome

The Silica Dome is a popular spot within the Valley of Fire, especially if you are a Star Trek fan. This short hike leads to the summit of the Silica Dome and offers unbelievable views of Fire Canyon.

• Distance (RT): 1.0 Miles
• Difficulty: Moderate (due to scrambling at the dome)

Learn more: Silica Dome / Fire Canyon lookout

10. Hike the Petroglyph Canyon Trail and explore Mouse’s Tank

Mouse’s Tank is named after Mouse, an outlaw who hid along the Petroglyph Canyon trail. Surviving on water that culminates in the tanks near the end of the trail, visitors can explore the petroglyphs on the way to Mouse’s hideout.

• Distance (RT): 0.75 Miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Learn more: Mouse’s Tank on Petroglyph Canyon Trail

11. Explore the slot canyons along White Domes Trail

The White Domes hiking trail takes adventurers through stunning landscapes including a striking slot canyon and large sandstone formations.

• Distance (RT): 1.25 Miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Learn more: White Domes Trail

12. View the famous Balanced Rock near the Visitor Center

The Balancing Rock trail leads visitors to the famous Balanced Rock. The trail leaves from the Valley of Fire visitor center and is suitable for all ages.

• Distance (RT): 0.25 Miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Learn more: Balanced Rock

13. Explore the stunning red rocks along the Rainbow Vista Trail

The Rainbow Vista trail leads hikers through a red rock sandstone canyon before ending with a stunning view of Fire Canyon.

• Distance (RT): 1.0 Miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Learn more: Rainbow Vista Trail

14. Hike to the Fire Wave

This popular hike follows a red sandy trail past unique red and white sandstone formations and ends at the Fire Wave. Suitable for all ages, this hike is especially favored by photographers around sunset when the light dances over the sandstone.

• Distance (RT): 1.0 Miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Learn more: Rainbow Vista Trail