Valley of Fire State Park
Nevada's oldest state park — Mars-red sandstone formations 50 miles northeast of Vegas.
Distance
55 miles northeast
Drive Time
60 minutes one way
Best Season
October–May (avoid summer afternoons — temperatures regularly exceed 110°F)
Total Round Trip
5–7 hours from Las Vegas
Time on Site
3–5 hours
Managed By
Nevada State Parks
Source: Entry fees and operating hours verified directly from Nevada State Parks — Valley of Fire. Re-verified 2026-04-09.
Entry Fees
All fees verified directly from Nevada State Parks — Valley of Fire, the official authority for Valley of Fire State Park. Re-verified April 2026.
| Pass / Tour | Price |
|---|---|
Day use — Nevada residents | $10 per vehicle |
Day use — non-Nevada vehicles | $15 per vehicle |
Camping — Nevada residents Add $10 for sites with utility hookups. | $20 per vehicle, per night |
Camping — non-Nevada vehicles Add $10 for sites with utility hookups. | $25 per vehicle, per night |
Bike entry | $2 per bike |
Hours
Park: sunrise to sunset, year-round. Visitor Center: 8:30am–4:30pm daily.
Highlights
What makes this day trip worth the drive.
Brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations carved by wind and water
The Fire Wave — an iconic candy-striped sandstone swirl popular with photographers
Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and Petroglyph Canyon
Elephant Rock, Arch Rock, and Beehives rock formations
Star Wars filming locations (Episode II) at the white domes area
Most photogenic light: golden hour just before sunset
What to Know Before You Go
Practical considerations and the things first-time visitors typically miss.
In summer, the park is dangerously hot — daytime highs of 110°F+ are common from May through September. Plan for sunrise visits only.
No food or fuel inside the park — fill up in Logandale or Overton on the way in.
The 7-mile Scenic Loop / White Domes Road is the must-drive section — book at least 2 hours for it.
Cell coverage is limited inside the park. Download offline maps.
Combine with a stop at Lake Mead on the return drive for a fuller day.
Tour vs. Self-Drive
Self-drive is the right call — the park is set up for personal vehicles and the entrance fees are reasonable. A few photography and hiking tours operate from Vegas (typically $100–150 per person) for visitors who don't want to drive themselves, but most travelers rent a car for the day or use rideshare for the round trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What people search when planning this day trip.
How far is Valley of Fire State Park from Las Vegas?
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Valley of Fire State Park is approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The drive takes about 60 minutes one way. Plan for a total round-trip time of 5–7 hours from Las Vegas including time on site.
How much does it cost to visit Valley of Fire State Park?
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Day use — Nevada residents: $10 per vehicle. Day use — non-Nevada vehicles: $15 per vehicle. Camping — Nevada residents: $20 per vehicle, per night (Add $10 for sites with utility hookups.). Camping — non-Nevada vehicles: $25 per vehicle, per night (Add $10 for sites with utility hookups.). Bike entry: $2 per bike. All fees verified directly from Nevada State Parks — Valley of Fire as of 2026-04-09.
When is the best time to visit Valley of Fire State Park?
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October–May (avoid summer afternoons — temperatures regularly exceed 110°F). The Mojave Desert is dangerously hot from June through September, with regular triple-digit highs. Spring and fall are the comfortable windows. If you must visit in summer, plan a sunrise start and be off-trail by 10am.
Should I book a tour or drive myself to Valley of Fire State Park?
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Self-drive is the right call — the park is set up for personal vehicles and the entrance fees are reasonable. A few photography and hiking tours operate from Vegas (typically $100–150 per person) for visitors who don't want to drive themselves, but most travelers rent a car for the day or use rideshare for the round trip.
How long should I plan for Valley of Fire State Park?
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Most visitors spend 3–5 hours on site. Round trip from Las Vegas, plan for 5–7 hours from Las Vegas total. The destination is best done as a full-day commitment.