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Las Vegas
Nevaders
Valley of Fire | All You Need to Know!
Updated: 8/16/2026
Just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas lies a natural treasure: a valley of brilliantly colored rock where the sunsets are a nightly spectacle. This is the Valley of Fire. A major attraction in southern Nevada, the state park draws many visitors—perhaps including you, as you read this article. How do you get to the Valley of Fire? What can you expect? How much does it cost? Let’s answer these questions.
What is “Valley of Fire”?
Valley of Fire is a Nevada state park. It is characterized by its Aztec sandstone, which ranges in color from pinkish-red to bright orange. The park is popular for its geology, as well as for the hiking and other activities that draw many visitors.
What to expect during your visit to Valley of Fire?
Your visit to Valley of Fire naturally begins at the fee station, where you will pay your park admission.
Don't worry; a park ranger will be there to assist you with the payment process. They will give you a park map and a ticket with a piece of tape to affix to your windshield.
Once inside, your route will depend on your entry point (See the section on getting to Valley of Fire). The most common entry point for visitors is the western entrance.
Source: Las Vegas Nevaders
If you arrive via the west entrance, you will quickly pass near the park’s brand-new visitor center (open since November 2025).
This is where you can learn more about the park’s flora, fauna, and geology, as well as buy souvenirs or something to drink.
From there, you can continue straight ahead.
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A road on your left offers an initial loop that allows you to discover a few sites and leads you back to the visitor center.
Further along, another road appears on your left (if you are arriving from the west). This road leads to more viewpoints and the very popular view shown in the photo. Note that this is a dead-end road, so you will need to turn around before returning to Valley of Fire Highway.
From there, you are free to go further and exit to the east, or to turn back toward the west, where you entered.
Important: Construction & Closures
Valley of Fire has recently seen several construction projects, such as the new visitor center and, more recently, the new West Entrance. Due to this work, the West Entrance to Valley of Fire will be closed from Monday to Thursday. This information is available on the Valley of Fire Website.
For safety reasons related to the Southern Nevada climate, certain hiking trails are closed during the hottest season (May 15 to September 30). You can view them here.
Finally, it is important to note that the park closes every year from December 1st to 14th.
Things to do in Valley of Fire?
As mentioned earlier in this article, Valley of Fire offers a variety of activities for visitors. The two main ones are, of course, the various viewpoints along the park roads and the hiking trails; however, you can also camp, go horseback riding, or book guided tours.
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Please also note that several viewpoints in the park feature shaded picnic tables with barbecue grills, so you might want to plan a picnic stop there.
How to Get to Valley of Fire?
Valley of Fire is accessible via two different entrances, where you will find kiosks to pay your admission fee. The two entry stations are the West and East entrances.
West
The West Entrance is accessible by exiting I-15 onto Valley of Fire Highway. Simply follow this road to reach the West Gate.
Itinerary With Google Maps
East
The east entrance to the park is located on Valley of Fire Highway, just past Northshore Road. Note that Northshore Road runs along the western part of Lake Mead towards Lake Las Vegas.
Valley of Fire Entrance Fees
The fees to visit Valley of Fire are as follows:
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Entrance (1 day) for Nevada residents – $10.00 per vehicle
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Entrance (1 day) for non-Nevada residents – $15.00 per vehicle
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Camping (Nevada vehicle) - $20.00 per night + $10.00 for utilities
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Camping (Non-resident vehicle) - $25.00 per night + $10.00 for utilities
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Bicycle - $2.00 per bicycle
The Nevada State Park system also offers frequent visitors the option to purchase an annual pass for all State Parks.
Please note that Valley of Fire is not a national park and therefore does not accept the passes. America the Beautiful.
Valley of Fire Weather
Located in southern Nevada, Valley of Fire experiences a particularly hot and dry climate in summer, and a cool one in winter. Valley of Fire Website shows the following temperature ranges.
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Winter - Between 32 F (0 C) and 75 F (24 C)
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Summer - Between 100 F (38 C) and 120 F (49 C)
In our experience, it is very important not to underestimate the region's temperatures. The sun is particularly intense in summer, and the heat is scorching. So, be sure to prepare accordingly (sunscreen, lightweight clothing, plenty of water).
When to visit Valley of Fire?
If your goal is to make the most of the park, the best time to visit is spring or autumn. These two seasons offer the best combination of weather and activities within the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions visitors frequently ask about Valley of Fire:
Is the "Valley of Fire" a national park?
No, Valley of Fire is not a national park, but rather a state park managed by the State of Nevada.
Is the "Valley of Fire" far from Las Vegas?
Although Valley of Fire State Park is not very far from Las Vegas geographically, the drive there takes about an hour.
How long does a visit to "Valley of Fire" take?
The time you spend at Valley of Fire depends on what you want to do there. If you are staying in Las Vegas, the drive alone takes an hour each way. Driving around the park takes at least half a day, and you can set aside a full day if your goal is to go hiking.
