Valley of Fire State Park – Fire Wave and Pink Canyons
We have visited Valley of Fire State Park many times over the last few years. It continues to be one of my favorite parks, which is saying a lot because I'm not a huge fan of hot weather or the desert, although I do think the desert in the winter is spectacular.
The park is an hour's drive from Las Vegas and we always try to come out whenever we go to Sin City. I used to go several times a year for work when I was at Dolby and Mr. Misadventures has gone often for industry conferences. We've also just come for a long weekend to visit the park specifically. It's so accessible for anyone on the West Coast or anyone visiting Vegas.
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Having the luxury of multiple trips we don't have to do everything at once (although you could see every up close in 2-3 days). On this trip, we focused on Fire Wave and the Pink Canyons behind it. The Fire Wave is like a miniature Wave or White Pocket, both beautiful locations that we've been lucky enough to visit multiple times.
Fire Wave is in the White Domes area of Valley of Fire which you access via the road above the visitor's center. There is lots to see on this road including Mouse’s Tank, Rainbow Vista, and White Domes, but to get to the Fire Wave find Parking #3, park and cross the street from the trail. The trail is an easy 1.25 miles round-trip.
But please don't attempt it in the summer. It is the desert, temperatures exceed 100 degrees, there is NO shade and you are walking on rocks. (One time we tried it once in May and turned back halfway in.)
When we first started coming to Valley of Fire the trail wasn't marked, but as it has gotten more popular, it is now full of signs to keep people from ruining the fragile rocks.
We went for sunset one evening but like a lot of winter sunsets we've experienced, it was pretty brief and we ended up just enjoying it with a few other photographers and tourists. We met the nicest people on this trip!
Of course, everyone who visits, or at least everyone with an Instagram account, has to do a shot like this!
A few days later we returned for a sunrise shoot in the same spot. This time it was more to Mr. Misadventures' liking. He prefers sunrises. And it is always nice to have such a beautiful place all to ourselves!
It had rained the previous day and the additional moisture in the sandstone brought out vibrant colors in the swirls.
After sunrise, we headed out the backside of the wave into the wash towards the pink canyons. They aren't quite slot canyons, but there are spots that are very narrow.
The hike is easy but may take a while because you will be stopping every two minutes to admire the colors, the rings, the curves. Mr. Misadventures had hiked through here before (this was my first time) and he assured me that they were so much better and brighter in the winter.
The elements of water and wind move smaller stones through the canyons making for interesting photos. I'm pretty sure other hikers and photographers are also partially responsible for their placement in some of the shelves!
The detail in the rocks is fascinating. Everywhere you turn there is a geological story to tell. Oh if these rocks could talk!
As the sun continued to rise above our heads part of the canyon began to be covered in shade. We turned around after a mile and caught the sun hitting the canyon on the opposite side as we made our way back to the Fire Wave and back to the car. Given it was still before 10:00 a.m. we still had the entire hike to ourselves! I'm telling you, it pays to be a morning person.
Valley of Fire State Park continues to surprise and delight. There are still parts we have yet to explore and I am so glad that its accessibility will ensure lots of future visits!
How about you? Have you visited Valley of Fire before? Is it on your radar for a future visit?
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Just beautiful! That looks like a hike I’d really enjoy. And I love seeing the difference between the sunset and sunrise light — it’s much softer at sunrise, isn’t it?
@Katie, yes, but I think only in the winter, in summer it is a bit stronger. I prefer the park in winter, it is sweltering in the summer!
These pictures are just stunning! Truly makes me want to go. And the fire wave is so aptly named!
@SusanMary, it is worth the trip!
Wow, just stunning! We take a trip to Vegas every year, so we will have to drive out to the park next time.
@Chastity, definitely do, it’s only an hour from Vegas!
That photographer’s photos are terrific. They show great color! I must admit, in a couple the colors reminded me of bacon, I must be hungry LOL.
@Valmg, ha-ha! That’s okay, I won’t tell my hubby!
I love visiting state and national parks. These are gorgeous photos. Looks like an amazing place!
@Neely, it is pretty special. I’ve had such a great year exploring parks.
that is the coolest thing I have seen in a while Totally putting this on my bucket list.
@Maria, it is a really great park, that’s why I keep going back!
I love the colors of the rocks! We drove through the painted mountains and historic route 66 on my trip across country. I never knew so many reds and oranges existed in nature.
@Mary, isn’t it amazing? And all 100% natural!
These photos are gorgeous! I must visit this park next time I am in Las Vegas.
Any great hike suggestions for the Surprise area? I’ll be there next month.
@Julie, I’ve never done any in Surprise, we’re always there to visit my parents or go to spring training, so I never get to!
Those canyons are gorgeous. My kids are getting to an age where they are starting to appreciate the beauty of nature more. Can’t wait to head there on a family road trip.
@Crystal, this park is great for families. Lots of little hikes for beginners!
The Southwest is just pure magic, isn’t it? I mean, how are these rock formations even real?
@Kristin, it totally blows my mind!
Beautiful! I went to the Valley of Fire two summers ago but didn’t make it to the wave (my niece got car-sick)…
@San, you must go back another time, it is so beautiful!
Very cool rock formations 😛
cool! we will be there in 4 weeks. Would you explain to me where the Pink Canyon trail starts? I cannot find it on a map.
Monique
The Netherlands, Europe
@Monique, happy to help! Follow the Wave Trail until you get to the wave and the big curved rock – it will be the one that every one is taking picutres of. Walk down the backside of the rock descending into the canyon and follow the river wash through the rocks. The trail is not marked, you just have to stay on the river bed. If you are going in 4 weeks be VERY careful with the sun it is EXTREMELY hot on the wave and in the canyons this time of year. Go early and bring lots of water.
Growing up in Las Vegas, I was never a fan of the desert. But I’ve learned to appreciate it as I see more of it. I haven’t been to the Valley of Fire in years but would love to go back and explore more, especially this area! Thanks for the inspiration!
I’d loveee to go here someday!! It’s definitely on my list (glad to know it’s just an hour out from Las Vegas!)! I was passing through last August and the AC in my car was broken so it seemed like not the best of ideas to stop, but fingers crossed that I’ll be able to go explore at some point soon!