The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. It is absolutely beautiful, and from someone who is generally not a fan of travelling to historic sites just to take pictures, that says a lot. The entrance fee is $10, and you get a park map to guide you to all the different locations to see. You can drive anywhere in the park, and get off and take pictures anywhere as well, so you have a ton of freedom to just enjoy the experience and the view. The Beehives are the first stopping point in the park. The beehives are beautiful rocks that have a unique cross bedding design like a beehive spread out in a vast area. The next stop was this area called Atlatl Rock, where you'll have to climb up several stairs to get to the top, but the view from the top of this rock is absolutely amazing! You'll also get to see drawings on the rocks (petroglyphs) made from people in the past, some of which you can tell, some of which are hard to decipher. That may not have as much value to other people, but I found it really interesting! The most popular stops (which were also my favorite) were the Rainbow Vista, and the White Domes. The views from Rainbow Vista are simply breathtaking! It feels like walking along a desert with cactus everywhere. If you walk far enough, you can see the rainbow-like shades of colors on the tan rocks. You'll also have some of the most expansive views of the canyons here. The White Domes are unique because it's the only part of the park that has these large white dome rocks situated within it, providing a sharp contrast to the rest of park where it is all red. Concluding Thoughts: There are a couple tips I would give to people interested in visiting. Wear shoes, not flip-flops, crocs, or anything else of the sort. The weather gets really hot especially in the middle of the day, so bring lots of water, and try to visit earlier in the day if you can.

We have come only once before. And it still inspires me. I have had the most relaxing time, it gives you a sense of peace and quiet as you drive around looking at all the natural wonders. This trip we left our hotel in time to arrive at sunrise. Definitely recommend to arrive early as within an hour’s time 3xs as many people arrive on scene. We came once in May and it was so hot my kids hardly got out of the car. You need gallons of water and sunscreen if you come in summertime. If coming with small children be prepared to have snacks and drinks on hand. And wipes of some sort. Many trails are just sand/ dirt, some have gravel. If you plan to arrive at sunrise it is the best time to see the natural wildlife. We saw many birds, desert sheep that if you drive slowly will let you come near (stay in your car) and get pictures! But please don’t feed them! We saw a herd near the “petrified log” near the west entrance. Many birds at the “Atlatl” petroglyphs rock. The visitors center has a gift shop and museum of many desert animals and about the ancient peoples of the area. In winter you will like to have a jacket as the weather can be deceiving. Warm sunny skies, but cold winds. I am almost always cold and required a light jacket with a 32 degree shirt. My hubby on the other hand is warm , so he had on a wind breaker for only the early part of the morning, then it was off about 9 am. Take time to do all the scenic loops as you never know what you may see. Our kids and I love naming the different rock formations as we see them...’ did you see that looks like a turtle? Or a dinosaur... or a mammoth! Have a happy adventure!

I went down down down and the flames went higher. And it burns burns burns the ring of fire. Johnny Cash probably never set foot here, but his hit song about his love of June Carter could have just as easily been about a hike in the Valley of Fire, especially the colorful fire wave area. If you enter from the Lake Mead side, the first formation you encounter as the firy red rocks rise out of the desert is Elephant Arch with a short trail to view it. I didn't see the resemblance at first, as it is quite an emaciated elephant. It was originally known as Mosquito Arch, and it does indeed resemble an insect with a long needle nose. The state park service switched to the more noble sounding name in the late 70's I think. See which label you think it resembles most. The visitor center is the payment point if the entrance station is unmanned as it was on our visit and has flush restrooms behind the main building. If you are on crutches are in a wheelchair, you will need assistance with the metal door as it is fairly heavy and does not have a button to push. Take the time to hike a trail or two in the park and drive the entire scenic loop around Arch Rock. Past the campground it is not paved but is in good shape and passable by passeneger cars as long as it is not wet. We did not meet another vehicle along the entire route and saw scenery those just zipping through on the main park road missed. In the late afernoon the rocks begin to glow from the setting sun and you can see how it got its name.