Valley of Fire, Nevada

If the earth had a party, flinging rock of every shape and color into the air to see where it would land, just to be fun and festive, it would probably look just like Valley of Fire. It's a landscape filled with drama.

Limestone Peaks framed by red sandstone on Valley of Fire's scenic drive

As the light changes throughout the day, each view takes on its own ephemeral glow, from jagged, imposing, red sandstone formations to pink, white, and gold canyons, to the curvy, candy-swirled patterns. 

Fire Wave

Valley of Fire makes it impossible not to nerd out on geology a little, so here you go …  The grey limestone of the Muddy Mountain range is the oldest rock in the park, but far from the star of the show. After Jurassic seas receded, whatever sand the wind left behind solidified into wild shapes and colors, creating an otherworldly landscape over millions of years. Time also gave the red rocks a shadowy patina, creating even more dimension and a perfect blackboard for preserving ancient petroglyphs. Both human and pre-human history is written on these walls. 

Petroglyphs on Mouse's Tank Trail

There is no trail or viewpoint or road in this park that's not worth exploring. As we hiked across vibrant sands, over rolling hills, and through carved canyons there were so many places to look that it was easy to miss a trail marker and just keep wandering into the desert. It would have been beautiful and fascinating, even if we never made it back to our car. After heading the wrong direction at least a few times, we backtracked enough to ensure we always found our way back.

Fire Valley Overlook

We started every morning with sunrise hikes and ended every day by watching stars appear in the sky above the red rock cove we camped in.

Our little campsite at Arch Rock