Tour 01 · Valley of Fire State Park

Forty thousand acres of stone on fire.

Nevada's oldest state park, an hour northeast of the Strip: flame-red Aztec sandstone, petroglyphs older than the Roman Empire, and formations with names you'll understand the moment you see them. I guide all seven stops at your pace.

6 hours door to door $85 per person 2 to 4 guests

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The Day

Start at your door, end at your door.

Your day starts with pickup at your hotel or residence around 7 AM, ahead of the desert heat. The drive out is about an hour, and I fill it with the story of the valley: how sand dunes from the age of dinosaurs hardened into the red rock you're about to stand on.

Inside the park you'll spend four to five hours moving between seven stops, with short walks, quick climbs and plenty of time for photos. You're back at your door by early afternoon.

Est. 1935 · Nevada's first state park 40,000 acres Petroglyphs 2,000-4,000 yrs old

Ranger's note: some trails close May through September for visitor safety in extreme heat. I plan the route around whatever is open, and I'm honest about what isn't.

$85per person

Minimum 2 guests · maximum 4.

Includes driver and guide, comfortable vehicle, water and snacks, pickup and return to your residence, and a facts brochure to keep.

Bring: sun lotion, a hat, sunglasses and a light sack lunch or snacks for the end of the trip.
Packed for you: bottled water and snacks ride in the vehicle all day.

Itinerary · 7 AM Start

Seven stops through the valley.

Beehive Rock Quick Climb

A quick stop to climb and photograph the swirled sandstone formations that look exactly like their name.
Seven Sisters Drive By

Seven towering red monoliths standing alone in the desert. A slow pass with stops for pictures where they stand out against the sand.
Elephant Rock Drive By

The park's most famous silhouette. You'll see the elephant before I finish pointing.
Atlatl Rock Short Walk

A staircase climb to petroglyphs carved 2,000 to 4,000 years ago in red sandstone. Go back in time as you view stories and history left by the people who lived here first.
Rainbow Vista Scenic Overlook

A drive up the scenic road to views that explain the park's name: banded rock in every direction, the valley below and the ridges above.
White Domes Trail Short Hike

Get out and climb on the rocks: a slot canyon cut through white and pink Aztec sandstone. Often closed in summer heat, and I'll tell you straight if it is.
Visitor Center Cool Off

Air conditioning, hands-on exhibits on the park's geology, ecology and prehistory, and a gift shop for the drive home.