The Travelling Celts

A Hidden Gem

by Michael Cameron

The Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres. Located 16 miles south of Overton, Nevada. The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, 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 Nevada's oldest state park, as commemorated with Nevada Historical Marker #150. It was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Valley of Fire is about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, at an elevation between 1,320–3,009 feet. It abuts the Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the east at the Virgin River confluence. It lies in a 4 by 6 mile basin.

We went on a very hot (100 degrees) day, and taking any of the Hikes was totally out of the question, warnings all over the visitor centre were on display. So we confined ourselves to the several car parks, only straying a few feet from the beaten track. Even so it was well worth it. The views were spectacular. I'd forgotten the sucker that I can use to stick on the GoPro to the roof of the car but had to record some of the drive around the park. You can see it in the video i published on You Tube (embedded here). Apologies in advance for the shaky nature but hopefully you will find it worth a look.

Denise enjoyed the Petroglyphs scattered throughout the park, with Mouse's Tank and Atlatl Rock two areas in particular with ones that are relatively easily to access. The park also preserves three stone cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, they were a perfect respite from the glare of the Sun.

Click the links below for Valley of Fire photos and/or videos