Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest state park and the most dramatic hour's drive you can make from the Strip — 55 miles northeast to 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone that burns red at sunrise and sunset. The scenic drives alone justify the trip: Atlatl Rock's petroglyph panel, Rainbow Vista, Mouse's Tank canyon and — when open — the swirled pink-and-red Fire Wave. Entry runs $10 per vehicle for Nevada plates, $15 for everyone else, paid at the gate (card at the staffed booth, cash-only at self-pay stations — carry cash).

The season decides your visit. From May 15 through September 30 the park closes its nine marquee trails — Fire Wave, White Domes, Seven Wonders and the rest — for extreme-heat safety, so summer visitors get the drives and short walks only; October through April is the real hiking window, with near-empty winters. July-to-September monsoons can flash-flood roads shut on short notice, the whole park closes December 1–14 for maintenance, and there's no transit — drive, rent, or book a guided day tour with hotel pickup. Cell service quits at the boundary; plan a half day and bring more water than seems sane.