To reach the Valley of Fire State Park, drive approximately 35 miles north of Las Vegas on I-15 to Exit 75 (Hwy 169). There is gas and food available at the Indian Smoke Shop located at the exit. Take Hwy 169 East for approximately 15 miles to the park entrance. From there it is approximately another 4 miles to the visitor center.
Atlatl Rock: There are many petroglyph sites in the Valley of Fire and many are available to the public. If you made entrance from I-15 on the west side of the park, the first ones that you will come to are at Atlatl Rock. There is a stairway up the front of the rock to see some of the petroglyphs. What most people do not know is that there are more around the side and the back of the rock. As you go around to the left, you will see a few petroglyphs, but at the back of the rock you will see another large rock covered with petroglyphs. There are more in the general area.
Arch Rock: There are a few petroglyphs on the rocks adjoining Arch Rock.
Mouse's Tank: There are petroglyphs all along the trail to Mouse's Tank. Also, across the street from the Mouse's Tank parking area, there is another parking area with picnic tables. While in that parking area, as you are facing the picnic tables, there will be petroglyphs on a large rock to your right, and as you walk to your left there are several rocks just beyond the picnic / parking area with petroglyphs on them.
The Cabins: Just as you start on the road to the "Cabins" on the left is a single rock with petroglyphs on it. Behind the "Cabins" you will find more petroglyphs.
Arrowhead Trail
1.1 Mile Loop
This marker is located at the eastern entrance to the park. The most popular route into the park is from the west via Valley of Fire Road from the Crystal exit (Exit 75) off I-15. The west entrance to the park is 13 miles from this exit. A longer route can be accessed from Las Vegas and Henderson by following the Lake Mead Parkway (SR 564) out of Henderson and into Lake Mead NRA; this route might be more convenient if you'd like to enter from the east. The Arrowhead Trail takes you between two red sandstone hillsides to a great view of the open desert valley, and then to Elephant Rock.
Elephant Rock Loop
1.5 Mile Loop
To reach this trailhead, head west of the Visitors Center towards Lake Mead and you will see it on your left.
Petroglyph Canyon
1 Mile RT
Located near the center of the Valley of Fire. The canyon is about .75 miles long and ends at the "Mouse's Tank". Petroglyph Canyon at Valley of Fire State Park is probably the most accessible way for visitors to view petroglyphs. The walk is short and very easy in the sandy bottom of this narrow canyon. Resist the temptation to touch the petroglyphs as they are easily damaged and cannot be repaired, or replaced.
Rainbow Vista Trail
2 Miles RT
The Rainbow Vista Trail is a short loop among the sandstone. The Fire Canyon Overlook spurs off this trail to the southeast. This spur has fan¬tastic views and is worth the extra walk. If your dog loves sand, this is the place! The entire hike is on thick red sand, which is guaranteed to get into your socks and put a smile on your dog’s face. This short, easy hike gives the dog owner some great views of fire-red and rainbow-colored sandstone. For dogs, this hike is nice and easy, and the sandy terrain keeps them interested and having fun.
Silica Dome
Once you arrive at the visitor center take a left onto Mouse's Tank Road. Drive 1.9 miles and then turn right onto Rainbow Vista Road up to the parking area. Silica Dome is about 1/2 mile in front of you. The easiest route is to drive up Mouse's Tank Road to Rainbow Vista Road from the visitor center and then do the short hike to the top. Another way would be to hike from Rainbow Vista down through Fire Canyon and then scramble over to Silica Dome.
White Domes Loop
1.25 Miles RT
From the Visitor Center, take White Domes Road. The sandstone in this portion of The Valley of Fire is not red as in the rest of the park, instead the sandstone here is a white color. The sandstone in this area is also the result of old migrating sand dunes that were once in this area. The trail takes its name from the rock formations that resemble domes of rock that have been eroded over the years by wind and water. In some locations along the trail other pale colors of pink and yellow are visible. These pale colors come from the minerals that were once found in the water tables that were present at the time. However, as the water levels began to recede some of the chemical in the water were left behind in the rock causing the rock to turn a pale shade of pink or yellow.
