12/30/2023 0 Comments Elephant rock valley of fire![]() ![]() You’re no longer allowed to climb on the rock itself, and you’ll see signs posted asking to not climb on Elephant Rock to preserve it for future generations. Whether you think that it looks like an elephant or not, it’s extremely recognizable and a good quick stop. It’s actually located right inside of the east park entrance, right off the road. This picturesque rock formation is not located on the same long road as Rainbow Vista and the Fire Wave trails. I wouldn’t prioritize it if you have limited time in Valley of Fire, but it’s a great hike if you’re looking to take kids or people who are less athletic. It can get pretty sandy, and the canyon is hard to capture on camera, but it’s a decently fun hike and easy for everyone. The Rainbow Vista trail is a relatively short out-and-back hike that’ll take you to a small canyon. Despite its height, it’s not particularly precarious, and you get a lovely angled view of Mouse’s Tank Road below! I came in the early afternoon, but I would recommend either coming earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon if you don’t want the lighting to be as harsh. You can’t miss it - it’s a massive steep rock slope that plenty of people will be climbing. The other best capture point (and the more well-known one) is at the Rainbow Vista trailhead. I would recommend bringing a zoom lens to bring in the background and make the rock valley look huge - we took my shot with a short mm and I wish I had a longer one! Rainbow Vista One is at the Rainbow Vista trailhead (which I go into more detail on below), and the other one pictured above is at a small makeshift parking space right before you reach the Rainbow Vista parking lot. There are two main viewpoints that you can capture. I love climbing up a rock and just looking down the road where you can just see a narrow strip of asphalt surrounded by warm orange rocks for what looks like forever. It’s a lovely drive that you have to take on the way out to the Fire Wave, and it’s also one of those spots where everyone wants to take an Instagram shot. Mouse’s Tank Road is a long, picturesque road that winds through the main part of the canyon. You can get just as lovely views sitting around the Fire Wave! I got pretty frustrated when people would climb up the rock and then sit there while I was trying to capture the lovely scenery. No one likes throngs of people in their photos, so I would be considerate and not sit around on the rock itself for very long. I came in the late afternoon, around golden hour, and the entire curved rock was lit up pink! The beautiful swirled rock patterns alternate in red and white and glow in the sun (and make me hungry for ice cream). ![]() It’s similar to the famous Wave in Arizona, but unlike the Wave, which requires fighting hordes of tourists, you can hike the Fire Wave at any time of day. ![]() Coming in at just under a mile long, this trail is extremely easy but also extremely rewarding. The Fire Wave is one of the most popular hikes in the Valley of Fire. Interested in seeking out this quaint paradise for yourself? Here are some of the best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada. The cost to enter is $10 per vehicle, but it’s more than worth it, I promise. Note that because it is a state park, America the Beautiful annual national park passes will not apply here. In fact, I even put this beautiful spot on my Most Instagrammable Spots in Las Vegas! I came here only starting in early afternoon and still managed to cover all the hikes that I wanted to, and that included stopping to take a billion photos (as one does). There are plenty of hikes and viewpoints for all ages, and it’s the kind of place that can be covered in one day. It is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada, and the eye candy here is just stunning - and that’s from someone who’s hiked plenty of national parks in the United States, from the Grand Canyon to Arches to Zion. But just an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Sin City, you’ll find one of the most stunning state parks in the entire United States.įamous for its glowing red rocks that give it its name, Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best nature getaways from Vegas. With Las Vegas comes mental images of gambling, drinking, and partying up until the late hours of the night amongst glittery lights on the Strip. ![]()
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