Valley of Fire State Park

The park was dedicated in 1935 as Nevada's first, and the rock is Aztec sandstone - petrified sand dunes around 150 million years old, coloured deep red by iron oxide with white and pink bands running through. Atlatl Rock carries a large petroglyph panel reached by a metal stair, with images including an atlatl, the spear-throwing tool that predates the bow in this region. The Fire Wave is a striped sandstone bowl and Seven Magic Mountains, though outside the park, draws similar traffic. Elephant Rock is an arch beside the east entrance. It has stood in for other planets in several films. Summer temperatures regularly exceed forty-five degrees and hikers have died on short trails here.

What you actually see

• Aztec sandstone about 150 million years old - petrified dunes, iron-stained red.
• Atlatl Rock petroglyphs - reached by a metal stair.
• The Fire Wave - a striped sandstone bowl.
• Nevada's first state park - dedicated 1935.

When to go

October to April; summer is dangerous. A full day.

Honest expectations

Summer heat kills people here on trails of a kilometre or two - the park closes some trails in the hottest months. There is no shade. Water must be carried. Weekend parking at the popular trailheads fills early.

Nearby

Lake Mead is south; Las Vegas is south-west.