{"id":1981,"date":"2017-03-31T15:25:09","date_gmt":"2017-03-31T23:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.workparentsleep.com\/?p=1981"},"modified":"2021-04-27T08:59:30","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T16:59:30","slug":"4-reasons-to-visit-the-valley-of-fire-asap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/workparentsleep.com\/4-reasons-to-visit-the-valley-of-fire-asap\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reasons to Visit the Valley of Fire ASAP"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring has sprung in Las Vegas. \u00a0Many visitors don’t get past the bright lights and action on Las Vegas Boulevard, but for those that are willing to venture a bit beyond the city limits, there are some\u00a0fantastic places to explore in Nevada. \u00a0Our family recently took a trip to the Valley of Fire State Park, a remarkable state park that’s about an hour’s drive north of Las Vegas. \u00a0Our top reasons why you need to visit\u00a0NOW…<\/p>\n

#1 Take in the Beautiful Views<\/h1>\n

It’s hard to believe that only 50 miles away from the strip, an almost otherworldly landscape exists with\u00a0petrified trees, bright red Aztec sandstone, and multi-colored limestone that inspires the name Rainbow Vista. \u00a0You’ll want to have a camera handy to capture the picturesque rock formations, desert plants, and any wildlife that might cross your path!<\/p>\n

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Exploring the Valley of Fire — look at those views!<\/p><\/div>\n

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Rainbow limestone as well as Aztec sandstone.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Opuntia basilaris, the Beavertail Cactus, in bloom with bright, pink flowers.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Can you spot the lizard?<\/p><\/div>\n

#2 Explore the Cool Trails<\/h1>\n

The Valley of Fire has some great hiking for both novices and experts and offers a great way for the entire family to get a bit of exercise. \u00a0One of our favorite easy hikes is Mouse’s Tank. \u00a0Legend has it that an outlaw used the area as a hideout in the late 1800s. \u00a0It’s a simple 3\/4 mile trail with bright red-orange sand (that gets\u00a0in your shoes, beware!) and\u00a0ends at Mouse’s Tank, a natural basin in the rock where water collects.<\/p>\n

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The Mouse’s Tank trail!<\/p><\/div>\n

Another favorite is White Domes, a 45 min circular trail that takes you down sandstone steps, through an area with an\u00a0old movie prop from the 1960s picture The Professionals<\/em><\/a>, and into a short slot canyon called The Narrows. \u00a0While the steps can be a little tricky, the rest of the hike is a breeze and the views are stunning!<\/p>\n

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Braving The Narrows!<\/p><\/div>\n

#3 Climb Rocks Like a Kid<\/h1>\n

Get in touch with your inner child and scale a few rocks in the park–it’s allowed in specific areas. \u00a0Not only do you work up a sweat, but climbing allows for even better views!<\/p>\n

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Climbing up, up, and away!<\/p><\/div>\n

#4 See Petroglyphs!<\/h1>\n

The Valley of Fire State Park has been home to prehistoric civilizations since 300 BC, and their petroglyphs can still be seen in the park’s Petroglyph Canyon (at the start of the Mouse’s Tank trail) as well as Atlatl Rock.<\/p>\n

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Spot the petroglyphs!<\/p><\/div>\n

Prior to the start of the trek down Petroglyph Canyon, visitors can see possible translations for the petroglyphs, which include tortoise\/turtle clan, bighorn sheep, personal signature and more.<\/p>\n

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Possible translations…<\/p><\/div>\n

Nevada’s first and largest state park has plenty of things to see and do. \u00a0Plan to spend a few hours climbing, taking in the sights, and enjoying the park. \u00a0We hope your family finds it as amazing as ours does!<\/p>\n

Tips to know before you go to the Valley of Fire:<\/h2>\n