Dave Webb
February 13, 2023

We explored Valley of Fire State Park over the weekend and had a great time. Daytime high temps were in the mid-60s, making it perfect for hiking. We had a mixed group, with some people not able to hike, and we found plenty of adventure for all interests.

The park features spectacular red rock scenery with narrow canyons, domes, arches, and painted desert. It is located between St. George and Las Vegas, at a low altitude where summers get very hot. But winter temps are ideal and February is perhaps the best month to visit. In Feb, daytime temps are pleasant and visitation is relatively low. In March, tourist numbers pick up and the park becomes busy.

We did a day trip from St. George. The park features a nice campground and winter camping can be enjoyable if you have good gear. Nights get cold during winter, with low temps around 30 F in December and January. In February, the average low temp climbs to 36 F, and 42 F in March.

There are many great lodging options in Vegas, of course, and in Mesquite, but not much in between. Valley of Fire is just west of the Overton Arm of Lake Mead, and before this extended drought, the lake’s Echo Bay area offered great camping and lodging. Sadly, the marina there is closed because of low water.

Our entire group, including non-hikers, did the short and easy Petroglyph Canyon Trail and everyone had a great time. The hikers then did the Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop, which they really enjoyed.

We’ve visited before and we are always impressed by the number and diversity of the petroglyphs in the park.

This area offers something for everyone.

Information

90 miles from St. George UT
45 miles from Las Vegas

Park website: https://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire

Trail descriptions: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/nevada/valley-of-fire-state-park--2