After a few days of comfort and calm, we traded poolside views for something a little more rugged. With the Vegas Strip still on the horizon, we took a scenic detour that turned out to be one of the most visually striking chapters of the trip. Think ancient formations, desert drama, and a few unexpected encounters that made us pause, laugh, and maybe sweat a little more than planned.
Let’s just say—this day had layers. And not just in the rocks.
If you missed the first post from this trip>>>Henderson, NV Day 2 & 3
Day 4 began with us saying goodbye to the resort we called home for the last few days.
Before venturing over closer to the Vegas Strip, we wanted to check out the Valley of Fire State Park.
Valley of Fire, established in 1935, is Nevada’s first state park. Born from a federal land transfer in 1931 and shaped by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it showcases fiery sandstone formations and nearly 46,000 acres of striking desert beauty. It’s a legacy of natural wonder and New Deal-era craftsmanship.
Beehives
The Beehive Rock area are rounded, swirled sandstone formations shaped by cross-bedding—wind and water layering sand over millions of years. Their reddish-orange grooves tell tales of ancient dunes. Located near the west entrance and Atlatl Rock Picnic Area, they’re easy to explore on a short trail packed with photo-worthy charm.
Arch Rock
Arch Rock is a delicate sandstone arch, sculpted by thousands of years of wind and rain. Easily accessible along a 2-mile scenic loop, it’s a favorite photo spot—especially at sunrise or sunset. While climbing’s off-limits to protect it, you can admire this natural wonder up close from a safe distance.
Atlatl Rock
Atlatl Rock is a sandstone giant in Valley of Fire, famous for its ancient petroglyphs—like desert doodles from 4,000 years ago! Named after the atlatl (a spear-throwing tool carved into the rock), it features symbols, people, and animals that tell stories of early desert life. You’ll climb a staircase to a viewing platform and soak in the prehistoric vibes—all just 50 scenic miles from Vegas.
Ancient petroglyphs you see when you climb up the stairs.
Fun road to the next stop
Petrified Logs
Valley of Fire’s petrified logs are ancient tree trunks turned to stone over 150 million years. Carried by floods and buried in sediment, minerals slowly replaced their wood, preserving stunning red, pink, green, and blue hues. You can view these colorful fossils along a short 0.3-mile trail, with fenced areas and interpretive signs.
Visually, they might seem like just a bunch of old logs, but realizing they’ve been stone-solid since the days of dinosaurs? That’s wild. It’s like standing next to nature’s time machine, frozen in earthy rainbow hues.
Desert bighorn sheep are one of Valley of Fire’s most iconic residents. They’re known for their curved horns, sure-footed climbs, and knack for blending into the rocky terrain like desert ninjas. We were lucky to spot these as we drove through the park.
Valley of Fire Visitor Center
The Valley of Fire Visitor Center is the heart of the park’s storytelling—where geology, ecology, and ancient history come to life through engaging exhibits and helpful rangers. It’s located off Mouse’s Tank Road, near the center of the park.
Just behind the building, you’ll likely spot some Antelope Ground Squirrels darting around—and birds of all sorts flitting about, like a Disney desert scene.
While we were watching the little critters scurry right in front of us, we got lucky and spotted this guy hanging out in the backdrop behind the visitor center. These Big Horn Sheep are Nevada’s state animal, and their horns can weigh up to 30 pounds!
White Domes Trail
Rob really wanted to see some narrow canyons, so we headed to The White Domes Trail. It’s a short loop 1.25 hike serving up slot canyons, colorful sandstone, and even a touch of Hollywood history.
Trail Stats
Distance: ~1.25 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 30–60 minutes
Elevation Gain: ~150 feet
Trailhead: End of White Domes Road
At the beginning of the trail, you’ll trek through loose sand before tackling a fairly steep descent—definitely a workout for your legs and a guaranteed sand invasion in your shoes.
White Domes Trail offers:
— A narrow slot canyon, vibrant swirls of sandstone, scenic domes and fins, plus film set ruins from The Professionals (1966)
— Located at the end of White Domes Road with parking and a picnic area
–Best hiked early or late for cooler temps; watch for flash floods and wear sturdy shoes
Slot Canyon
Slot Canyon is a narrow, shaded passage with towering rock walls—perfect for photos and a break from the sun
We missed the turn for the loop and ended up retracing our steps instead. Physically I felt okay, but between the sand grinding in my shoes and the blazing heat on my face, I was beyond ready to be done. Just before the final stretch, the heat had me desperate to finish—so I practically sprinted up the incline, stopping a couple times after my Apple Watch showed my heart rate climbing into the 180s. I paused for water and let things settle a bit, but that rush to wrap things up ended up flaring up my Achilles issue… more on that saga in upcoming posts.
After that we fueled up with Gatorades from the visitor center because I was still feeling pretty rough. Then we set off toward Vegas, but needed to find somewhere for lunch first!
We spotted this guy who flew very low, right over us.
Valley of Fire wowed us with wild rocks, ancient art, and a few surprise critters. Gatorades in hand, we cruised toward Vegas, ready for lunch and more liquids.
Stay tuned to see where we grabbed lunch—and how my angry ankle added some drama to our time in Vegas.
All the photos from this part of the day>>>Day 4 Part 1
Oh wow; those are some really beautiful rock formations.