Valley of Fire: Day Trips and Tours from Las Vegas

Standing regally in the Mojave Desert, the Valley of Fire State Park is as sensational as its name suggests. With Aztec sandstone formations and 2000-year-old petroglyphs, this rocky red wilderness will transport you to an otherworldly realm.

Adventure-seekers from around the world love delving into the Jurassic depths of this geological wonderland. Taking a day trip to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas is one of the best ways to explore this striking landscape.

Read more about the Valley of Fire, one of the most beautiful day trips from Las Vegas.

How to travel to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?

The Valley of Fire is in Nevada, 58 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It sits beside Lake Mead National Recreation Area in the heart of the Mojave Desert.

You can journey to the Valley of Fire by car or join a day tour from Las Vegas for a hassle-free excursion.

From Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire by car

Driving from Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire takes around an hour. The route is easy to navigate – just follow the I-15 heading north out of town and turn off at exit 75. Then, take the Valley of Fire Highway to the park entrance.

Guided tour to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

The most relaxing way to visit the Valley of Fire is on a guided tour from Las Vegas. Round-trip transfers from hotels or pre-arranged meeting points are included in the price.

Both small-group tours and private excursions are available so you can make the day your own.

How much do you need to pay to enter the Valley of Fire?

Entrance to the Valley of Fire costs US$15 per vehicle, or US$10 if the vehicle is registered in Nevada. Cyclists are charged US$2 per bike to enter the park.

An annual entrance permit can be purchased for US$100, which allows one vehicle to access all state parks in the system. This can be cost-effective if you plan on visiting multiple locations during your vacation.

If you are on a guided day trip from Las Vegas, park entrance is usually included in the tour cost.

What will you do a day tour to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?

Each day trip to the Valley of Fire is different, although they all begin with a pick-up at your hotel or designated departure point in Las Vegas. You will then travel by air-conditioned minivan or 4x4 to the park entrance - the journey takes an hour.

On arrival at the park, guided tours take you through the valley by road, stopping to explore hiking trails and viewpoints. Helicopter flights and ATV excursions are also available.

Depending on the package, there may be other stops during the tour. At the end of the day you will be transferred back to Las Vegas.

What kind of tours to the Valley of Fire can you choose?

There are several types of day tours to the Valley of Fire, including guided group excursions and private trips. All tours start and finish in Las Vegas, with pick-ups from hotels or designated meeting points.

Guided tours to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

The most cost-effective day trips to the Valley of Fire are small-group tours. Transportation is by minivan or 4x4, with a knowledgeable guide to show you all the best viewpoints.

These trips take you along the valley floor, stopping at famous features for photos and short walks. Some tours specialize in wildlife viewing, while others give you the ride of your life in a customized pink jeep.

Private tours to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

See all the valley highlights on an exclusive guided day trip, from the comfort of a luxury air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour is personalized, so you can decide which trails you want to explore, and where to stop for photos.

Hiking tours to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

Scramble alongside rock carvings and hike to the best overlooks on a guided hiking tour in the Valley of Fire.

Small-group tours are limited to 13 participants. For a more intimate experience that caters to your own level of fitness and experience, choose a private day trip.

ATV and dune buggy tours to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

Bounce around the rugged desert trails and see the red rock formations from a different perspective. There are routes suitable for beginners and experts, so you can stay within your comfort zone, or push harder for extra thrills.

Safety gear and a professional guide are included in the price, as well as Las Vegas transfers.

Day trip to the Valley of Fire plus the Lost City Museum from Las Vegas

Combine your day trip to the Valley of Fire with a visit to the nearby Lost City Museum to view priceless artifacts and ancient Indian art.

The museum stands on the foundations of the ancient Anasazi Pueblo ruins and gives an intimate insight into early Native American life.

Day tour to the Valley of Fire plus Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas

This popular combo small-group tour takes in two canyons in one day, both with astonishing rock formations to admire.

It is a great opportunity to see a lot if you have limited time in the area. Stops at viewpoints and short walks are included in the itinerary.

2-day tour to the Valley of Fire plus Zion and Bryce from Las Vegas

This multi-day tour takes in some of the best wilderness areas in the west. Enjoy river hikes in Zion National Park, rock art in the Valley of Fire, and superb sunsets over Bryce Canyon.

You will overnight in a hotel in the town of Kanab and return to Las Vegas on the second evening.

Day trip with helicopter ride over the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

For the ultimate thrill, take a fully-narrated helicopter ride over Las Vegas and the Valley of Fire. Enjoy sweeping aerial views and a Champagne landing on the canyon floor where you will have 30 minutes of free time.

Extend the adventure by adding a flight extension to the Grand Canyon, taking in Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on the way.

Day tour to the Valley of Fire plus Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas

Day trips to the Valley of Fire that include visits to other points of interest are a cost-effective way to see the major sights. Small-group and private tours are available, with round-trip transportation included from designated pick-up points in Las Vegas.

How much should you expect to pay for a tour to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?

Small-group day tours to the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas start at $115 per person. They include round-trip transport.

Expect to pay from $205 per person for a private day tour to the Valley of Fire, or $128 to travel by limo bus. Private tours include a personal guide and often lunch too.

Hiking tours in the Valley of Fire cost between $113 and $199 depending on group size and duration. An experienced guide will accompany the excursion.

For an ATV or dune buggy tour, it costs $179 for half a day or $494 for a full-day trip that includes lunch.

Combination Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon tours are priced at $131. Meanwhile, 2-day tours to the Valley of Fire, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park are $340.

Helicopter tours over the Valley of Fire cost $234 and include a Champagne landing. If you want to add a flight over the Grand Canyon the price is $491.

A full-day trip to the Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam, and Red Rock Canyon is $154 per person in a small-group setting, or $427 for a private visit.

What is there to see and do in the Valley of Fire?

The Valley of Fire is all about rock like you have never seen it before, weathered into a dazzling collection of shapes and sizes. Some formations can be viewed from the canyon drive, while others require a short hike.

Rock Arches

Several dramatic rock arches have been sculpted over millions of years by the weather - many can be seen from the road. Arch Rock is perhaps the most iconic, while Elephant Rock near the park’s eastern entrance is popular with kids.

Fire Wave

At Fire Wave, swirling reds, pinks, and creams create a mesmerizing pattern that has to be seen to be believed. Accessed by an easy hike, the Wave is one of the most-visited landmarks in this wacky desert.

Petroglyphs

These historic rock carvings are found throughout the park, but for easily accessible examples, head to Mouse’s Tank and Atlantl Rock. See if you can spot carvings of ancient tribal spears.

Beehives

The grooved layers of these strange conical formations look like beehives, minus the bees! Located across the road from Atlatl Rock, the beehives are easy to reach.

Rainbow Vista

One of the best panoramas near the road is Rainbow Vista, where multi-colored canyons, ridges, and domes sprawl out toward the horizon. This is a prized photo stop on Valley of Fire day trips.

White Domes Trail

Stretch your legs on a moderate hiking trail that takes you past slot canyons, sweeping deserts, and legendary caves. You might also recognize the area from several western movies.

When is the Valley of Fire open over the year?

The Valley of Fire State Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily throughout the year, with 24-hour access to campgrounds.

When is the best time of year to visit the Valley of Fire?

The ultimate time to visit the Valley of Fire is between October and April when the weather is warm and sunny, and trails are quieter.

Temperatures rocket during summer, so if you visit at this time try to come in the early morning or later evening when things are cooler.

Travel tips

• Some of the Valley of Fire tours do not operate daily, so double-check the schedule before booking.
• Buy your Valley of Fire tour tickets online in advance to secure the best deals.
• Take plenty of sunscreen and dress in loose clothing to ward off the heat during the summer months.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes if you plan on doing any hiking.
• Check out the visitor center for more information about the geology, ecology, and history of the park.
• Restrooms are available at various locations throughout the park including Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, and Mouse’s Tank trailhead.