Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Less than an hour’s drive north of the city, Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park, Tel. 702/397-2088, offers scenic drives and hiking trails. Established in 1935, Valley of Fire was Nevada’s first state park and covers some 46,000 acres.

Although named for its fantastically colored sandstone formations, the valley becomes fiery hot in the summer so hike with caution and plenty of water. Actually, many of its interesting sights can be seen from the comfort of the family automobile and most visitors choose this method.

Mouse's Tank: However, one exception is the short, sandy walk to see Mouse’s Tank, named for a Paiute warrior who used the area for a hideout in the late 1800’s. Located at the end of Petroglyph Canyon, covered with the drawings by Native American artists, the tank is actually a natural catchbasin for rainwater.

Directions: To drive to the park from Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 north for about 35 miles, then take the exit for State Highway 169. Drive east on 169 for about 15 miles and you will see the entrance to the park.

Valley of Fire State Park photo courtesy Las Vegas News Bureau