Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Valley of Fire

All of my children have left now that Christmas is over. My brother stayed with us a few more days, as he usually does this time of year. This has given us some one on one time, which means so much to me.

My brother had never been to Valley of Fire, which is about an hours drive south from our house, and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The weather was cloudy and cold (for this area), but we voted to tour the park anyway.

Valley of Fire is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada and was dedicated in 1935.
I think this park is like a little unknown secret. Many people have heard of nearby Zion National Park, or Bryce. I think Valley of Fire is just as spectacular, in it's own way. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the Las Vegas area and you want to get away from the crowds.

You can read more about the park HERE. It covers 36,000 acres with nicely maintained roads, a visitors center, camping grounds, and well marked hiking paths. Picnic tables are available near most of the trail heads, and this is a great place to bring your lunch.

I would suggest visiting in the either the spring, fall or winter.
During the summer the temperatures reach up to 120 degrees. (Thus the name Valley of Fire).

The park is known for it's red sandstone formations. When the sun shines on these rocks, they can look like they are on fire.

Iron Oxide (rust) colors the rocks.

Since it was a cloudy day, the colors do not show up as well in these pictures. This one ribboned rock had many different colors, starting with orange at the top, moving into gold, purple, gray and creams.

We went on some easy hikes along the drive. This one took us through a slot canyon.

Sandstone is easily erodible, and the holes come from years of wind and rain.

Atlatl Rock
3000 year old petroglyphs dot the area. I have a large picture of this rock over my dining room table.

15 comments:

Marylh said...

Nedra - what magnificent scenery. I have never been to that part of the country but would love to get there. I am hoping if I come for the TM rep training in March I will see some of this. I love the petroglyphs. Mary in MA

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh Wow, that is amazing, I would love to explore there!! Hey, I have cornfields!!! and corn mazes are fun!

Kim Walus said...

What a fun place to visit. Thanks for the information. I'll have to show the pictures to my husband.

Jules said...

Nedra...I peeked at your blog today. I miss seeing you! It looks like Christmas was so fun with your family in town! Hope to see you soon! love, Julie

Material Mary said...

Nedra, I love seeing the sights down your way. It is fascinating for me. Thanks for sharing.
Mary

Gayle said...

So nice that you got to spend time with your brother. Barry & I need to get down there and do some of those hikes one of these days. He is planning to have a booth at the Art Festival in April, so we'll be down there then!

Lurline said...

So interesting, thanks, Nedra - wish I had known about it all those years ago. Death Valley was a real buzz for our family, but then I guess that is known the world over! Happy Neew Year!
Hugs - Lurline♥

quiltmom anna said...

What an interesting place - the rock formations are magnificent and the drawings on the rock look fascinating.
It must have been a real special thing for you to have time with your brother.
Happy holidays and wishing you all the best in 2010.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Helen said...

We have been to VOF several times. It is a beautiful place. Glad you had such a good time.

Nice pictures, thanks for sharing.

Hugs

Unknown said...

This looks like such a fantastic place to visit! I have always wanted to visit Zion and Bryce, but now I would have to include this one as well. Thanks for the wonderful photos and tour. Loved it!

Janet said...

I loved all your photos of around your area, so fascinating. I would love to see it in person.

antique quilter said...

thanks for the pictures, I would love to visit here
I am always in awe of rock formations like this.
Your lucky to live in beautiful part of our country.
Kathie
Happy New year!

Cathie in UT said...

thanks for the tour Nila. I have wanted to go there many times but never took the opportunity.

Dawn said...

It's amazing this is in my own backyard and I havn't actually walked through it in years! I'm still working on the pomegranate juice for you...

Valley of Fire State Park said...

Nice post. If you are planning to tour so, state parks of US is a must. There are many state parks in America Cathedral Gorge State Park in Nevada, Mohican State Park in Ohio, Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Valley of Fire State Park is a dangerous. state park are unique but but threatening wildlife such as ravens, roadrunners, snakes and coyotes. This are adventure place for climbing and hiking, here are most stunning rock formations in the whole of U.S. According to Nevada climate cool in winters and hot in summers.For more details refer