Wonderful rock sculptures created by erosion, such as this balanced rock, are found throughout the Valley of Fire State Park. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)
I put my blog on hold this past week as Peggy and I, along with our friends Ken and Leslie Lake, visited Las Vegas to celebrate Leslie and my birthdays, which are both the first week in March. We’ve been celebrating together for 13 years and try to go somewhere different each time. I know I’ve put off a few promised blogs, but hopefully you will find the detour worthwhile!
The vast majority of visitors flock to Las Vegas for its renowned shows, fine dining, glitter and gambling. (Nevada prefers ‘gaming,’ but hey, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…) Few come to enjoy the natural beauty of the area— or are even aware of it, which is too bad. Some of the nation’s best desert scenery is within easy driving distance. A day’s trip can take you through Death Valley. A half-day will provide an overview of the Valley of Fire. And a couple of hours will introduce you to Red Rock Canyon.
Peggy and I always try to visit at least one of these areas when we are near Vegas. This time we worked in the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon. In fact, Red Rock Canyon was 15 minutes away from where we were staying. I’ve blogged about these parks before, but they are always worth blogging about again. And again.
Today I will feature our visit to the Valley of Fire State Park, which is located about 50-miles northeast of Las Vegas off of Interstate 15. The park takes its name from red sandstone that can turn a fiery red in sunlight. The sandstone was laid down by sand dunes some 150 million years ago. Geological forces have turned the region into a magical kingdom of rock forms. There are also several petroglyph sites left behind by the ancient Anasazi between 300 BC and 1150 AD.
As a result of the natural beauty, interesting rock forms, and native rock art, our cameras were busy the whole trip. Following are some of the results. To allow for more photos, I am going to break this post into three parts: views along the main road, the Atlatl Rock area, and the White Domes area.
While the road into the Valley of Fire State Park provides dramatic views, it doesn’t provide a clue for what you are about to see. The first sight is just around the corner…
Your first view of the red sandstone rocks provides a preview of what is to come.
The main road drops quickly into the park.
Distant mountains add contrast and depth to the bright red sandstone. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)
Another perspective.
The rocks alone.
A closer look.
I liked the more rounded look here set off by the green vegetation. Note the hole in the sandstone.
Holes in sandstone are quite common. Some are large enough to crawl into.
The Beehive is one of the Valley of Fire’s best known rock sculptures.
Looking up at the Beehive provides a close up of the unique erosion.
Another favorite of mine.
A number of other rock sculptures are located near the Beehive including the balanced rock featured at the beginning of the post and this mouthy fellow.
Peggy and I often see faces in the rocks. Does this make us strange?
This face, buried in the rock, was on the scary side. I immediately thought of ‘The Mummy Returns.’
I’ll conclude today’s photos from our drive along the Valley of Fire’s main road with this shot that includes an impressive mountain backdrop. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)
NEXT BLOG: The road to the White Domes
Wandering through Time and Place 
A great place so close to Las Vegas and not overwhelmed with visitors like Zion — loved seeing your photos.
Thanks Ray. Years ago my dad came home and raved about it but somehow I didn’t get out there until a couple of years ago. I am surprised that more people don’t visit. It’s a treasure. –Curt
Wonderful landscapes and way more appealing than the glitz of Vegas.
And certainly a lot less expensive! 🙂 –Curt
Yes these places weren’t even on our radar when we did the road trip. A sure sign that there will be less people here!
Right, Suan. The folks in Las Vegas would much prefer that you be spending money in town rather than be running around in the desert. There has been a slight increase in promoting the areas as Las Vegas has decided it wants to appeal to families. –Curt
For a more wholesome holiday experience that can fit everyone, they should! We actually spent a week driving out via the south rim through monument valley and over the top to Bryce and Zion before heading back to Vegas for a week. If we could only relive that drive!
I’ve made that drive several times, Suan— but never enough. –Curt
What a fab way to celebrate a birthday and see friends regularly. I feel like I know the desert outside Vegas very well, it features in so many crime novels and films 😉 Never shot as beautifully as this though.
Thanks, AC! And you are right. Mysteries, Westerns and Sci-Fi have all taken advantage of the area. (Being close to Hollywood helps.) 🙂 –Curt
Interesting place. Are you going to be down in southern ca when the wild flowers open soon?
Oh, I wish I were. Death Valley should be bursting out in the next week! I’ve been there during spring bloom before. This year should be fantastic. –Curt
Weren’t you there last year?
Good memory. Yes, in the spring, but the flowers weren’t nearly as magnificent as I’ve seen them. It’s like you have to make it the one particular week they are blooming. You can climb up into the surrounding mountains and catch them, however. –Curt
The news said Anzo Borega (sp?) should be great next week.
I bet it will be! (Anza-Borrego)
Oh these photos are really breathtaking! So glad you had a good time. Happy Birthday Curt.
Thanks, Sylvia! 🙂
I went to Las Vegas in 1997. After 2 weeks in the National Parks it came as real culture shock and I didn’t enjoy it much as I might have!
No question about it, Andrew, the two worlds couldn’t be much more different. Red Rock Canyon, my next blog, provides a quick and easy break from all the glitter. –Curt
A very happy birthday to you, Curt and loving the detour! If I ever made it to Las Vegas I think most of my time was would spent out here…just loving your description and photos. 😀
Thanks, Annika. I can usually be expected to detour into the wilderness, given half a chance! 🙂 The desert holds great beauty. –Curt
The Beehive is awesome!
Isn’t it fun! –Curt
I saw faces too 🙂
Little imagination, and Voila! there they are, staring at you. 🙂 –Curt
Very dramaric. Amazing beehive.
Peta
The rock formations and colors really encourage the imagination, Peta. –Curt
While working a week in Clark County in the schools, we extended the visit so we could tour places like Valley of Fire. And would you believe, the day we arrived, there was an atlatl competition going on as well as a market of sorts. You could buy spears, heads, gloves, etc. Fascinating. Had never even heard of that.
What luck, Rusha! I’d love to see one of the contests. And I had never heard of an atlatl either until I became fascinated with rock art. –Curt