Death Valley

Valley of Fire is located in the Mojave Desert approximately 60 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Just like other views - staying on trend - these views took our breath away. We never thought of this area as a family destination; Nevada reeks of the 'Vegas Strip' - or at least to us it did. Our minds are now completely changed about this statel; some reasons to make this a bucket list stop:

- Valley of Fire is the oldest Nevada State Park and was dedicated in 1935.

- Valley of Fire State Park covers an area of approximately 35,000 acres.

- Valley of Fire was named for the magnificent red sandstone formations that were formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of the dinosaurs more than 150 million years ago (Mesozoic Era).

- These brilliant sandstone formations can appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. Other important rock formations include limestone, shale, and conglomerates.

- Valley of Fire is marked as Nevada Historical Marker #150 (Nevada’s First State Park).

- Valley of Fire Road is the main road through the park. The 10.5 mile road connects the east and west entrances of the park and was designated as a Nevada Scenic Byway in 1995.

- Prehistoric people of Valley of Fire included the Anasazi, who were famers from the nearby fertile Moapa Valley. Their visits to Valley of Fire probably involved hunting, food gathering, and religious ceremonies.

- There are fine examples of rock art (petroglyphs) at several locations throughout Valley of Fire.

If you venture out to Nevada, planning on Vegas or Hoover Dam - do yourself a favor an plan on Valley of Fire - at least for your family selfie - you won't regret it!