Best Photo Spots In Valley of Fire
Wondering how Valley of Fire got its name? 5 minutes into this State Park and you’ll know why! The rock formations in this park give off a red hue that make them look as if they’re on fire. This state park is filled with Aztec sandstone, natural arches, and plenty of trails to go out and explore. The park is relatively small and a weekend is just enough time to spend here to be able to see everything you want.
If you’re not in the mood for doing any hikes, the drive through Valley of Fire will still show you what this gorgeous place has to offer. There are several scenic overlooks you can pull over and stop at. One of them being the most photographed spot in this state park. However, I highly suggest getting out of the car and stretching your legs on a hike or two, as there are several spots in this park that require a short walk to get to! Below is a list of my top three best photo spots in Valley of Fire if you’re planning a trip out here!
The Fire Wave- Something you don’t see to often in nature: stripes. The sandstone at Fire Wave has interchanging streaks of beige and red-orange that showed through a little more as we came here for sunrise. This trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip and is clearly marked by trail markers once you make your way off the dirt path and on to the sandstone rocks. When we arrived here at sunrise, there were already about 5-10 other photographers waiting for the first glimpse of the sun to hit the wave. Once the sun started to rise, it became clear why so many people were waiting. 10/10 would definitely recommend visiting this spot.
White Domes- This easy 1.1 mile loop hike has to much to offer. This hike features rocks that are different shapes and colors, an old film set left from the 1965 movie ‘The Professionals’, and a slot canyon. In some of the places in the slot canyon, the tall walls are just a few feet apart. This is because the walls have been eroded by fast moving water over the years. The slot canyon would be very dangerous during a flash flood, so don’t do this hike if rain is in the forecast.
Elephant Rock- This natural landmark doesn’t take very long to get to. The walk up to it is only .3 miles long and it can even be seen from the main road when you’re entering the park. Somehow Elephant Rock is still standing but is very fragile. In order to preserve this unique rock formation, don’t approach or climb on it. Instead, admire it from afar!