The exposed rock responsible for the dramatic colors and formations is Aztec sandstone, formed by petrifaction of ancient sand dunes during the Jurassic era (ca. Although red rocks are exposed at scattered locations all over the desert adjoining the west side of Lake Mead, the state park boundaries enclose the most interesting formations, found along 10 miles of the highway and extending over 30 miles to the north, over a large area of mostly trackless land almost as far as Glendale, at exit 90 of the interstate. All through traffic along NV 169 has to pay a fee to cross the state park ($20 in 2021), yet still the highway can become quite busy in summer, and forms part of a scenic diversion between Las Vegas and I-15 to the north - the journey involves an extra 55 miles, but is much more interesting than the interstate, which passes rather barren land between Las Vegas and the Arizona border.ĭriving to the Valley of Fire from east or west is equally scenic. #Valley of fire state park freeEast of the state park, the nearest free camping is along side tracks leading into dusty hills a few miles south of Overton. Just before the hills, a track leaves to the south and leads to some old gravel piles and scattered concrete relics after half a mile, a place that makes a perfect (if rather lonely) place to camp - in sight of the distant interstate but many miles from any settlement. Access from the west starts at I-15 exit 75, from where NV 169 ( Valley of Fire Road) crosses a vast desert plain for 7 miles then winds through a range of low, arid hills to the park entrance. The approach to Valley of Fire State Park from the north is along straight roads across the wide valley of the Muddy River, through Logandale then Overton, which is a small town but one that has all necessary facilities. The landscape is made more striking by the surrounding black hills of somber appearance. It is one of the most photogenic locations in the Southwest, especially at sunset when the rocks glow deep red and do indeed seem to be ablaze when seen from a distance. The drive to the area from the south ( state road NV 167) passes buckled, layered cliffs and desert basins, often quite colorful, and has occasional views over the blue waters of Lake Mead to the east, but the valley is the most unusual place in the area. New Mexico has a Valley of Fires Recreation Area, containing a large expanse of black, twisted lava deposits set amongst barren land in the center of the state, but the similarly named park near Overton, 30 miles northeast of Las Vegas in Nevada offers a stark contrast - here, red is the dominant color, next to large expanses of contrasting pale yellow rock, both part of an undulating landscape of petrified dunes, strangely-shaped boulders and sheer sandstone cliffs set amongst an empty, very scenic region near the north end of Lake Mead.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |