The forecast for today was mostly sunny, but high winds. Well, the winds started last night and rocked our little RV most of the night! It was pretty brisk as we were packing up to head out and then the rain started! Fortunately, it was off and on and didn’t last too long. By the time we arrived at Valley of Fire State Park, it was just super windy, but dry.
Valley of Fire is Nevada’s first (1935) and largest state park (40,000 acres). The area has been used by Native American’s for over 4,000 years. Their many petroglyphs are found throughout the park in the sandstone formations. The park got its name from the red sandstone which were once sand dunes over 150 million years ago!
As we approached the park, we spotted four bighorn sheep. The road was busy so we couldn’t stop, but it was cool. Coming in the west entrance we took the first loop road toward Arch Rock and Atlatl Rock. The scenery was beautiful.
We stopped and to see the petroglyphs before continuing on to the petrified logs. They have constructed this huge stairway so you can get a close look at the petroglyphs. 
Having been to the Petrified Forest in Arizona, their logs were pretty disappointing but it was only 1/4 mile hike so that was okay. Unfortunately, they have had to chain link fence to protect the few logs in the park.
Our route continued to the visitor’s center, and a view of Balancing Rock. 
At the Mouse’s Tank stop, we took the .75 mile hike to see more petroglyphs. 
The trails were relatively easy, but over loose sand. Lots and lots of loose, red sand! More about that later …
The Rainbow Vista trail was a little over a mile and also took us to a look out over Fire Canyon. 
We definitely stopped here!
From Rainbow Vista, we continued to the end of the road at White Domes Loop trailhead. 
The White Domes Loop trail is a 1.25 mile hike. Again, loose sand and some rough terrain heading down the trail, but awesome! 
There is a small remnant of a movie set (The Professionals with Burt Lancaster) from 1966 before we dropped into a slot canyon. Several other movies were filmed in the park near this area.
The rock below reminded us of an elephant lying down with his trunk curled in front of him.
Other views as we made our way south on White Domes Road.
We took the Fire Canyon Overlook and Silica Dome turnout on our way back and had some really great views of the red sandstone and gray and tan limestone rocks.
It was getting late, so we started toward the exit but stopping at the historic cabins. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the three cabins are tucked in next to the rocks. They are constructed from native sandstone and were used for years by campers and visitors to the park. 
Just before exiting the park we took the .25 mile hike to see Elephant Rock. 
The park is pretty amazing and I am happy we added it to our itinerary! Now, the final bit about the sandy hike. Before leaving we stopped to empty our shoes … Tobey definitely gets the prize for “most sand in your shoes.”
We are camped on BLM land about seven miles south of Overton tonight. It is a busy spot with lots of RVs – and LOTS OF WIND!
Tomorrow it is on to Zion National Park.
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