THE FIRE WAVE – VALLEY OF FIRE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL TRAIL
Right outside of Las Vegas there is a valley that is on fire! With a little over an hour away, near Overton, you can reach the oldest and largest State Park in Nevada. It is known around the world due to its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstones burrowed in gray and tan limestone, petrified trees, and petroglyphs that are over 2,000 years old.
Open year round, the park has numerous campsites equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, as well as many intriguing trails to tempt hikers. The Fire Wave is one of them. It is an easy hike to an amazing sandstone formation that resembles an ocean wave of red, white, and pink colors. Its beautiful backdrop makes it one of the most popular trails at Valley of Fire State Park.
ABOUT THE FIRE WAVE TRAIL
Fire Wave Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked there-and-back trail located near Overton, Nevada that features a cave and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trail is sandy at the beginning of the hike and transitions into sandstone. Rock cairns (small stacks of rocks) lead the way on the sandstone to the Fire Wave. Hikers are recommended to do this hike in the cooler months of the year. During the summer, the temperature is well over 100 degrees and there is no shade on the trail. The Fire Wave is best photographed in the late afternoon and early evening.
Hike Summary
- Distance | 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Elevation Gain | 174 ft (53 m)
- Average Time | 1 hr
- Difficulty | Easy
- Trail Type | There-and-back
GETTING THERE
Getting to the Fire Wave Trailhead is easy. You will take Mouse’s Tank Road and head towards Parking Lot #3. The drive leading there is amazing, so just take your time and enjoy the scenic route.
This trail is very popular, therefore it is recommended you go there as early as possible. The trail does get crowded with many visitors.
HIKING THE FIRE WAVE
From Parking Lot #3, you can’t miss the trailhead. You’ll see a sign clearly letting you know that you are on the right track. From there you’ll cross over the sandy slope toward a long steep ridge of red sandstone. There are multiple trails on the sandy slope, but they should all take you to the same place.
The sand is very silky, which makes it hard to walk on. Once you get closer in front of the tall sandstone cliff, the trail curves towards the right. The sand becomes more packed at this point making it easier to hike towards the Fire Wave.
The trail travels along the side of this massive rock formation that is great to explore for those who like to get up close.
The trail is well marked and you can not get lost. Once you turn left and follow through some small boulders and a sandy area, you will approach more of the formations, but don’t get too excited, this is not the Fire Wave.
This area is really pretty and It is full of subtle stripe rock that curves up, down, and across. It is like staring at multilayers rocks stretching throughout the place. These stripes become more vivid as you get closer to the Fire Wave.
Spend some time exploring those beautiful formations that seem unreal to be admired. When you are done, head back onto the main trail. Follow the trail markers closely, because you can easily get distracted striped rocks on the ground, but be sure to look up and around. The colorful mountains off in the distance are breathtaking.
The unique color pallet of orange and white swirls make the Fire Wave and ideal place for photographers.
Nature really took a wonderful turn by creating these rock formation shapes that fold into its colorful self. Its colored stripes curves almost make it seem like an illusion. The yellow, orange, white, and red patterns tend to give life to the rock making it seem like it is swirling and spinning in front of you. Find a good spot to sit and enjoy the expansive view of the colorful pastel canyon.
You could spend hours admiring this unique desert creation that Mother Nature designed. Don’t rush like most people do, but appreciate the view and explore the area. Pay attention as you climb around. Also, be responsible and do not carve any graffiti on the rocks, so the next visitors can enjoy it as much as you do.
Once you’re done here, just head back the way you come from. There are a lot of unique spots to explore here at Valley of Fire.
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CONCLUSION
There are a lot of great formations to see at Valley of Fire State Park. The colors it demonstrate can leave everlasting memories. There are other trails in the park that worth exploring, but The Fire Wave not only offers great views, but also displays the unique geology of The Valley of Fire State Park that makes it worth a visit.
What places have you been or recommend to explore that have interesting colors? Leave a comment or message below and I will replay as soon as possible. Keep exploring!
