Nevada is home to the most beautiful state parks you'll ever see. That goes without saying. Beautiful lakes, lush forests and scenic canyons are just a few of the things you’ll encounter if you’re lucky enough to visit one of Nevada's amazing state parks. Sure, many state parks are located throughout Nevada, but one stands out far from the rest. That state park just so happens to be the "SPECTACULAR" Valley of Fire State Park.

Valley of Fire State Park, located in Overton, Nevada, was dedicated in 1935 and is the state's oldest and largest state park. The way this state park received its unique name is rather interesting. The red sandstone formations throughout this Nevada attraction were formed from shifting sand dunes more than 150 million years ago---during the dinosaur age. As the sun's rays reflect off these red sandstone formations, they look as if they are on fire. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and Indian petroglyphs that are approximately 3,000 years old.

Fire Wave

These petroglyphs were made by the Anasazi, whom lived here from about 300 BC to 1200 AD.

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, Valley of Fire State Park has you covered! As a matter of fact, Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park has some of the best hiking trails in the entire state.

Valley of Fire State Park is also home to many different species of plants and animals. Nevada's state animal is the desert bighorn sheep. It's not uncommon to see herds of bighorn sheep at Valley of Fire State Park. They're often seen around the Rainbow Vista area.

Bighorn sheep moms with their babies.

Tourists are AMAZED at the incredible sandstone sculptures found throughout the park. The three most popular sculptures are:

1. Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock is an incredible sandstone sculpture with a large, trunk-like arch resembling an elephant.

2. Fire Canyon Arch

Interesting Fact: Fire Canyon/Silica Dome was the setting for the film Star Trek Generations.

3. The Cabins

These cabins were built with Valley of Fire sandstone during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

As you can see, Valley of Fire State Park is an incredible state park to visit whenever you have the urge to go exploring. This state park is open year-round, and it's located about six miles from Lake Mead and approximately 58 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Strip.

Valley of Fire State Park

29450 Valley of Fire Rd

Overton, NV 89040

For more examples of beautiful scenery that can be found throughout Valley of Fire State Park, check out the video below.

Have you ever visited Valley of Fire State Park? If so, what did you think about it?