Rainbow Vista and Mouse's Tank, Valley of Fire - 10/19/14

Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and was established in 1935. It was designated as a National Landmark in 1968. The unique landscape found in the 42,000 acre park was created by complex uplifting and faulting in the region followed by extensive erosion.

Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center to check out the informative exhibits and to pick up a map of the park.

After hiking the White Domes trail, we travelled south on White Domes Road to Rainbow Vista. We parked at the lot here to take some photos of the amazing views of the multi-colored sandstone from this location.

We proceeded a short distance south to the picnic area of Mouse's Tank. There were chipmunks scampering about everywhere, apparently accustomed to the scraps of food left here by park visitors.

When we had visited Valley of Fire several years ago, we had hiked this trail. It is named for an outlaw who used the area as a hideout in the 1890s. There is a natural basin here where water collects after rainfalls where it sometimes remains for months.

After eating our picnic lunch, we hiked a portion of Petroglyph Canyon.

The prehistoric petroglyphs date back from ancient peoples who lived in the area 4,000 years ago. I am fascinated by these!

We continued to explore additional areas of the park that are covered in additional posts.

Admission to Valley of Fire State park is $10/vehicle.

Website:  www.parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire-state-park