Atlatl Rock and Natural Arch, Valley of Fire - 10/1914

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.

Traveling west on the primary park road from the Cabins, we passed the Visitor Center and took a right onto Scenic Loop Road. It is well marked. After driving a short distance, turn left into the Atlatl Rock parking lot.

Atlatl Rock is famous for the outstanding petroglyphs (rock art) found here. There is a depiction of an atlatl (notched stick used to thrown spears for hunting by early Native Americans) among the many petroglyphs. The atlatl was the predecessor to the bow and arrow.

There is a picnic area next to the large red sandstone rock. A metal staircase provides easy access to view some of the petroglyphs. Sadly, there is now graffiti in many areas around the rock art (so terribly disrespectful), but it is still well worth the climb to see these amazing remnants of an ancient culture.

Views of the rock as I was climbing the stairs.

The platform at the top of the stairs also provides a great view of the beautiful surrounding landscape.

From here we turned left out of the parking lot on Scenic Loop Road to view Arch Rock which is only a short distance from Atlatl Rock.

We visited one more area of the park (Beehives) that is covered in a final post on the Valley of Fire State Park.

Admission to Valley of Fire State park is $10/vehicle. Pets are welcomed but need to be leashed.

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