February Events at Valley of Fire State Park

OVERTON, Nev. – February is the perfect time of year to visit one of Nevada’s most majestic and oldest state parks. Set amidst brilliant rock formations of eroded sandstone that formed during the age of dinosaurs, visitors enjoy mild daytime highs as they explore the brilliant landscape. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park’s attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. The park is offering a variety of activities during the month of February, ranging from short guided walks to indoor presentations. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit areas not normally accessed by the public, while learning more about the park’s unique and beautiful landscape.

Guided Petroglyph Hike
Join a ranger guided hike of Mouse’s Tank Trail and observe more than 800 petroglyphs located along this short .75 mile roundtrip hike. Topics covered during the hike will include the process commonly used for dating and interpreting petroglyphs, and what is known about the people that created this ancient rock art.
WHEN: Saturday, February 7, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., and from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at Mouse’s Tank trailhead
CONTACT: Chris Johnson, (702) 397-2088, vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com

White Domes Loop Guided Hike
The White Domes Loop features a variety of attractions, such as a narrow slot canyon, the remnants of a 1960s movie set and countless colorful rock formations. During this 1.25 mile hike, park staff will provide information about the geology and history of the area, and the plants and wildlife that live here today.
WHEN: Sunday, February 8, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at White Domes trailhead
CONTACT: Chris Johnson, (702) 397-2088, vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com

Atlatl Rock Guided Petroglyph Walk
Stop by the Atlatl Rock picnic area to join a ranger-led walk showcasing the petroglyphs near Atlatl Rock. Participants will be led to numerous petroglyphs that are not located along marked or maintained trails. Topics discussed during the walk will include the processes commonly used for dating and interpreting petroglyphs, and what is known about the people that created this ancient rock art.
WHEN: Sunday, February 15, from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., and from 2:00p.m. – 2:30p.m.
WHERE: Meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area
CONTACT: Chris Johnson, (702) 397-2088, vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com

Petrified Logs Loop Guided Hike
This short hike follows the Petrified Logs Loop on the west side of the park. Participants will be led through a restricted access area consisting of a vast amount of petrified wood. In the restricted access area, the trail climbs uphill for approximately 1/8 of a mile to a beautiful vista point. Topics covered during the hike include basic geologic history of the park, what kind of trees the petrified wood is believed to have been from and the petrification process.
WHEN: Saturday, February 21 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at the Petrified Logs Loop parking lot
CONTACT: Chris Johnson, (702) 397-2088,  vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com           

“Introduction to Valley of Fire” Indoor Presentation
Learn more about Valley of Fire State Park during a brief indoor presentation that will provide a general overview of the park’s geological history, human history and common flora and fauna.
WHEN: Sunday, February 22, from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., and from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Front theater in the Valley of Fire visitor center
CONTACT: Chris Johnson, (702) 397-2088, vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com

Natural Arches Trail and “Painted Pinnacles” Guided Hike
The Natural Arches Trail follows a sandy wash, featuring plants rarely found elsewhere in the park and passes by the site of the former Natural Arch, which collapsed in 2010. This strenuous, approximately 3.5 mile out-and-back hike, ends at the Painted Pinnacles, a remote and stunning area, featuring bright white and red sandstone spires. A few sections of this route will require some scrambling. Those interested in participating in this guided hike must preregister by emailing: vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com. Please include the name of each participant in your party. This hike is limited to the first 25 registered participants.
WHEN: Saturday, February 28, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire visitor center; participants will caravan to the trailhead.
CONTACT: Chris Johnson, (702) 397-2088, vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com

Event schedules are subject to change due to weather and staffing. When going on any hike, please be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear. Valley of Fire State Park is six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas via Interstate 15 and Exit 75 at 29450 Valley of Fire Road, Overton, Nevada 89040. All events are free of charge; however, there is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle. Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.