Elephant Rock – Valley of Fire State Park – US

Yes it’s a rock formation. And yes it does seem like it is shaped like an elephant. Elephant Rock is said to be the highlight of the Valley of Fire State Park. If you want a memorable way to spend your vacation in Las Vegas in a landscape that looks like Mars then this is where you should be.

Why should you visit The Valley of Fire  : The Valley of Fire also happens to be the largest and oldest park in Nevada. Besides the famous elephant Rock, the area is home to ancient petrified trees as well. The 3000 year old Indian petro glyphs are littered throughout for visitors to find and marvel at a bygone age.

Why is it called the Valley of Fire? It gets its name from the red sandstone formations that are a product of prehistoric times. Faulting, extensive erosion and complex uplifting resulted in the present landscape’s appearance.

The city of Las Vegas isn’t all that glitters in Nevada. The rocks at the Fire Valley State Park glow with an unusual crimson color that is a sight to behold.

Best Things to Do in The Valley of Fire: If you love to marvel at rocky formations then Elephant Rock and the rest of the Valley of Fire is a great place to be. The area contains a variety of rocky formations composed of limestone and shale to conglomerates. There is also a variety of rock art left by prehistoric users like the Basket Maker people and the Anasazi Pueblo farmers from Moapa Valley.

There is a camping fee if you want to set up a tent and spend the night under the stars but it is a worthy experience. The campgrounds themselves are equipped with grills, shaded tables and restrooms. Shower facilities are also available. Take a picnic basket with you and occupy any of the shaded areas that are situated at the Seven Sisters, Atlatl Rock and the Cabins near White Domes and Mouse’s Tank trailhead.

The valley is a great place for recreational activities. If you plan on going during the hot summer months, take a dip in the Roger Springs. Stop by the visitor’s center to grab a brochure. This will help you locate different landmarks and activities in the area. You can also witness the local wildlife like kit foxes, kangaroo rats, sheep and even antelope.

Best Times to Visit The Valley of Fire: Summertime sees temperatures rise from 100 to 120 degrees F.  Therefore it’s best that you visit Fire Valley in the spring or fall. The fiery red sandstone and odd formations are a result of fossilized sandstone and sand dunes. These formed over 150 million years ago by faults, water and wind erosion. Don’t be surprised if you see rock formations that are shaped like bee hives and even a piano besides Elephant Rock. Let your imagination run wild!

The Valley of Fire Neighborhoods & Towns : The Valley is only a drive away from the Las Vegas strip and of course, is near Las Vegas itself.

Valley of Fire State Park RULES AND REGULATIONS

The desert is extremely fragile. Thoughtless visitors have abused the area in the past and left scars. It will take centuries for nature to restore this desert area to its original condition. To protect the desert and ensure the safety of others, please observe the following rules:

•  Drive only on approved routes of travel (see map), and park only in designated places along the roadside shoulders. Motor vehicles are not allowed on trails.
• Camp only in designated campground sites.
• Fires are permitted only in designated grills and fireplaces.
• All plants, animals, artifacts, rocks and minerals are protected by state law. Please do not remove or disturb them.
• Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length. They are not allowed in the visitor center.
• All artifacts and other signs of early civilization and recent history are protected by state and federal law.
• Please conserve the water.
• Use the trash containers provided.
• The park is open from sunrise to sunset unless camping in campgrounds or group camping area. After sunset, activity is limited to those areas.
• Rock climbing is limited to specific areas in the park. Inquire at the visitor center.

 

 

 

 

Elephant Rock – Valley of Fire State Park – US