Sandwiched between Lake Mead and I-15, the Valley of Fire is one of Nevada's oldest state parks. The park, established in 1935, certainly lives up to its name with some of the brightest rock formations in the entire state. Its rock arches, 1500 year old petroglyph panels and petrified logs continue to amaze visitors once they've grown accustom to the brilliant landscape. The park's easy hiking trails invite guests to explore more points of interest not found on the park road. Along with the park's natural wonders and ancient rock art, a line of sandstone cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s for Nevada travelers, is used now as a picnic area. One of a few dozen natural arches, Arch Rock is found on a two mile scenic loop, offering some of the park's most interesting rock formations and petroglyphs.
   A preview of the park is found all along the Valley of Fire Highway, as it cuts across a southern Nevada desert. In an area that's dominated by the creosote bush, burro bush and brittle bush, several species of cactus and wild flowers add an element of color to this austere red rock desert. During the spring, fields of desert marigold, indigo bush and desert mallow add a special treat along the roadside. While it's common in the area to see ravens and sage sparrows, most desert animals are nocturnal and remain out of sight a majority of the day. Always thrilled to see some type of wildlife, visitors may see lizards and snakes lurking in the shade, and on rare occasions, they may spy a kit fox, spotted skunk, jackrabbit or an antelope ground squirrel.

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