Shandy1977

Will be traveling to Vegas in a few weeks with my wife. It is her first time there, but I have been before. This time, I plan to stray more from The Strip even though we are staying at The Mirage.

We would like to see/tour the Hoover Dam during our 5-day and also visit Valley of Fire.

First, can these both be done in one day trip? I don't need to do extensive hiking at Valley of Fire, just want to explore around a bit, get my photos, enjoy the park, and be happy with that. I just don't know how realistic one full-day trip to see both is.

Second, can I expect to get in and around Valley of Fire okay on my own? My wife and I are both pretty active in our 30's and have been hiking a few times before in NH and ME with no problems. Not an expert, but I am fine reading a map and following a trail. Is a guieded tour necessary, or can I see some good sights while guiding myself?

We looked at bus tours of Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, and so forth... but now we plan to rent a car. It looks like the cost of cabs, shuttles,. and buses could add up over the 5 days! Any assistance/feedback/advice you have is greatly appreciates... Thanks!

emalloy

If you get out early, you can easily do both. Plan a loop, we usually go to VoF by driving north on 15 until you see the brown VoF sign then do the scenic things there and also look at the petroglyphs on atl atl rock and along mouse's tank trail. Continue through the park then down along Lake Meade and over to Hoover Dam. Do pick up drinks, snacks and/or sandwiches before you head in. There is a small store just as you turn into VoF if you forget. You could do the loop either way.

Myer

It's a 2 hour drive between the two.

You shouldn't have a problem getting to both in one day.

You can get a map of Valley of Fire on their web site and plan the drive around. We didn't do any hiking there. Just stopped the car and wandered around several areas.

You can go to my web site: www.travelwalks.com and select the SW Utah Trip 2010 trip. There are some photos of Valley of Fire right at the beginning of that trip.

I was there with my daughter a year or so back and we stopped for an hour or two on the way to Utah.

I don't know what your plans are for 5 days but are you aware that Vegas in only 3 hours from Zion National Park?

If you have the time you can drive there during the day, sleep over, explore the park and be back in the evening.

Tomsd

Did both in one day. No problemo - and next time - would like to camp out in the VOF.

Tomsd

Also - the Red Rock Canyon - 20 minutes outside of Vegas - is great.

Here is a webpage I just found by googling. http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/

happytrailstoyou

Valley of Fire is amazing if you take the drive that goes out of the Visitors' Center--about five miles in and five miles out.

HTTY

Shandy1977

Thanks so much for the response. Greatly appreciated and very helpful, as always!