Questions on Valley of Fire in Las Vegas
 

Does anyone know what's the best way to get from Hoover Dam to Valley of Fire? How long a drive is it? Also, is it worth seeing if we don't plan to get out of the car to hike the trails? Is there a scenic car route as it's too hot to be outside in summer during a 100 degree weather?

We like the drive through nearby Red Rock Canyon. I would say that we prefer Red Rock Canyon to the Valley of Fire, but if I do, somebody will write to say that I must be blind. So, I will refrain from stating a preference. HTTY

I'd say the Valley is definitely worth seeing even just out of the car window! Can't say how to drive as I took a bus tour. But... do you really want to spend all day in a car?

Maybe it's possible to make a round-trip in a day, visiting Hoover, Valley, Red Rock? Anybody knows?

I thought the hike was the best part of Valley of Fire, but that was in October so the heat wasn't a factor. I'm not sure how far it is from the dam, but I don't think the trip from Vegas (an hour each way) would be worth it if I wasn't going to get out of the car.

There is a road that runs from the Dam area, close to Lake Mead, that intersects with the road that runs through Valley of Fire. By going that way, you'd end up out on I-15. (I'm in PA, and don't have any maps handy.)

It's a stunning park, whether you do any hiking or not.

When you are driving back from Hoover Dam on 93, about a half mile after you pass the casino on the right hand side there is a turn off to Lake Mead and Alan Bible visitor center. This road is called 166 (lakeshore road) on the map. So get your map out. You will be going to Valley of Fire in a clock wise direction around part of the lake.

I think they charge the national park admission to enter the lake area now, 5 bucks, whatever.

Make a right turn on the road 147 (northshore road) then make a right onto 167 (a continuation of northshore road) after awhile. You see road 169 on your map (valley of fire hwy)? Make a left here, you are in Valley of Fire.

As you leave Valley of Fire stay on 169 which will bring you back to interstate 15 to get back to Las Vegas. Bring some bottle water, camera, etc. It is a pretty park. I have not been there for about 20 years so thats about all I can tell you. You should enjoy the entire drive, around the lake as well as inside valley of fire. The drive back to Vegas on 15 will be boring.

Be sure to take LOTS of water or you will get dehydrated!

SGF,
We just got back from Vegas last week. We saved Valley of Fire for the early evening hours and it was great. We didn't do any hiking either,just stopped at numerous spots to look around and take some photos. It was over 100 during the day, but not too bad in the early evening since we weren't hiking.
Lily

Thank you all for your help, suggestions and directions. We're definitely going to go there after touring Hoover Dam. If it's too hot to get out we'll just drive around and check out the visitors center. Sounds like it would be a nice scenic drive.

You might want to get out of the car to see the petroglyphs (I think that's the right word)!

Valley of Fire is awesome. Have fun.