A State Park Scenic Byway In Nevada Promises Spectacular Views Of Geologic Wonders

America's long history of motor tourism has led to some of the best scenic driving routes in the world. Even better, American ingenuity has created exceptional scenic drives through some of the country's most beautiful natural features with minimal disruption to the complex and often fragile landscape. And while many of the U.S.'s most breathtaking scenic drives are found in national parks, there are plenty more found in lesser-known state parks across the country. 

A perfect example is the amazing scenic driving route through Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park. From most pictures, Valley of Fire State Park looks like something you'd need a spaceship to get to, to say nothing of a car. The park's distinctive geology is more reminiscent of the surface of Mars than what most people would expect from Earth. But while Valley of Fire does contain some of the most unique rock formations in the United States, the park is quite accessible via car from Nevada's Highway 169. Not only that, but the park is only a short distance from one of the country's most popular tourist destinations! Thanks to this combination of incredible geologic wonders and a convenient location, the Valley of Fire State Park Scenic Byway is an essential addition to your scenic drive bucket list. 

Nevada is underrated for its remarkable natural attractions, especially compared to neighboring states like Arizona, Utah, and California. But Nevada has a good deal of unmissable sights as striking as more heavily touristed spots. For example, just off Nevada's Route 34, you can find the colorful Fly Ranch Geyser displaying nature's artwork. Then there's the severely underrated Great Basin National Park, one of the least-visited national parks in the lower 48 states. But even within this context, Valley of Fire State Park stands out as a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. 

The "fire" of the Valley of Fire comes from the park's prominent red Aztec sandstone rock formations, which formed from the consolidation of shifting sands over 140 million years. The resulting rocks bear a distinctive bright red that lights up the landscape, sometimes literally! During the evening, the setting sun reflects off the red rocks and creates the impression of a landscape actually made out of fire. Alongside dramatic red sandstone, Valley of Fire also contains other geological marvels indicative of the broader Mojave Desert. Across the park, you can find natural rock arches, "beehive" formations, rocky domes, and even a striking fiery rock "wave." 

If you're visiting the park on foot, you can take advantage of its many excellent hiking trails for immersive tours of its awe-inspiring rock formations. You can even see ancient petroglyphs left on the rocks by the region's indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. The park's camping options include both tent camping and RV sites, and there are great spots for horseback riding and picnicking as well. No matter your mode of transportation, Valley of Fire State Park has something for you. 

While Valley of Fire State Park can provide a rugged outdoor experience, it's also the central feature of one of Nevada's best scenic driving routes. The Valley of Fire Scenic Byway is part of the larger Nevada State Route 169, which also goes through the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Within the park's borders, the scenic byway goes right by many of Valley of Fire's most impressive rock formations. 

As you drive along the route, you'll pass unforgettable sights like the park's Arch Rock, Elephant Rock, and the Fire Canyon Overlook. You'll find many convenient parking areas along the seven-mile route through the park, letting you stop and explore the scenery in even more depth. You can also access additional scenic roads to other notable park landmarks, like the White Domes Road, as well as many of the park's terrific hiking routes to the Valley of Fire's best scenic spots.

As otherwordly as the Valley of Fire may seem, the park and its scenic byway are less than an hour's drive from the Las Vegas Strip via Interstate 15. Though the route is short, its sublime natural wonders rival the offbeat art and funky towns you'll encounter on a longer road trip from Las Vegas to Reno. The park itself is open from sunrise to sunset, and admission costs $15 per vehicle (cars with Nevada license plates get in for just $10). While Valley of Fire offers abundant experiences for outdoorsy types of all kinds, the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway brings the park's geological wonders as close as your car's windshield!