Valley of Fire State Park, Field Trip, April 15-17

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, April 15th - 17th

Hosted by Eugene Duley

http://parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-fire-state-park/

Meeting time at Destination: The Park Visitors Center we are meeting at 8:30 AM to 9 AM Saturday and Sunday.  Friday is an option if there are enough people there to justify a meet up.

I spent two days at this park mid March of this year. The weather was perfect and I was fascinated with the red rock formations, and combinations of colors.  There is way to much to see in a day or two so I want to give it another try and hike some of the longer trails.  

There are several short hikes, less than a mile, to points of interest or Vistas points in the park.  I found a lot of Kodak moments along every trail I took.  Especially Mouse’s tank, Fire Wave, and White Domes loop.  Yes this park has its own version of the famous “Wave”.

One of the most scenic and popular trails is the Prospect Trail, which starts at White Domes  and finishes due south near Petrified Logs West and the road into the campgrounds.  This is about a 4.6 mile hike almost all down hill.  The trail is part old road, sand wash, and rock scrambling and foot path.  The best time to take this hike is in the afternoon because the trail is on the West side of the rock formations.  In planning for this hike, since it is not a loop then it would be very helpful to plan on a shuttle at the end.  So as part of this field trip I want to plan this hike and shuttle service for those that want to take the adventure.

I will also make up a list of the different sights and the best time of day to photograph them.  That will be available to anyone that is interested at a later date.

Of the people that are going, is there anyone that is not a serious photographer?  Meaning they are happy to shoot with their cell phones.  My friend Alison is working on a lesson plan to help teach people how to take better photos and videos with their cell phones.  She will be very happy to answer questions and do some coaching for those interested.

Campgrounds:  There are two campgrounds with a combined total of 72 units. Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. A dump station and showers are available.  All campsites are first-come, first-serve.

For the Motel group: The closest is in the Moapa Valley.  The city of Overton has two motels, one is new and about $110.00 a night. The other is a much older one and costs $55.00 a night. There are no major food chains in this town. There are a couple of Mom & Pop restaurants, and I can not vouch for any of them. There are several gas stations with the usual grab and go stuff.

Las Vegas is about an hours drive south.

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