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1. Get a tan. During late spring and summer, temperatures at the Valley of Fire are well over 100° F, while autumn and winter tend to be quite mild. Since the average annual rainfall is four inches (with most of that coming from sudden thunderstorms), you’ll almost always be able to catch unobstructed rays! 2. Study the rocks. There’s no better place for a geology lesson than the Valley of Fire. Along with loads of the famous, fiery sandstone, you’re also likely to discover a variety of limestone, shale and conglomerate rocks. 3. Climb the rocks. In front of the Valley of Fire State Park Visitor Center, there’s a giant rock that people—especially kids—like to scramble up. Or you can ascend Atlatl Rock, a giant boulder that sits on top of a sandstone outcropping. A stairway has been built there that leads to a platform where you can get a close look at some of its petroglyphs. 
4. Scout famous movie sites. Did you know that scenes for the movies Transformers, Total Recall, The Professionals and Domino were shot at the Valley of Fire? Trekkies love to visit the spot where Captain Kirk fell to his death in the film Star Trek Generations—it’s located on Silica Dome. 5. Watch a movie. Inside the Valley of Fire State Park Visitor Center, you can see a short film detailing the park’s history. Then, you can walk through an exhibit of critters native to the area—including snakes! 6. Take photos—and lots of them! Opportunities abound at the Valley of Fire around every turn of the road or trail. This place is truly a photographer’s dream, as the rock formations take on completely different hues depending on the time of day. From sunrise to sunset, the scenery is simply spectacular! 7. Spot Nevada’s state animal. The bighorn sheep is known to roam at the Valley of Fire. Ask a park ranger for the best places to try to encounter them. It’s amazing to catch a glimpse of these regal and massive desert animals in the wild. 8. Tour The Cabins. In 1935 the Civilian Conservation Corps built three stone cabins near the base of some high cliffs at the Valley of Fire. They are located just a short stroll from the highway. You’ll be surprised at how cool the air feels inside these rudimentary one-room shelters. 
9. Hike…or don’t hike. At the Valley of Fire, you’ll be able to find several challenging treks if you’re the athletic type. The White Domes and Arrowhead loop trails are two good examples. And, if you’re a non-hiker, you can enjoy some excellent views from the car. There are also two short trails—Mouse’s Tank and Elephant Rock—that are less than half a mile in distance. 10. Get married. You’ll never find a more romantic place to be at sunset than the Valley of Fire. Imagine this: you look into your betrothed’s eyes, and off in the horizon you also see the sun reflecting in a way that makes the rocks look like a sea of flames—the perfect symbol of your love! Plus, you can make your wedding even more dreamlike by being transported to and from the Valley of Fire in a helicopter! Written By Yvonne Newman
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