Compared to Utah’s Wave the Fire Wave at Valley of Fire is puny. But it doesn’t require a permit and the easy 1.5 miles round trip across sand and slick rock does offer some interesting rock and marvelous views. Plus it’s dog friendly on leash so we met several dogs and their people.
Much like White Domes we experienced a crowded parking area at the trailhead. Then once across the road paused to allow a huge group of tripod toting photographers to pass and almost run to the “feature” not noticing the beauty along the way. Too often people get focused on a destination and miss the journey. Their loss I guess.
I excitedly looked at the green shale, not the most prevalent rock in the park. Then we came across composite rock which seemed really out of place among all the sediments. Water rounded rocks cemented together in dark masses of reds, greens and charcoal colors laid down on top of the sandstone by some ancient river later broken down to lay along the trail.
The trail passed a huge monolith of red rock that bounced our voices so we called it Echo Rock.
Sparsely scattered trail markers try to guide hikers but people just went every which way. Footprints in sand were obvious but I happily didn’t notice smashed walked on plants. The stripes of colors and eroded shapes called to go off trail and get closer.
Honestly, I was a little disappointed in the actual Fire Wave, but the entire landscape is amazing and once again I felt the pull to just wander off into it and not get lost. OK, it was pretty but rather small compared to Utah’s Wave. I just think it’s over hyped. But then it does keep a lot of people out of the non-trailed protected land. Maybe I should send visitors to the Valley of Fire version. It’s close to Vegas where many of them fly into.
Don’t get me wrong, Valley of Fire is fantastic. I love all the colors and patterns. For some reason I am reminded of my grandmother’s wooden furniture showing years of wear on decades of layered paint. With more time we could have continued exploring this amazing landscape, no trail needed. A very good excuse to return but not on a three day holiday weekend.
We cut off a big dog-leg in the trail returning, and believe me we weren’t the first foot/paw prints.
As the sun went down it was cooling rapidly so we headed back to camp for dinner and hopefully a quiet restful night so we could enjoy more of Valley of Fire the next day.
You are so right about the journey being as important as the destination. There are some beautiful conglomerate type rocks on the beginning part of the path. They were black but filled with deep colorful smaller rocks. So many places to wander getting to the “Fire.” For those of us who haven’t seen the real Wave, this area was very cool:) From what I’ve seen of The Wave photos, you can’t compare the two. Someday, I do hope to get to see the Wave. Glad you enjoyed your time at the Fire Wave:)
I suppose it’s not fair to compare the Waves. I need to explore off trail at VOF to really discover the place.
I hope that we may get to visit Valley of Fire, if we have not seen the one at Utah we will appreciate it more. Not sure where our friends will be taking us but we should be close to this area. Keep well Diane
You will be very close to this area.
Wow some amazing pictures, think maybe we need to check out that are one of these days.
It’s gorgeous country.
Oh I get the feeling:) I would probably feel the same way. People flying into Vegas usually stay there. Exercise? For them it’s lottery machines and “hiking” around the nasty hotels:) I’d rather have done your walk than fly into that nasty city:) But now you’ve explored a new spot:)
A lot of National Park summer travelers fly into Vegas then rent a car and go to Zion, Bryce and the North Rim. This would be convenient for them as well.
We felt the same way as you about the Fire Wave, but approached it from the wash below which was a beautiful hike in itself, and no crowds. Enjoyed all your photos of VoF.
The area below looked very inviting for exploration. Seems my first visit someplace takes me to the “features” while return visits direct me away from those. Want to go back.
The area below was called “Wash Nbr 5” and can also be explored by parking on the pullout from the road at the wash. You can walk in this wash for miles, and the scenery changes with each turn. It was one of the most colorful, interesting hikes I have done…particularly fantastic on a rainy day, as the colors in the wet rocks become much more vivid.
Thanks Suzanne. That one goes on the list for next visit.
I like all the colors and patterns on the rock formations. Many people are so intent on the destination, they can’t enjoy the trip.
The rock there is fantastic and there’s so much more off the beaten track to explore. Hope you’re feeling better.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen features like that.
You remind me of some petroleum geologists I have talked to. The best ones have stories to go along with the prospects they are trying to sell and they start off back when the layers now 15,000 feet down were on the surface and how the weather then influenced what kind of formation it has become now.
Geology is fascinating. This is a unique place.
Been to Valley of Fire, but did have the time to explore it in depth. Will have to do more serious exploration next time. Thanks for your sharing.
Inspiring photos. I’m thinking of a Spring trip, trying to decide between Death Valley, Joshua Tree or Valley of Fire. I’ve never been to the latter two, but Death Valley is probably my favorite place for a Spring visit. I could take Pongo if I go to Valley of Fire, though. Crowds, though? There are no crowds in Death Valley in Spring.
Love that purple cactus!
Thanks Shane. We’re working on a plan for a Death Valley trip, but of course Sasha can’t be on the trails there. There is plenty of Valley of Fire where you could get away from the crowds. But then I love Joshua Tree too.
Sadly I have not seen either so this wave seems girgeous. The angles and focus of your pictures are fantastic! I would love to hike with you and learn the geology. My pace is one such that in enjoying the journey and it’s detauls, I may never make the destination. 😉
Thanks Sherry. I’d love to hike with you as your pace seems close to mine. Plus more eyes see more of the world. Not to worry about spell check.
What is it with spell check that it can’t get gorgeous and details?
Your photographs are beautiful, and It doesn’t hurt to have beautiful things to take pictures of. I’ve only been full-timeing about three months myself so I’m always looking for great places to visit and it looks like you found one. I hope I can make it there myself one day.
theboondork
Thanks Tom. Looks like your finding some pretty places in AZ’s southern deserts. Definitely put Valley of Fire on your list. There’s boondocking outside the park.
You said the magic word Gaelyn,….. Boondocking. If there’s Boondocking I’m there. I will definitely put Valley of Fire on my list of places to go.
I just found your blog, so it looks like I’ve got a lot of reading to do.
Tom