October Events at Valley of Fire
October 7: Atlatl Rock Guided Petroglyph Hike
Stop by the Atlatl Rock picnic area to join a ranger on a short guided hike showcasing the petroglyphs located around Atlatl Rock. Participants will be led to numerous petroglyphs that are not located along marked or maintained trails. Topics discussed during the walk will include the processes commonly used for dating and interpreting petroglyphs, and also what is known about the peoples that created this ancient rock art.
WHEN: Saturday, October 7, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and again from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area.
October 8: Petrified Logs Guided Hike
This approximately one-mile roundtrip hike offers participants the unique opportunity to a visit a restricted access area consisting of a vast amount of petrified wood. As participants are led by a ranger to impressive collections of petrified wood, topics such as what kind of trees the petrified wood is believed to have been from and the petrification process will be discussed. Please meet in the lower parking lot at the Visitor Center – participants will caravan to the trailhead from there.
WHEN: Sunday, October 8, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Meet in the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
October 14: “Experience the Atlatl” – Demonstration & Participation Activity
Stop by Atlatl Rock picnic area to learn about the ancient spear-throwing tool known as the atlatl, its history in the Southwest and how exactly it was used. A brief demonstration is included, and participants will then be given the opportunity to try throwing atlatls on their own.
WHEN: Saturday, October 14, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area.
October 14: “Introduction to Valley of Fire” – Indoor Talk
Want to learn a lot about Valley of Fire State Park in a short amount of time? Stop by the Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. for an indoor talk that will provide a general overview of the park’s geological history, human history, and common flora and fauna. The presentation will be held in the front theater of the visitor center.
WHEN: Saturday, October 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the front theater inside the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
October 15: Hidden Arch Loop Guided Hike
This strenuous, 1.25-mile off-trail loop predominantly follows washes and small ravines, leading past a rock formation sometimes referred to as “Crazy Hill,” as well as a hidden arch. This hike will give participants an opportunity to see areas of Valley of Fire State Park that are not accessible via marked trails. Please note that this hike requires some basic scrambling. Participants should be comfortable with walking over rocky, uneven surfaces. Please be sure to wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, and bring plenty of water.
WHEN: Sunday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
WHERE: Meet in the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire visitor center.
October 21: “Make your own Petroglyphs” – Children’s Activity
One of the most well-known attractions at Valley of Fire State Park is the Native American petroglyphs found along Mouse’s Tank Trail, which date back hundreds to even thousands of years. Children who would like to learn more about these fascinating carvings that depict a wide variety of shapes and figures should meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area at 10:30 p.m. Children will be provided with the materials to make their own modern “petroglyphs,” which will be theirs to keep. This program is designed for children ages 5-12, but all ages are welcome to participate. NOTE: During this activity, we will be carving petroglyphs into faux “rocks” made with arts and crafts materials. Never carve, scratch, or in any other way deface any rock in the park.
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area.
October 21: Atlatl Rock Guided Petroglyph Hike
Stop by the Atlatl Rock picnic area to join a ranger on a short guided hike showcasing the petroglyphs located around Atlatl Rock. Participants will be led to numerous petroglyphs that are not located along marked or maintained trails. Topics discussed during the walk will include the processes commonly used for dating and interpreting petroglyphs, and also what is known about the peoples that created this ancient rock art.
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area.
October 22: Native American – Style Sandpainting – Children’s Activity
Join park staff for a fun children’s activity designed to emulate the sand painting done the by Navajo and other Native American cultures. In a special twist, we will be turning our sand painting art into magnets!
WHEN: Sunday, October 22, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Meet at Atlatl Rock picnic area.
October 28: Fire Wave – Kaolin Wash Guided Hike
Join park rangers for a guided hike on an unmaintained and unmarked extension of the Fire Wave Trail. The extension portion of this hike follows Kaolin Wash and leads through an area sometimes referred to as “pastel canyon.” During this strenuous, approximately 2.35-mile loop hike, a ranger will provide information about the geological history of the area, and the plants and wildlife that currently call this harsh climate home. Please be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for hiking over rocky, uneven surfaces.
WHEN: Saturday, October 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
October 27: “History of the Silver State” Indoor Talk
Every year on the last Friday in October, Nevadans celebrate the anniversary of their great state receiving Statehood. In honor of Nevada Day, Valley of Fire State Park will be holding indoor talks covering the fascinating and colorful history of the State. Stop by to learn a little more about the Silver State’s colorful past.
WHEN: Friday, October 27, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and again from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the front theater inside the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
October 28: “Introduction to Valley of Fire” Indoor Talk
Want to learn a lot about Valley of Fire State Park in a short amount of time? Stop by the visitor center at 2:00 p.m. for an indoor talk that will provide a general overview of the park’s geological history, human history, and common flora and fauna. The presentation will be held in the front theater of the visitor center.
WHEN: Saturday, October 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire visitor center.
October 29: Old Arrowhead Trail Guided Hike
Built from 1914-1916, the Arrowhead Trail Auto Route connected Salt Lake City to Los Angeles, and passed right thru Valley of Fire. The creation of this road was a pivotal step in Valley of Fire going on to become Nevada’s first State Park. On Sunday, October 29, join a park ranger for a guided hike along the remnants of this 100+-year old trail. Topics discussed during the hike will include the early non-native visitors to Valley of Fire, signs of their visits that they left behind and the steps that lead to Valley of Fire becoming a state park in 1935. This hike will be approximately two-miles roundtrip. Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water.
WHEN: Sunday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Meet in the lower parking lot at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
Valley of Fire State Park is approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas via Interstate 15, Exit 75, and 20 miles southwest of Moapa Valley via Highway 169, Valley of Fire Road. All events are free of cost; however, there is an entrance fee into the park of $10 per vehicle. Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.
