Our Beautiful Planet

Yesterday I had the privilege to go see the Valley of Fire.  This is a truly unique place.    It is the oldest and largest State Park in Nevada.  It is aptly named for the red sandstone formations that have existed in this location since dinosaurs roamed the earth.  The way that the wind has eroded these formations will leave you amazed.  When you are there you do not feel like you are on planet Earth.

I arrived at around 11 in the morning with a very good friend of mine.  The first stop was the beehives.  It is so interesting how the wind has shaped the sandstone into the shape if beehives.  From here you can look out and see the most amazing collection of hills, mountains and valleys.

From there we took the scenic loop and wound up at the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock.  There is something inspiring about looking at the written communication of people from thousands of years ago.  You get the sense of what life was really like for the Native Americans that once made this their home.

Then we saw the petrified logs. Spending part of my childhood in northern California, I have seen a lot of petrified wood in my life.  The unique thing about the petrified logs in the Valley of Fire is how brilliant and vibrantly colored they are.

After this we moved onto the Visitor's Center.  I never knew how many animals and plants could live in the desert!  Cougars, tarantulas, gila monsters, kangaroo rats, scorpions, rattle snakes etc...

Now, if you continue into the park past the Visitor's Canter you will get to see the white domes.  From this vantage point you can practically see the whole park.  It is quite incredible.


I really enjoyed my day trip and would urge you to come and see what Valley of Fire has to offer. If you are planning to visit the Valley of Fire I have some recommendations:

1) Try to go in April or October.  The weather is ideal during these months.  The temperatures get to well above 100 degrees in the summer time and would make your time there miserable.

2) You should visit the beehives.  The views from them is nothing short of spectacular.

3) There is a whole wall of petroglyghs that have existed for 4000 years.  Yes, you have to climb a long staircase to see them but it is totally worth it.

4) Go and see the Visitors Center.  In here you can find out all about the history of the Valley of Fire and learn about the wild life that lives there now.  

Valley of Fire is one of many locations that are there to remind us all that we live on an amazing planet and need to preserve and protect it.