Las Vegas, I-15, Overton, two park entrances, desert fuel, and an early trail window
The park sits northeast of Las Vegas between an I-15 approach and the Moapa Valley. Check fuel, water, gate hours, road alerts, and the first open trail before departure.
Las Vegas, I-15, Overton, Mesquite, two park entrances, and a desert road through the sandstone
Compare the Las Vegas, I-15, Overton, and Mesquite approaches before choosing the first trail. The lines show arrival corridors rather than turn-by-turn road geometry; use current park hours, Nevada 511, weather, fuel, and water information before entering the desert.
Nevada State Parks says the west entrance is closed Monday through Thursday from August 3 through the end of 2026, while normal access resumes Friday through Sunday. On affected weekdays, use the east entrance from Overton via SR 169 or through Lake Mead via SR 167; the Lake Mead route requires an entrance pass even when passing through. Check the official alert before leaving Las Vegas.
Expect roughly an hour or more from much of the valley before park stops, with extra time for hotel garages, rental pickup, fuel, and I-15 traffic.
When open, the I-15 approach is the natural arrival from Las Vegas and reaches western campground and rock stops before the visitor-center area. Check the official park alert before committing to this entrance.
Use the Overton side for town services, Lake Mead-area travel, or a loop through the park. Do not assume both entrances have identical staffing or access.
Top off fuel, carry water, save offline directions, and check flash-flood, heat, fire, and road information before cell service becomes uncertain.
Official resources
Use live sources for the final route and arrival time; desert roads and park operations can change quickly.
Keep exploring
Pair Valley of Fire with other Second Star Guide trips shaped by desert roads, canyon landscapes, trail mornings, and the wider Southwest.
