The Seven Wonders Loop The Fire Wave Trail, one of over 30 hiking trails located in The Valley of Fire State Park only 1 hour 20 minutes away from Las Vegas’ Strip, is by far the most well-known. This visually jarring 1.5 mile wave is made of Navajo sandstone shaped by eons of wind and water erosion—its swirling bands of red, pink, and gold-toned sandstone form a natural, undulating wave that looks like it has a fabulous paint job. The impressive, flaming strata are similar to Upper Antelope Canyon (in Page, Arizona) You can also read about how to get started. visit if you enjoy the Fire Wave), and the Fire Wave Trail is probably my favorite hike near Vegas—as a photographer, its abstract arches and rosy hues, which change depending on the time of day, are especially captivating.
The Fire Wave Trail forms the main part of The Seven Wonders hiking trail, which is 2.5-3 miles long. While you’re at it, make sure to visit the other six. There are two hidden gems less than half a kilometer away: Kaolin Slot Canyon is a pink and white sandstone canyon, which is particularly beautiful at sunset. Pastel Canyon has a cream and lavender stretch in a red landscape. Fire Cave has a honeycomb-like texture of eroded stone; Thunderstone Arch is an enormous, wind-carved arched that looks like a thunderstorm suspended in mid-burst. Gibraltar Rock – a massive red fortress rising sharply above the ground – also features a huge sandstone arch. Crazy Hill is my second favorite wonder (after The Fire Wave). This formation is reminiscent of melted rainbow sherbet with bands of white, red, purple and yellow blending together across a round knoll. Crazy Hill, which is less popular than Fire Wave, has a similar geological structure to Artist’s Palette at Death Valley. Valley of Fire State Park has an entrance fee of $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for those who are not. Photographers, don’t forget to bring your DSLR camera. cameras.
White Domes Loop Trail This easy, but scenic, 1.1-mile trail also takes you to Valley of Fire State Park. It will take you through a slot Canyon, sandy washes and beautiful Aztec Sandstone. Expect a lot of other hikers along the trail, so get an early start to avoid the heat and crowds–especially in the summer, when daily temperatures reach over 100 degrees.
Clark County Wetlands Park, southeast of Las Vegas
Half an hour drive from the Strip
