Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and largest state park, and it delivers some of the most visually stunning scenery accessible to families anywhere in the American Southwest. Located about an hour northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, this 40,000-acre park features brilliantly colored Aztec sandstone formations that appear to be ablaze when hit by direct sunlight -- hence the name.

The landscape is genuinely otherworldly. Massive formations of red, orange, pink, and white sandstone have been eroded by wind and water over 150 million years into waves, arches, domes, and towers. Kids consistently describe it as looking like Mars or a movie set. (They are right -- several films have been shot here.)

For families, three trails stand out. Fire Wave (1.2 miles round trip) is the park's most photographed spot -- a formation where alternating bands of red and white sandstone create a wave pattern that looks painted. The trail is flat but completely exposed with zero shade, so timing and water are critical. Kids 5+ handle it well with frequent water breaks.

Mouse's Tank trail (0. 75 miles round trip) is ideal for younger kids. This short, easy walk through a narrow sandstone canyon passes dozens of petroglyphs -- rock art scratched into the canyon walls by the Ancestral Puebloans roughly 3,000 years ago.

Give kids the challenge of spotting as many petroglyphs as they can (there are over 100 along the trail). The drawings depict bighorn sheep, human figures, and abstract symbols.

White Domes trail (1.25 miles loop) passes through a narrow slot canyon with towering walls of multi-colored sandstone. The slot canyon section is dramatic and cool (literally -- it is shaded) and provides relief from the sun. Ruins of a 1960s movie set add historical interest.

The scenic drive through the park connects all major trailheads and viewpoints. Even without hiking, the drive provides jaw-dropping views. Multiple pullouts allow for photos and short explorations. Elephant Rock, visible from the road near the east entrance, is a natural formation that remarkably resembles an elephant.

The visitor center is worth a stop for its air conditioning alone (essential in warm months), but it also has excellent geological exhibits explaining how the formations were created, a small gift shop, and clean restrooms.

Critical logistics: bring everything. There is no food, no stores, and no water sources inside the park. Pack a cooler with lunch, snacks, and far more water than you think you need. Temperatures in the park can be 5-10 degrees hotter than Las Vegas due to heat radiating off the rocks. Summer visits (June-September) should only happen at dawn. Spring and fall are ideal.