Valley of Fire State Park Ceramic Knob

A view of Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest and largest state park, dedicated in 1935. The park is located in the Mojave Desert approximately 58 miles Northeast of Las Vegas and covers an area of approximately 35,000 acres. Valley of Fire was named for the magnificent red sandstone formations that were formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of the dinosaurs more than 150 million years ago (Mesozoic Era). These brilliant sandstone formations can appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun’s rays. Petrified trees are also found in the park. In prehistoric times the Anasazi, who were farmers from the nearby fertile Moapa Valley, visited the area to hunt, gather foods and to conduct religious ceremonies. Fine petroglyphs (rock art) can be found at several locations. Mouse's Tank and Atlatl Rock are two areas in particular which have many petroglyphs while being relatively easily accessible.