The Valley of Fire: get fired up for this fire-red desert

This route takes you deep into the landscapes of the Valley of Fire. Leaving from the Visitor Centre, it's impossible to miss. Driving along it allows you to observe the landscapes without getting out of the car. Around ten kilometres long and very passable, it is a popular route for visitors. You won't be alone on this road.

The story begins millions of years ago, when this desert was a vast ocean (which left us some of the largest fossilised dinosaurs ever discovered on Earth). Once the sea had receded, sand dunes formed and then solidified into sandstone.

Erosion then comes into play and finishes the job, sculpting undulating shapes in the rock, including some magnificent natural arches.

This unique site has been protected since 1934, thanks to its inclusion in the National Natural Landmark, an American programme for the conservation of outstanding sites in the natural history of the United States. Thus was born The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest park.

With a surface area of 185,000 km², it is also the largest in Nevada. Paris is 105.4 km². By comparison, Valley of Fire is almost twice the size of the French capital.

As with any desert getaway, staying in the Valley of Fire State Park requires certain precautions, if only because of the heat: this corner of the desert has some impressive temperature records. In summer, the mercury can reach 54°C in the shade. You'll need to bring plenty of water. And as you don't want to run out of fuel in the middle of the desert, make sure you fill up before leaving Vegas.

If you're planning to spend some time there, or even sleep over, you'll need to be careful and well prepared. Hikers who like to travel light will be dropped off there, or will leave their vehicle in the car park. You'll also come across a number of American-style campervans, i.e. mobile homes with dedicated pitches. In all, there are 72 spaces. The rule here is "on a first come, first serve basis". You come without booking. It's best to arrive before the campsite is full.

Situated between Las Vegas and Lake Mead, the Valley of Fire is a prime location for camping and picnicking. Note that, as always in national parks, these activities are regulated. You are not allowed to light fires, and you can only camp or park your camper van in clearly defined sites (for which a charge is made). Don't deviate from these rules, the Rangers are on the lookout and the fines are substantial.

Unsurprisingly, the park is home to typical desert wildlife. Snakes, scorpions, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep and small mammals live happily in this American desert. Just don't go near them.

As crawling desert animals can be dangerous to humans, only use tents that close completely.

The nearest hosts are in Overton, such as the Plaza Motel, 207 S Moapa Valley Blvd. Alternatively, head back to Las Vegas.

Amerindian populations have left inscriptions engraved in the rock in all the deserts of the West Coast. Valley of Fire State Park is no exception to this rule. At Atlatl Rock, accessible via Loop Road, the inscriptions are even prehistoric petroglyphs.

Whether in France at the Lascaux site, in Saudi Arabia at the Dadan site in Al-Ula, or here in Nevada, the inscriptions always represent the animals that are hunted and the people who are interested in them.

Mouse's Tank Road

This is the place to be! The scenery is breathtaking. The sight of this road winding between the immense sandstone boulders is something of a Dantesque spectacle. 8 kilometres that you can drive slowly to admire. There are several parking areas here, which are the starting points for several hikes: Fire Waves (1h), Mouse Tank (30 min.), Rainbow Vista (40 min.) and White Dome (1h).

The Pretzel Arch

This human-sized rock arch is interesting because it stands on 3 legs. Examples of a natural construction based on this model are rare. If you can find it, you can come and photograph it. You may need to persevere.

If you look carefully, you will see petrified tree trunks, evidence of a time when this desert was covered in woodland millions of years ago.

Elephant Rock

Located at the eastern entrance to the park, Elephant Rock is one of the best-known and most photographed formations in the Valley of Fire. It is possible to drive past it, but the road layout does not allow you to stop and admire it. Instead, you have to get there on foot. Don't panic, this rock formation is very easy to get to, as it is less than a kilometre from the car park at the east entrance to the park. It takes around twenty minutes round trip to get there.

This is our presentation. Finally, never go hiking alone, especially not in the desert.