Speaking of the Valley of Fire State Park (as was mentioned in boondocking expert Bob Difley’s RV holiday memory) check out the “Free First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day 2015.
Nevada’s oldest and largest state park is 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas in Overton, Nev., via Interstate 15, exit 75. On New Year’s Day there will be 10 different guided hikes. “Visitors should inform the fee booth attendant they are participating in one of the hikes and a hike leader will validate their day pass for free entrance.” All events are open to the public. “When going on any hike, bring water and wear appropriate footwear.”
Come a day or two early to camp and celebrate the New Year by hiking the scenic White Domes Trail at midnight.
“A variety of lights will illuminate the trail and sparkling cider will be served at the remnants of an old movie set. Valley of Fire State Park is normally only open from sunrise to sunset, so this is a rare opportunity to experience hiking in the park after dark.”
Reservations are required to go on the hike by contacting the park at vofinterpranger@mvdsl.com by Sat., Dec. 28. A minimum of eight people are needed for the hike to take place. If canceled, notification will be given via email by 4 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 29.
WHEN: Dec. 31 from 11 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.
WHERE: Meet at the visitor center parking lot.
Holiday schedule:
The park is open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Visitor Center will be open from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the park will be open from sunrise to sunset.
Camping:
Arch Rock Campground is closed for the season. Atlatl Rock Campground is, and will remain, open throughout the winter.
Additional fees are charged for the use of camping areas and is payable at the campgrounds. (Click here for fees.) All campsites are first-come, first-serve. Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water and restrooms. A dump station and showers are available. A camping limit of 14 days in a 30-day period is enforced.
RV Camping: RV sites with power and water hookups are now available. A $10 surcharge is added to the regular camping fee for the use of these sites.
Photos: Highway through the Valley of Fire. Bottom: Jimmy Smith parking our truck / camper at space #23 in the Valley of Fire State Park campground. (Julianne G. Crane)
