New Valley of Fire Visitor Center

A Brief History

   Valley of Fire features striking red Aztec sandstone formations, formed during the Jurassic period from wind-blown sand after inland seas receded. Evidence of human life in the area dates back thousands of years, with petroglyphs carved by the Ancestral Puebloan and Paiute cultures still visible today. A road built in1912 opened the area to motorists, and in the 1920s, the name “Valley of Fire” was coined by an AAA official captivated by the fiery glow of the sandstone at sunset. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the first park facilities, and it has since expanded to more than 40,000 acres of breathtaking multicolored rock formations and historic sites.

A Modern Landmark in the Desert

   Las Vegas Brewing Company is raising a toast to Nevada’s most iconic landscape with the new Fire Wave Red Pale Ale, brewed exclusively to celebrate the grand transformation of the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

With a $30 million investment, Nevada State Parks has reinvented the Visitor Center as a state-of-the-art, sustainable destination that honors the park’s world-famous red rock formations—including the Fire Wave itself. The facility is now a Net-Zero Energy Building, powered by integrated solar panels and advanced energy-efficient systems that eliminate net carbon emissions. Visitors will also discover upgraded restrooms, a first-aid medical room, and a brand-new amphitheater for ranger talks and community programs—all designed to improve comfort and access in one of Nevada’s most remote and beloved locations.

Inside the exhibit hall, a dramatic rough canyon wall anchors the space, forging a direct connection between the architecture and the surrounding desert landscape. The project also expands exploration opportunities with four new hiking trails, including an ADA-accessible route, inviting more visitors than ever to experience Valley of Fire’s fiery sandstone scenery up close.

The Fire Wave Red Pale Ale serves as a fitting tribute, crafted by Las Vegas Brewing Company, to honor this major reinvestment in Nevada’s public lands. Just as the Visitor Center blends innovation and preservation, the limited-edition brew celebrates the deep connection between people and the landscape that defines this extraordinary park.

Fire Wave Trail

    The Fire Wave Trail leads visitors to one of Valley of Fire’s most photographed formations, but it requires preparation and caution. The trail to the Fire Wave is a ¾-mile hike from Parking Lot P3 over loose sand, uneven surfaces, and exposed terrain with no shade. Because of extreme summer temperatures and frequent heat-related emergencies, the trail is closed seasonally from May through September for visitor safety. Those planning a visit outside the closure period should come prepared with ample water, proper footwear, sun protection, and a realistic understanding of the conditions. Search and rescue calls are common in this part of the park, so visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead, know their limits, and prioritize safety when exploring this stunning but demanding landscape.