Valley of Fire at Sunrise and Sunset
Rules, trailheads and closures around first and last light
Park Rules After Sunset
For a Valley of Fire sunset, the rule is plain: outside the campgrounds and the group camping area, visitors may not be in the park after sunset. Once the sun is down, activity is limited to those camping areas.
Park trails are closed from sunset to sunrise each day. The only exceptions are the specific trails and dates of special night hikes.
Drones and remote controlled aircraft are not allowed in the park, and that applies to sunrise and sunset photography as well. The park's West Entrance is temporarily closed.
Sunrise on White Domes Loop
On a guided sunrise hike on White Domes Loop, the rising sun illuminates the rocks and reveals patterns of pink, yellow and orange.
The sunrise hike trail on White Domes Loop is 1.1 miles over loose sand and rough terrain.
The sunrise hike was included with park entry, which was $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles.
Trailhead Distances and Times
White Domes Loop is 5.5 miles north of the Visitor Center, at the end of the road. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the White Domes trailhead from the park entrance. The Rainbow Vista trailhead is 2 miles north of the Visitor Center.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Vista trailhead, north of the Visitor Center | 2 miles |
| White Domes Loop, north of the Visitor Center | 5.5 miles |
| Park entrance to the White Domes trailhead | About 20 minutes |
| White Domes Loop sunrise hike trail | 1.1 miles |
Seasonal Closures and Spring Color
Many trails, among them White Domes Loop and Fire Wave, are closed every year from May 15 to September 30. The closure limits sunrise and sunset hiking in summer.
| Closure | When |
|---|---|
| Many trails, including White Domes Loop and Fire Wave | May 15 to September 30 each year |
| Park trails, daily | Sunset to sunrise, except special night hikes |
In springtime, blooms of desert marigold, indigo bush and desert mallow are often spectacular along park roads.
Tours and Activities
Tours near Valley of Fire
Sunrise and Sunset Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors stay in the park after sunset?
Outside the campgrounds and group camping area, visitors may not be in the park after sunset. Activity after that time is limited to the camping areas.
Are the trails open at night?
Park trails are closed from sunset to sunrise each day. The exception is the specific trails and dates of special night hikes.
What can be seen on the White Domes Loop sunrise hike?
On a guided sunrise hike, the rising sun illuminates the rocks and reveals patterns of pink, yellow and orange.
How far is the White Domes trailhead?
White Domes Loop is 5.5 miles north of the Visitor Center, at the end of the road. Reaching the trailhead from the park entrance takes about 20 minutes.
When are White Domes Loop and Fire Wave closed?
Many trails, including those two, are closed each year from May 15 to September 30.
Are drones allowed for sunrise or sunset photos?
No. Drones and remote controlled aircraft are not allowed in the park.
What did the sunrise hike cost?
The sunrise hike was included with park entry, at $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $15 for out-of-state vehicles.