Valley of Fire

Question

Hi,

Wife and are flying into Vegas and driving to the North Shore Inn so we can get an early start at Valley of Fire the next morning.

Our flight arrives just before 7 pm so I’m looking for dinner recommendations along the way and a place to stop to pick up some groceries for breakfast. We’ll be at Valley of Fire on May 12th, hopefully for sunrise. Any trail recommendations?

Answer

Sounds like a fantastic trip! Here are some recommendations for your drive from Las Vegas to the North Shore Inn, as well as for your visit to Valley of Fire:

For dinner along the way, here are a few options depending on your route:

Echo & Rig (located in Summerlin, about a 25-minute drive from the airport) – A stylish steakhouse with great dinner options, perfect for a good meal before you head out on your journey.
PT’s Gold (near Summerlin Parkway) – A more casual spot with burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of pub-style food. It's a quick and easy option for something satisfying after a long flight.
Lotus of Siam (on E. Flamingo Rd) – If you're in the mood for Thai food, this is considered one of the best in Las Vegas. It’s a little off the highway but totally worth it for the flavor.

For groceries, there are a couple of places you can stop to pick up breakfast items before heading to Valley of Fire:

Smith's Food and Drug (on Lake Mead Blvd) – A well-known grocery store chain in Las Vegas that should have everything you need to stock up on breakfast items like eggs, fruit, snacks, and more.
Albertsons (on W. Cheyenne Ave) – Another great grocery store chain with a good selection of fresh produce and breakfast items.

As for trail recommendations at Valley of Fire, there are a number of short hikes that offer beautiful sunrise views and are perfect for early morning exploration:

Fire Wave Trail – This is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that leads you to a stunning formation of colorful, wave-like rock formations. It’s an easy trail and a great spot to catch the early morning light.
White Domes Trail – A 1.25-mile loop that offers a little bit of everything – dramatic desert landscapes, narrow passageways, and ancient ruins. It’s a great option for a scenic, relatively short hike.
Atlatl Rock – This is a short, easy hike (0.2 miles) that takes you to a rock formation where you can see petroglyphs, adding a cultural element to your adventure.
The Mouse's Tank Trail – This is another easy, 0.75-mile trail that’s ideal for a quick hike and to check out the petroglyphs along the way.

Since you’re aiming for sunrise, the Fire Wave or White Domes are both excellent for early light, offering great photo opportunities. You’ll also get a chance to experience the unique landscape as the sun starts to illuminate the colorful rock formations of the park.

Enjoy your visit to Valley of Fire! It’s an incredible place with some of the most striking desert scenery in Nevada.