Valley of fire - grand canyon south rim
Hi I would likevto know whether itvis worth the détour to go from Las Vegas to the valley of fire before driving to the grand canyon. We are also traveling to Antelope Canyon.
The Valley of Fire State Park is an incredible natural destination, known for its striking red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs, and it can definitely be a worthwhile detour on your way to the Grand Canyon. Whether it's "worth it" depends on your time, interests, and the route you're willing to take. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:
Distance and Travel Time:
The Valley of Fire is located about 1 hour northeast of Las Vegas, making it an easy and relatively quick stop. From the Valley of Fire to the Grand Canyon South Rim, the drive is around 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on your route and traffic. If you're planning to visit Antelope Canyon afterward, you will need to account for an additional 2.5 hours of driving from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona.
Scenic and Unique Features:
The Valley of Fire is famous for its vibrant red rock formations, arches, and valleys. If you're a fan of photography or unique landscapes, it's a great place to take some stunning pictures. Notable highlights include:
- Fire Wave: A popular trail with colorful, wave-like rock formations.
- Atlatl Rock: Features ancient petroglyphs.
- The Beehives: Conical rock formations resembling beehives.
- Rainbow Vista: A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the valley.
If you enjoy natural landscapes with vivid colors and unique geological features, the Valley of Fire is a must-see.
Timing and Itinerary Considerations:
Since you're traveling to Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon as well, visiting the Valley of Fire adds a scenic detour that can enhance your experience. However, you need to consider whether you have enough time to truly enjoy all of these destinations. Here's a suggestion for your itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart Las Vegas and visit the Valley of Fire (spend about 1.5-2 hours exploring). Afterward, continue on your way to the Grand Canyon South Rim (around 4.5 hours drive).
- Day 2: Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim, then head to Antelope Canyon the following day (about a 2.5-hour drive from the Grand Canyon).
Alternative Route Considerations:
If you're short on time, you might consider skipping the Valley of Fire and heading straight to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon to streamline your trip. However, if you're interested in desert landscapes and taking a scenic detour, the Valley of Fire is an excellent option to consider.
Conclusion:
If you have the time and enjoy stunning landscapes and unique geological formations, the Valley of Fire is absolutely worth the detour. It's a short drive from Las Vegas, so it won't take up too much time, and the vibrant red rock scenery will definitely be a memorable part of your trip. If you're pressed for time, you could also opt to skip it and head straight to your next destination.
More Grand Canyon National Park Travel Questions
- A lot of availability at North Rim lodge - anything wrong?
- Four nights between Grand Canyon and Sedona-- 2/2 or 1/3?
- Purchasing an America Beautiful Pass
- Vegas to south rim and back to Vegas - 3 days in south rim
- Staying at Yavapai Lodge - can i get my vistors pass there?
- Spring Itinerary Questions - Vegas to Phoenix
- GC and other sights with crutches
- Tusayan, AZ to Page, AZ drive
- 9 day high level itenary
- HELP with Family trip
- Grand Canyon traffic/crowds/parking Wed before Thanksgiving
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- Fall trip advice
- Beaches between Oxnard and Santa Monica
- Wheelchair friendly transport options
- Room for rent
- Hotel query?
- Kenai Peninsula tour
- Trusted & Reputable Harbin Local Agency
- San Yue San celebrations in Guangxi advice
- Sunset Marquis area
- Levi stadium concert
- Winter activities for non-skiers
- Long distance DiDi hail ride from Jiangmen to Foshan