![]() ![]() During spring, visitors are treated to beautiful blooms of desert marigolds, desert mallow, and indigo bushes along many of the park’s roads.Īnimals in the park include a plethora of lizards and snakes, such as desert iguanas and chuckwallas, zebra-tailed, horned, and spiny lizards, coachwhips, speckled rattlesnakes, and sidewinders. Plants include creosote bush, burro bush, and brittlebush, and several cactus species, such as beaver tail and cholla. Valley of Fire is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The same fault is responsible for similar formations at the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This fault-estimated to have formed around 65 million years ago-pushed older gray limestone above the younger red Aztec sandstone, creating much of the red/tan/gray visual contrast we see today. ![]() The other notable development in the park’s geologic history is the Keystone Thrust Fault. Over time, these dunes were buried and compacted, forming the distinctive red sandstone visible today. The park’s present-day appearance dates back to 150 million years ago, when a combination of wind and water erosion deposited large amounts of sediment, including sand and other debris, creating vast dune fields. The result is the array of sculpted arches, towering cliffs, and intricate, flowing rock patterns that define the park. Valley of Fire’s colorful formations were shaped by 150 million years of uplifting, faulting, and erosion. Daytime temperatures regularly reach 115 ☏ (46☌). However, the park is sweltering in the summer, like much of southern Nevada. Winters are relatively mild, with daytime temperatures between 55☏ (12☌) and 75☏ (24☌), and nighttime lows rarely below 30☏ (3☌). The park’s average annual precipitation is a mere 6.5 inches (165 mm). The park has a warm, arid climate, typical of North America’s desert southwest. Valley of Fire sits at elevations ranging from 1,300 feet (395 m) to just under 3,000 feet (915 m) and is near the confluence of the Virgin River. In addition to the rock, the park features petrified wood dating back over 225 million years ago, as well as sprawling sand dunes. The result is a surreal landscape that has inspired photographers, painters, and filmmakers for decades. The deep red Aztec sandstone is married with contrasting tan, pink, orange, and white hues, resulting from various uplifted limestones, shales, and conglomerates. Please respect the natural and cultural resources of this beautiful land, leave all natural features just as you found them.Valley of Fire is known for its vibrant red sandstone formations-arches, domes, towers, and canyons-which can appear to be “on fire,” particularly during sunrise and sunset. If you have never climbed at Red Rock Canyon and are unfamiliar with route locations, a climbing guide is available with photos, route descriptions, and directions to provide you a brief idea of where to find established traditional and sport routes. You should always bring a surplus of water to stay hydrated. Red Rock Canyon is located in the Mojave Desert, and even if it is not scorching hot, the air is still very dry. Keep this in mind when planning for your climbs, not only as a time constraint but also in terms of water. Many routes in Red Rock Canyon require significant walking, hiking and scrambling to reach them. Routes in Red Rock Canyon are rated via the Yosemite Decimal System. The main type of rock found in Red Rock Canyon is Aztec (or Navajo) sandstone, formed years ago through the natural cementing of ancient sand dunes. Located in Southern Nevada, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the finest rock climbing areas in the world. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution. ![]()
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