Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most spectacular geological areas in the western United States. Its red rocks and sandstone cliffs glow brilliant shades of orange in the setting sun. Breathtaking stone structures with names like the Beehives, Elephant Rock, Seven Sisters and Mouse’s Tank are carved into the landscape from eons of erosion.
The Nevada State Parks system offers a variety of programs to get visitors involved in learning about and appreciating the unique landscape of the West. This November and December at Valley of Fire State Park, just outside Las Vegas, visitors can take advantage of a variety of workshops and hikes free of charge.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, learn about “outdoor ethics” at the Leave No Trace course held at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center Theater. Get a crash course on the principle of always taking out what you take in to public land from a Leave No Trace master educator. The class is offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will last between 30 minutes to an hour.
Dust off your running shoes for the Valley of Fire Marathon Saturday, Nov. 21. There will be three races, a 10K, a half marathon and a full marathon, that start at the Visitor Center entrance and go to the White Domes area. The event is open to anyone who wants to participate; to register call Tracey Whelchel at 435-817-3400 or e-mail valleyoffiremarathon@yahoo.com.
A park ranger will lead the Duck Rock Hike at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5. Just as the name implies, the hike will lead to a duck-shaped rock. The ranger will explain some of the geology of the park during the 1.5-mile hike.
Fido doesn’t have to sit at home on Saturday, Dec. 12, during the three-mile K-9 Hike. The leisurely hike will start at Charlie’s Spring Parking area and will take up to two hours to complete. Dogs should be on leashes no longer than six feet long, and owners are required to pick up any mess left by their dogs. Space is limited, so call 702-397-2088 to reserve a spot on the K-9 Hike.
For more information on these and future hikes and programs at Valley of Fire, visit http://www.parks.nv.gov/vf.htm. There are 25 state parks throughout Nevada and two national parks. For information on each park and its ongoing programs, visit www.parks.travelnevada.com.
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