Valley of Fire State Park
Here we are at the Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Trailhead. Well, actually we couldn’t find the Fire Wave Trailhead, so we are across the street to do the 1.8 mile loop in the other direction. It is about 8am and only two other cars in the large parking lot. Fire Wave is a major feature here in Valley of Fire. We will get there toward the end of our hike. Here we go!
The erosion of the rocks is interesting, much of it the result of high winds. This part of Nevada only gets about 7 inches of rain a year. The rainfall happens in winter as light rain showers then summer thunderstorms when temperatures are often well over 100 degrees with more and more 120+ degree days. Although temps in winter can be freezing, daytime temps often get into mid-60s to mid-70s. Want to guess why we’re here in January?
The rock looks pink. Maybe just morning light?
Sand is collecting in every little opening.
See that metal pole wedged in the rocks straight ahead by the trail? Glad they have trail markers, so keep an eye out.
Getting a wider view now. Had hoped to walk down into the wash, but it is a sheer drop down so we’ll keep going and watch for tail markers.
WOW have the rock colors changed. Pastels! Most all the rock here is Aztec Sandstone with varying degrees of iron (and magnesium). The redder the rock the more iron. These pastel colors mean other types of minerals were prevalent during formation. Scientists and geologist are still arguing among themselves–was this area near or under water millions of years ago? If it was, resulting mud flats, marshes, and types of plant life played a role in these lighter colors. Just beautiful!
This type of Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus) thrives in harsh desert conditions. It prefers rocky locations so must love this park. It grows about six feet tall here, but in less harsh conditions can reach 10 feet. Come spring/early summer it will have splendid yellow flowers around its top.
This cactus has a unique root system. The roots are shallow and extensive allowing it to capture any rain that falls. It also has the ability to store water to see it through the ever-increasing summer heat. Would like to see its flowers, but quite stunning regardless!
These colors are just unbelievable! One thing for sure, we cannot get down safely this way. We have seen no further trail markers either. There was one marker way down beyond these rocks, but we cannot get down to it. I guess just enjoying the colors will have to be enough–and it is!
I surrender. Let’s go back and find the Fire Wave Trailhead that evaded us earlier.
Found it, way down at the far end of the parking lot. A sandy trail through the bushes and uphill into the hills. Actually seeing a hiker walking toward us is how we found the trailhead. Onward! Very sandy but now close to the rocks again and check out the colors!
Into the rocks we go. So nice they put some benches for us to relax in the shade. We don’t need to now, but maybe on our return? We will do an out/back hike to Fire Wave. Since we could not find a way down on the other side of the road to head to Fire Wave, how could we find a way up coming from Fire Wave? We will just skip the middle of the trail today. Met other hikers who told us that was a good idea. They had lots of trouble finding a way up, and talking with three different hikers, they all found a different way up. One got pretty lost. We’ll keep it simple.
I read that there is a trail down that way then around the red/white formation, BUT the trail marker is uphill. Turn around, we are going up. We are walking on rock so trail markers are vital. Dirt/sand trails are nice because you see footprints of others. Rock offers no such helpful “markers”.
Here we are at the top of the hill. Gorgeous formations looking west (to our right)!
Had to come over for a closer look.
Heading back the other way we see the top of Fire Wave. Now to find a way down? Hmmm . . . here we go again.
To the right–way too steep, but this side of the Fire Wave rock is fascinating–eroding creatively.
Across the wash the mountains/hills are amazing!
Looking back (west), we could take a long walk back up then down along the white rock. That might work. So many places look relatively flat, and then you come to ravine. Another hmmm . . . Check out the varnish on the tall formation straight ahead. That’s a LOT of millennia in the making!
OK, I did take a long trip up, over, down and still could not get all the way down. Came back up near the top of Fire Wave and found a couple of ways down. Way steep, but young folks were doing it, slowly. Nope, not risking my knees. Besides, we have to get back up! Just walk a bit further near the edge of the drop for a good shot.
Hooray, the Fire Wave, taken on the edge of drops looking toward this lovely feature (DON’T back up). Definitely worth the trip! The good news? Other hikers told us this is actually the best place to get a shot (or half way down the steep drop which ain’t happen’). Down below shot is not this good. Other good news? We know the way back 😉 ! Yes, we did stop and rest in the shade too.
Oh, and other good news? With all the back and forth, trying this direction and that looking for ways down? We ended up walking about 2.8 miles instead of 1.8. Good exercise and beautiful landscapes–what could be better?
See you next time my friend . . .
