Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
In retrospect we preferred this site to the one that we wanted inside the Valley of Fire State Park. We arrived Thursday afternoon expecting to find a partial hookup site at the AtlAtl Rock campground, or in the alternative at the semi-primitive Arch Rock. The draw to these campgrounds are that they are nestled in the amazing red sandstone rock formations that are actually fossilized sand dunes. It is one of the draws to visit the park.We did not find any open site, which surprised even some regular visitors.
Hard living in the desert |
While researching the park I made note that there is BLM land disbursed camping situated at both the east and west entrances. Some of these campsites can get crowded. We were lucky and found this isolated site about a half mile off the the entrance road on the wide open mountain desert. We were prepared to dry camp, and the site provided ample sun for our solar panels. We had the peace and quiet of this isolation, forgoing what can be the crowded busyness of an established campground. Our site was only two miles from the west entrance and we enjoyed two full days in the park.
Our first day began with a trip to the visitor center. Visits to these are always questionable given the corona virus, but this one seemed to do it right. Masks required, temperature checks, and a reasonable turnover rate of visitors.
We have come to appreciate these smaller visitor centers and museums, and this one did not disappoint. It is a must to visit, and do so early as it gives an amazing geological overview of the valley and the rock formations. The displays are in front of you while you are overlooking the valley and you can trace billions of years of volcanic, uplift, and erosion history. Inside, the displays provide both a natural and cultural history of the area. This is significant because there are amazing petroglyphs throughout the valley.
We next visited Elephant Rock, The Cabins, and the Seven Sisters.
The Seven Sisters are a series of unique rock formations just off of the Valley of Fire Road. They provide an up close look and what wind and water erosion does to fossilized sand dunes. |
Arch Rock |
Atlatl Rock You have to work to see the petroglyphs high up on this wall. The rock is noted for the ancient rock carvings, but specifically one representing the atlatl and a hunter. The atlatl was a notched stick that was used to throw primitive spears. The stick provided the leverage to increase the power of the throw. The atlatl preceded the bow and arrow. See the atlatl at the top of the petroglyph. It is combined with a hunter and an animal. Does it mean that the hunting is good here? |
What is it about these pictures from the ancients? They clearly communicate information and ideas, but we can only guess what they mean. They intrique and link me to the past of this country.
Mandatory “Slot Selfie” |
Looking closer at this composite boulder you can see life thriving. |
While camped at an ideal location, we enjoyed the Snow Moon every night. |
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