Valley of Fire

March 12/2015 Weather 80 and Sunny, low 60.   A great day to be alive:)

North shore of Lake Mead Recreation Area

nice sweeping road with a wonderful vista

Today we are taking a ride east of Vegas about 50 plus miles as the crow flies.... So it will most likely be 100 + miles by the time we take all the scenic drives through the north shore of Lake Mead Recreation Area and The Valley of Fire State Park.

Picnic area and trail - I had Billy check for lizards and snakes first!

We have Bottles of water and granola bars in the side bag since there are no restaurants, gas stations, tourist concessions in the State Park.   There is a Visitor Center (water available) and a few rest stops with primitive facilities along the drive.

A biker couple ahead of us driving in the Valley of Fire

We are going to tell you now if you go to Las Vegas and can only choose 1 site seeing trip this has to be it.  The Valley of Fire is designated a National Natural Landmark.

Look at the colours - red, brown, gold, yellow, green

We know we said see Hoover Dam and Red Rock but this Valley of Fire is "mesmerizing", "stunning" - the rock formations are in every spectrum of the rainbow - red, yellow, gold, brown, even some strands of green and blue.   

Unbelievable scenery to drive into

The rocks are so red that with the sun shining they are said to be on fire. We have been to Sedona to see red rocks but this area has a wilder untamed feel, not covered in tourist traps and housing.  Remote to civilization.  It is a postcard in every direction. 

Red and yellow moon scape

Another scenic drive, can't believe they all look different but so gorgeous

The desert is coming alive now in March, the dead looking pieces of vegetation are blooming!!!!  My mom the gardener would love this.   

beaver tail cactus - they are everywhere along the road

Bear paw poppy -  wish I could bring these home to Mom

Oh my goodness and have you ever seen such a wonderful spot to park your camper????  Water and power available.  Can you imagine watching the sunset and sunrise here.  Life doesn't get any better than this.   We are putting this State Campground on our bucket list.  We would love to come back and stay here for a few days and soak in the natural beauty of this place.

This should be the cover picture on a camping magazine!!!

Close your eyes and think of having coffee outside your camper in the morning - ah what a life