Lake Mead Rec Area to VoF State Park

After some consideration of a tour, I think instead we will rent a car for a day to check out these parks so we can be on our own timetable. I%26#39;m interested in getting some great pics, maybe some walking too since the weather should be pleasant in late April, and just enjoying the scenery. We have been to Hoover Dam a few times, along with the adjacent Lake Mead area at that end. I know this rec area is large and apparently has an entrance to VoF on another side--true? I%26#39;ve heard it%26#39;s spectacular to drive thru on the way to VoF. We%26#39;d like to see both and the day we plan for this would be our last day in Vegas. We can leave the hotel around 8 am.

My questions are: how much time should we realistically allow to do a (mainly) driving tour of these, with stops at visitor%26#39;s centers and parking areas? What%26#39;s not to be missed here? Any museums? Recommendations appreciated, thanks!

Lake Mead Rec Area to VoF State Park

We just did that drive last month, and it was a beautiful drive through the desert. There is a $5.00 fee to enter the Federal Park, and there is a $6.00 fee to enter the Valley of Fire (it is a Nevada State Park hence the additional fee)

It is a 2 lane road, and there were several stopping places along the way. We were gone for 9 1/2 hours, but we went to Mesquite after we left Valley of Fire so estimate it would have been around 7 hours if we would have taken the interstate back to Vegas after we left VOF Park.

I think we will go back another time, because we were there during the day and several here on the forum have told me the colors are really beautiful early or later in the day. There is a Visitor Center, and that is also the only place we noticed restrooms except at the VOF entrance so don%26#39;t drink too much before you make the drive! LOL

Lake Mead Rec Area to VoF State Park

It is a really beautiful drive thru Lake Mead rec area to Valley of Fire. The drive took a little longer than we expected it to, but we really enjoyed it. Of course, we did get out and use the restroom at a couple of picnic areas and walk around and stretch our legs a bit. Try to make it to Valley of Fire by noon or so, so you have plenty of time to drive around and see the sights. There are some really nice hiking trails that can be done with great features such as petroglyphs and red rock. There are actually quite a few restrooms in the park. I know that I visited the ones at Atlatl rock, elephant rock, the visitors center, and the cabins. Stay for sunset, as it is incredible!! We were wowed by the colors and still have some of those photos hanging on our walls. AMAZING!! You will really enjoy it. Then, it is about an hour and 15 minutes back to the strip.

I found a map online and it looks like we would come in on route 147 (Lake Mead Blvd) where there is one entrance station to LMRA then follow Northshore Rd up to the VoF entrance--proceed thru there and exit the park on route 169 to take 15 back into Vegas. Or is there a better route?

We were thinking ideally this would take about half the day and maybe we%26#39;d get a late lunch on the way back. (Suggestions welcome for that) We have plans that evening so don%26#39;t want to be gone the whole day, a little downtime at the hotel would be nice.

Yes that is the route we took. When you exit VOF, just go straight north to I-15 then you can head east to Mesquite (there are several casinos there, so you can eat supper there) or west back to Vegas.

It is well worth your time, and it will offer some beautiful views! IMHO