Fire Wave

The Fire Wave
4.6
8 Reviews
Fire Wave
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Details

Distance
1.37 miles
Elevation Gain
220 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Groups
Easy Parking
Wildlife
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Derrick Lytle

The Fire Wave Short hike with a big reward in Valley of Fire State Park. No permit needed for this photographer's dream.

Once a secret unmarked location The Fire Wave has quickly become a huge draw for park visitors in The Valley of Fire. The hike to the sandstone wave is just over a half mile of sand and sandstone and it's worth every step.

While not as popular as The Wave in Utah the Fire Wave can be accessed without the need for a permit and provides equally stunning vistas.

The trail starts across the road from parking lot #3 on Mouse's Tank Rd. There's plenty of parking for RV's and vehicles but no water or restrooms nearby. Be prepared, in the summer it's deathly hot and there is no shade along the trail. Be sure to fill up at the visitor's center or the nearby gas station close to the East Entrance of the park.

Sunrise, sunset, and night time are all great for shooting The Fire Wave. Sunset is gorgeous but you'll have to get there early and set up to get the spot you want. The area is very popular. Night photography is also fun here although you'll be battling neon light pollution from Las Vegas and shooting between a constant stream of airplanes.

The short hike out to The Fire Wave is worth it year round and with so many good days of shooting weather in Southern Nevada this location is a must shoot.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
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Alex D
4/6/2022
The Fire Wave
This is a beautiful spot for photographs! I prefer the afternoon sun which highlights the best features.
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Andy Merkel
12/10/2018
Just as good as the other wave
Wonderful experience and short hike to an amazing rock formation! Any time of year is great to come here, however go during the week ...
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Heidi
7/31/2017
Hot Hot Hot
I did this short out and back with my husband and father-in-law in some serious heat, but the views were definitely worth the sweat. ...
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Jared Blitz
12/29/2016
Short hike with a cool hangout spot
One of the highlights of the Valley of Fire. The hike to the Fire Wave is easy and short. The Fire Wave ...
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Kelly Park
10/17/2016
Perfect Day Trip From Vegas
This is the perfect short hike just an hour from Vegas if you need an escape from the glitz and gambling. It's not ...
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Joanna Kan
5/30/2016
Fire Wave
Short and easy hike to see Fire Wave. I expected something more spectacular since it was compared to The Wave in Utah but I ...
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Ross Kyker
5/26/2016
Easy Hike And Worth The Trip
It was a very easy hike in and out and well worth it! But I think they changed their night policy, I was there ...
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Nick Oman
1/14/2016
Just an amazing formation. As always leave no trace and avoid walking on the formation itself.
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