Valley of Fire GMP, 2010 Page 1 of 61 - Nevada State Parks

Valley of Fire GMP, 2010 Page 1 of 61

David K. Morrow Administrator 

J. Steve Weaver, Deputy Administrator 

Jenny Scanland, Parks and Recreation Program Manager 

Jim Hammons, Valley of Fire Park Supervisor 

Russ Dapsauski, Southern Regional Manager 

Assistance Partners: 

Deborah Reardon, NPS River and Trails Conservation Assistance 

National Park Service, Land and Water Conservation Fund 

University of Las Vegas School of Architecture and Planning 

Contributing Partners: 

Elise McAllister, Partners in Conservation 

Matt LaCroix, Clark County 

Marilyn Peterson, Bureau of Land Management 

Jim Holland NPS, Lake Mead National Recreation Area 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Executive Summary 4 

Chapter 1 – Introduction 8 

A. Purpose of Plan 8 

B. Park Setting 9 

Chapter 2 – Regional Influences 15 

A. Park History 15 

B. Demographics 18 

C. Recreational Demand 24 

D. Recreation Supply 26 

E. Regional Land Use Trends 28 

F. Supply/Demand Analysis 29 

Chapter 3 – The Existing Park 30 

A. Natural Resources 30 

B. Cultural Resources (Archaeological/Paleontological) 45 

C. Site Analysis Map/Summary 48 

D. Existing Facilities and Use 49 

Chapter 4 – General Management Plan 53 

A. Process 53 

B. Management Plan 55 

C. Development Plan 60 

Appendices 

Appendix 1.1 - Park Vicinity Map 

Appendix 1.2 - Land Ownership Map 

Appendix 1.3 - Park Acquisition History Map 

Appendix 3.1 - Slope Map 

Appendix 3.2 - Geology Map 

Appendix 3.3 - Soils Map 

Appendix 3.4 - Hydrology Map 

Appendix 3.5 - Vegetative Communities Map 

Appendix 3.6 - Developed Scenic Viewpoints Map 

Appendix 3.7 - Composite Site Analysis Map 

Appendix 3.8 - Facilities Map 

Appendix 3.9 - Utilities Map 

Appendix 3.10 - Circulation Map 

Appendix 3.11 - Core Trails Map 

Appendix 3.12 - Motorized Trails Map 


18 





I. INTRODUCTION 

Valley of Fire State Park offers some of the most unique natural land forms in the state of 

Nevada. Valley of Fire is one of Nevada's oldest and the largest state park, dedicated in 1934. 

The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the 

Mojave Desert. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of 

petrified wood and 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyphs. 

A. PURPOSE OF PLAN AMENDMENT 

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this plan amendment is to update the 1990 long-range management plan 

for Valley of Fire State Park. The plan begins with an introduction to the document and 

the park in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 discusses regional influences which directly and 

indirectly affect the park. Chapter 3 describes the park’s natural and cultural resources, 

including existing facilities and description of uses. Chapter 4 summarizes the planning 

process and the resulting plan. 

2. Planning Process 

The current Valley of Fire planning process encompasses work by the Nevada Division 

of State Parks (NDSP), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), partnering agencies, 

technical assistance from the National Park Service River, Trails and Conservation 

Assistance (RTCA) Program, and input from the public from 2007-2009. Funding was 

provided by the Nevada Division of State Parks and from the Land and Water 

Conservation Fund administered by the National Park Service. Details of the process can 

be found in Chapter 4. 

a. Past Plans 

Past plans addressing visual integrity and environmental sensitivity, recreation 

facilities and other issues were reviewed and used in identifying preliminary 

issues to be addressed during the planning effort. These plans included: 

Valley of Fire State Park Master Plan (NDSP, 1990) 

Nevada’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) – 

Assessment and Policy Plan (NDSP, 2003) 

Nevada State Recreational Trails Plan (Nevada Division of State Parks 

Planning and Development Section, 2005) 

Clark County, Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (2000) 

BLM Logandale Trails Monitoring Plan (2007) 

BLM Integrated Resource and Recreation Area Management Plan of the 

Logandale Trails System (2007) 


Splendor Among the Rocks-Archeological Paper #4, Volumes 1 and 2, The 

Community College of Southern Nevada Field School, Dept. or Human 

Behavior, Dr. Devin Rafferty (July, 2004) 

NDOW State Action Plan (2005) 

Moapa Valley Open Space Plan; Clark County, NV (In progress) 

Moapa Valley Trails Study; Clark County, NV (In progress) 

Northeast Clark County Land Use Plan (2006) 

Moapa Valley Master Plan; Parks and Recreation, 20-Year Plan (2007) 

Lake Mead Mgmt. Plan (2002); General Mgmt. Plan/EA (Sept. 2005) 

b. Planning Team and Key Stakeholders 

Several people were instrumental in the gathering of information and the 

writing of the plan. Others were important in the issue identification and 

alternatives development meetings. 

1. Jenny Scanland, NDSP, Parks and Recreation Program Manager 

2. Deborah Reardon, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and 

Conservation Assistance Program 

3. Jim Hammons, NDSP, Valley of Fire Supervisor 

4. Russ Dapsauski and Terry Hansen, NDSP, Southern Regional 

Managers 

5. Elise McAllister, Partners in Conservation 

6. Marilyn Peterson, Bureau of Land Management, Recreation Planner 

7. Jim Holland, National Park Service, Lake Mead National Recreation 

Area 

8. Matt Lacroix, Clark County Liaison to Moapa Valley 

9. J. Steve Weaver, NDSP, Deputy Administrator 

10. Dr. Kevin Rafferty, Department of Human Behavior, College of 

Southern Nevada 

B. PARK SETTING 

1. Description and Location 

a. Description of Park and Location 

Valley of Fire State Park is located approximately six miles west of the northern 

arm of Lake Mead and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. It is reached via 

Interstate 15 and State Highway 169. The park currently encompasses 42,059.48 

acres (Certified by State Lands, 2009). State Highway 169 offers access into the 

park at its east and west boundaries. (Figure 1.1; Park Location Map). 


Developed facilities include family and group picnic areas, two 

campgrounds, trails, several vista/overlooks and rest areas. Also provided 

is a staffed visitor center with offices, staff residences and maintenance 

facility. There are also memorial/historic markers, and interpretive sites 

for petroglyphs and petrified wood displays. Details of facilities provided 

are in Chapter 3. 

Figure 1.1 Park Location 

b. Physical setting of the area 

The park is situated in the valley created by the North Muddy Mountains to the 

west and Muddy Mountains to the south. The Moapa Valley lies to the northeast 

and the Overton Arm of Lake Mead to the east. The valley along with the 

surrounding mountains is sparsely vegetated and arid in character. The park offers 

a wide variety of natural and cultural resources for visitors. The primary and 

most striking features of the park are the red sandstone formations found 

throughout the site. These formations and their color provide interesting contrast 

to the surrounding desert. In addition to these naturally carved formations, the 

park also has an extensive number of petroglyphs. The park's isolation adds to its 

uniqueness. 

c. Property Ownership 

Lands administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management border the park on 

the west, north and south. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, administered by 

the National Park Service, lies directly east of the park. The park is also bordered 

by lands managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Lands Management 

and private property owners. (Appendix 1.1 Land Ownership Map) Since 1980, 


the park has grown to encompass over 35,300 acres. (Appendix 1.2 History of 

Acquisition) 

2. Legislation and Policy 

a. Legislated Goal 

The Nevada Division of State Parks (Division) is one of many agencies 

within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The 

Division is directed by legislative intent to: ―acquire, protect, develop and 

interpret a well balanced system of areas of outstanding scenic, 

recreational, scientific and historical importance for the inspiration, use 

and enjoyment of the People of the State of Nevada and that such areas 

shall be held in trust as irreplaceable portions of Nevada’s natural and 

historic heritage‖ (NRS 407.013). 

b. NV Administrative Code; Park Specific 

NAC 407.350 Valley of Fire State Park. (NRS 407.0475, 407.065) 

1. Within the Valley of Fire State Park, a person shall not climb a rock 

formation or otherwise engage in rock climbing except in an area 

designated for such climbing by the Supervisor of the Park. 

2. A person climbing in such an area: 

(a) May use ropes, carabineers, web belts, webbing and cushioning 

materials. 

(b) Shall not use any pitons, chocks, or other such climbing devices or any 

magnesium carbonate chalk in climbing unless: 

(1) The person is engaged in emergency rescue operations; or 

(2) The Supervisor of the Park approves the use of such devices or chalk. 

[Div. of St. Parks, eff. 1-2-80]—(NAC A 8-17-82; 12-31-85, eff. 1-1-86; 

11-12-93; R118-01, 12-17-2001; R153-03, 1-16-2004; R149-05, 5-4- 

2006) 

c. Land and Water Conservation Fund Protection 

All of the State of Nevada owned acreage within the boundary of the Park 

is under the protection of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 

6(f)3 provision. By federal law, property acquired or developed with 

LWCF assistance shall be retained and used for public outdoor recreation 

uses only. Therefore, no portion of the park may be wholly or partly 

converted to other than public outdoor recreation uses without the 

approval of the National Park Service Regional Director pursuant to 

Section 6(f)3 of the LWCF Act and 36 CFR part 59. All facilities must be 

compatible and support outdoor recreation. 


3. 1990 Goals/Objectives 

This planning process will address the applicability of the 1990 goals and 

objectives from the past plan and update them to address the demands and 

needs of recreation while continuing to protect the park’s unique 

resources. The timeframe for this plan is 15 years, or from 2010 to 2025. 

Below are the goals and objectives for the park that are being considered 

for revision: 

a. 1990 Plan Concept 

The 1990 plan described the park concept as follows: Valley of Fire State 

Park offers some of the most unique natural land forms in the state of 

Nevada. The protection of these resources is the primary objective of State 

Parks. 

Along with resource conservation, in 1990, State Parks was looking 

into ways to increase visitation and provide greater use of the 

resources through increased public access. 

Resource conservation and increased park access were both elements 

which were to be managed at an appropriate level to provide for a 

broad range of recreational activities from the most passive to the 

more demanding activities of primitive camping and climbing. 

The 1990 plan stated that access was the key to providing these 

activities to the broadest range of age groups and physical abilities. 

Paved access was to be provided to park staff and the public; in order 

to provide easier and more efficient means of patrolling and managing 

the park. 

The new Plan Concept was developed by staff and the public in 

December, 2009. This park concept consists of five mission statements 

that will direct the park’s management for the next 15 years or until 

amended or revised. 

Park Concept 2009: 

The Valley of Fire State Park offers some of the most unique 

natural landforms, archeological and paleontological resources and 

scenic values in the state of Nevada. 

Sensitive areas in this desert ecosystem are protected for future 

generations while allowing for compatible recreational use; public 

access is controlled through designated trails, roadways and 

recreation areas. 


The Park provides extensive interpretation and educational 

programs and amenities with an emphasis on engaging youth. 

Valley of Fire State Park will continue to be an outdoor classroom 

through research partnerships that support the conservation and 

protection of resources. 

All facilities in the park, including signs and interpretation, are 

designed to be unobtrusive, visually compatible with the natural 

landscape and consistent with scenic highway aesthetic standards. 

b. 1990 Natural/Cultural Resource Objectives 

 

 

 

 

All natural components of the park (flora, fauna, soils and geology) 

were to be identified so that they may be protected, interpreted and 

managed adequately. 

Endangered, rare or protected species were to be identified, located 

and protected as befitted the situation. 

Cultural resources were to be protected and maintained in an 

appropriate manner; visitor safety and convenience were to be kept 

foremost when considering maintenance projects on historic structures. 

Since the site contains major works of prehistoric petroglyphs, great 

care was to be taken in exhibiting, interpreting, and protecting these 

resources for future generations. 

4. Major Current Issues 

a. Park Specific Issues 

Fragile Desert Ecosystem: Valley of Fire at first glance would appear to 

be a barren desolate desert with little or no life. In fact, Valley of Fire is a 

very fragile environment where hundreds of species of flora and fauna 

live. Many of them are highly specialized to contend with the harsh desert 

environment. As such, minor alterations to the ecosystem could have 

dramatic effects. The cutting of indiscriminate 4WD trails and hiking, 

equestrian or biking social trails, can produce scars on the landscape that 

may take tens or even hundreds of years to erase. 

The unique geology and erosion which created the colorful geologic 

formations of the park is an ongoing process. Consequently, careful 

consideration must be given to the location of facilities to prevent scenic 

degradation or more practical considerations such as damage from 

flooding. 


Human activities have impacted the environment of the park throughout 

its history. To date, the impact of man on the valley has left the park with 

unique rock carvings or petroglyphs. The site has been historically a site 

for hunting by many generations. The remote location and absence of 

potable surface water has helped to protect the valley from incursions by 

modern man. 

1) Uncontrolled Access: Major concerns expressed during 

preparation of the 1990 plan and that continue today are the lack 

of access to the formations and areas in the northern portion of the 

park. Some participants wanted to see wide open access to the 

park from all points of entry. Logistically this seemed much too 

difficult from the aspect of staff resources available in 1990 and it 

still does today. The past plan recommended that a second fee 

booth be installed on the eastern entrance road in order to increase 

public contact and provide additional information and educational 

materials to the public. This has not occurred yet. 

2) Off-road vehicle (OHV): Unauthorized use is resulting in 

resource degradation in the north half of the park. The Park 

boundary marking is not comprehensive and the adjacent 

Logandale OHV trail system passes near and through the park in 

several places. Increased educational and directional signage is 

needed to direct the users to designated trails. The problem of 

unauthorized public use is also enhanced by the number of access 

points to the park. The park has not been able to provide control 

of all access points and therefore gain control of undesirable park 

use. The lack of funding for operations in the park, education and 

interpretational signage has had to be utilized to the fullest extent 

affordable to control and redirect motorized use and reduce 

resource damage. 

3) Flora and Fauna, and their Habitat: The Multiple Species 

Habitat Conservation Plan for this region includes the VOF and 

the park is a partner in those efforts. Inventory of Threatened, 

Endangered and State Listed Species and habitats needs to occur 

in the park to aid management in protection of these species and 

their habitats. The Division utilizes our partner agency Natural 

Heritage to help identify known habitats and species presence. 

4) Vandalism of Petroglyphs and Petrified Wood Sites: Vandalism 

is a problem within the park and the fragile nature of these 

resources and their locations make them difficult to protect. 

Climbing within the park is addressed through NAC 407.350 (see 

previous section 2.b.) and prohibits these activities from leaving 

lasting effects on the park’s formations. Inventory of 

paleontological and archaeological sites has occurred and 

mitigation as well as protective interpretive panels and facilities 


are in place to protect known sites. However, fencing is not 

adequate to stop vandals from removing the petrified wood from 

the park at this time and theft occurred in 2007. 

5) Special Uses Movie Sets: The Park has been the site of many 

motion pictures, music videos and commercials. Problems have 

occurred which have resulted in the destruction and scarring of the 

landscape. Most of these problems have occurred due to 

carelessness and not through malicious activities. Additionally, 

there is a greater need for staging areas for movies and large 

events. 

6) Special Uses Weddings: The Park is under great demand for 

special use permits for weddings. The number of requests is over 

that which current staff can manage while still managing the rest 

of the park users, maintenance and administration. 

7) Trails: Due to the lack of natural water availability, extreme heat 

during the summers and the unsuitable nature of the soils, most of 

the trails in the park are fairly short distance. The unstable nature 

of the soils does not allow for sustainable trails that are accessible 

in most areas. 

8) Day and Overnight Use: Conflicts have arisen in the past 

between car campers and RV campers related to noise and 

generators. The latest campground installation (2008) should help 

as it provides a RV hook-up section that is separated from the rest 

of the campsites. There is also a need to renovate the current 

group picnic facilities and group camping facilities. 

II. 

REGIONAL INFLUENCES 

A. PARK HISTORY 

1. History of the Area 

Recorded history at Valley of Fire began in 1826 when the first Europeans, 

mostly fur trappers, entered the valley. One of the first explorers to cross the 

valley was Jedediah Smith, a well known mountain man. Smith's route, which 

followed the Virgin River, brought travelers from Santa Fe westward. Another 

pioneer trail which passed near the park was known as the Spanish Trail and was 

actively used during the 1830's and 1840's. The Spanish Trail passes to the west 

of the park. 

The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded land from Mexico to the United States in 

1848 and this land treaty encompassed all of southern Nevada, including the 

Valley of Fire. 


Through the 1840's the Spanish Trail, also known as the Mormon Road, became a 

main route from Salt Lake City to southern California. The use of trails by white 

immigrants was a traumatic shock to the Paiute people who lived in the area. 

Occasional hostilities broke out between the two cultures concerning ownership 

of land and animals. Farming, which brought with it land ownership, slowly 

displaced the Native American population. Mormon colonists started to establish 

settlements along the Muddy and Virgin Rivers, adjacent to the park. 

One of the better known legends which involves the park, concerns a Paiute 

Indian by the name of Mouse. Mouse was considered a renegade by the white 

settlers and an outcast by his own tribe. As with many legends, the facts are not 

always clear or agreed upon. According to one story, Mouse was employed by 

George Bonelli, a merchant and rancher as a hand on a ferry at Bonelli's Landing. 

Mouse's trouble began when he shot up an Indian camp while drinking one 

evening. Mouse was locked up and later ferried across the river and left in 

Arizona. He then, reportedly, killed two white prospectors and fled to the Valley 

of Fire. 

Several searches were conducted to locate him and bring him to justice. Mouse's 

hideout within the rugged landscape of Valley of Fire made him difficult to track. 

From his hideout, Mouse made several forays into the settlement to steal goods 

and materials. The search parties were always puzzled how Mouse could live 

within the valley since no running water was available. However, Mouse knew 

the valley very well and discovered a natural depression within the rocks which 

would hold rain water for months at a time. This depression is known today as 

"Mouse's Tank" and is a popular attraction within the park. 

Mouse was finally found on July 11, 1897 by a posse which ordered him to 

surrender near Muddy Spring. Mouse did not surrender and instead had an hour 

long running gun fight with his pursuers before finally being shot. 

The Moapa Indian Reservation was created in 1872 along the Muddy River. The 

reservation contains approximately 72,000 acres near the park. As time 

progressed, the river valley became more intensively farmed with the introduction 

of modern irrigation and fertilizers. 

In addition to farming, mining for minerals such as gypsum, magnetite, silica, 

borates and lithium took place in the area. The valley did not contain large 

mineral deposits and was not intensively mined. The mines that used to operate in 

the park are closed and rehabilitated as of 2007. 

The Valley of Fire became a wagon road cutoff to Las Vegas in the latter part of 

the 19th century and early 20th century. In 1914 Clark County built a dirt road 

through the Valley to serve as part of the Arrowhead Trail between Salt Lake City 

and Los Angeles. The route was abandoned in 1925 when a more northerly route 


was established along present-day Interstate 15. Before the trail was abandoned, 

an official of the American Automobile Association named the Valley after 

seeing it near sunset ablaze with red-orange color. 

Beginning in 2007, the neighboring Lake Mead National Recreation Area began 

to lose significant amounts of water due to drought. The impacts of the lowering 

of the lake on the use of that NRA has not been measured yet in terms of it's 

impact on the Valley of Fire State Park. The lake remains at record low levels and 

current use is reflecting those low levels. 

2. History of Valley of Fire State Park 

In 1914, Clark Co. helped in the building of a rough road through the valley to 

serve a segment of the Arrowhead Trail. In the 1920's, Governor James 

Scrugham recognized the beauty of the Valley and requested transfer of the land 

from federal public domain to the state. Valley of Fire was officially dedicated as 

Nevada's first state park in 1934. The first major construction within the park 

occurred between 1933 and 1935. This construction included a road and the 

"Cabins" built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The "Cabins", small stone 

structures, were built to accommodate overnight travelers. The CCC was under 

the direction of Colonel Thomas W. Miller of Caliente, Nevada and continued for 

several years. 

In the decades that followed, legislative appropriations were very meager with no 

personnel available for maintenance. Funds for the park were cutoff entirely 

during World War II. The Baker Act, passed in 1940, eliminated the Valley of 

Fire from the State park system, ironically based on the premise that the park was 

too isolated and inaccessible and had no recreational value. 

Several prominent Nevadans opposed the closing, including former Governor 

Scrugham, Colonel Miller and the Perkins family. As a result of this vocal 

opposition, the Baker Act was repealed around 1955. During this period, 

Governor Charles H. Russell stimulated the park system by appointing a new 

commission which elected Colonel Miller as chairman. The colonel's appearance 

at a hearing of the 1955 legislature led to a biennium appropriation of $4,000 for 

the commission. Valley of Fire, soon after, was given its first superintendent and 

ranger. An office was leased and a truck was purchased for the park. The 

"Cabins" were allocated $500 for improving the structure. 

Establishment of the modern Valley of Fire State Park began with the addition of 

facilities such as campgrounds and a Visitor Information Center in the late 1960's. 

(1969,Wirth; Park System Plan, 1997) From 1990 to 2008 many improvements 

have been made in the park. Trails have been designated and signed, petroglyphs 

have been made more accessible with stairs and protected from visitors touching 

or scraping the sites. Interpretive programs have been developed and implemented 

as well. The White Domes road was paved and Arch Rock and Atlatl Rock 


campgrounds were developed. A new campground loop at Atlatl Rock was 

installed in 2008 which provides additional sites that have full RV hookups. Many 

of the toilets were upgraded in the 90’s and shade structures at the group sites 

were improved. The most current development project is that of new offices, staff 

living quarters and an upgraded Visitors Center, which is in progress. 

The Park has undergone significant changes in landownership through the years. 

Prior to 1973 the Valley of Fire State Park included approximately 34,000 acres 

and included those lands which make up the main core of the park. In 1973 a 

Patent was applied for through the Bureau of Land Management, Recreation and 

Public Purpose Lease program for acreage on the north backcountry section and a 

few acres on the east side of the park. The acreages in those applications changed 

many times as the process was completed. In 2006 an additional 420 acre inholding 

was acquired in the northern section of the Park called the White-Gro 

mine. The current total acreage of park land is 42,059.48. 

B. DEMOGRAPHICS 

1. Historic 

The Valley of Fire derives its name from red sandstone formations, formed from 

great shifting sand dunes during the age of dinosaurs, 150 million years ago. 

Complex uplifting and faulting of the region, followed by extensive erosion, have 

created the present landscape. Prehistoric users of the Valley of Fire included the 

Basket Maker people and later the Anasazi Pueblo farmers from the nearby fertile 

Moapa Valley. The approximate span of occupation has been dated from 300 B.C. 

to 1150 A.D. Their visits probably involved hunting, food gathering, and religious 

ceremonies, although scarcity of water would have limited the length of their stay. 

The growth around Valley of Fire State Park was never explosive but did increase 

through the settlement of the farms and ranches near Overton and the Moapa 

Valley. The greatest impact of population on the Valley of Fire has been and still 

is from the urban center of Las Vegas. 

2. Existing/Projected 

The park is situated in the valley created by the North Muddy Mountains to the 

west and Muddy Mountains to the south. The Moapa Valley lies to the northwest 

and the Overton Arm of Lake Mead to the east. The valley along with the 

surrounding mountains is sparsely vegetated and arid in character. The park offers 

a wide variety of natural and cultural resources for visitors. The primary and 

most striking features of the park are the red sandstone formations found 

throughout the site. These formations and their color provide interesting contrast 

to the surrounding desert. In addition to these naturally carved formations, the 

park also has an extensive number of petroglyphs. The park's isolation also helps 

give the park its unique character 


a. Clark County Demographics 

Demographics and socioeconomic condition for Clark County, Las Vegas and 

the State of Nevada are in flux during this planning period due to a significant 

national economic recession. 

Average Annual Population Growth 1990-2008 5.22% (declining) 

Source: Clark County Annual Population Estimates 

Average Monthly In-Migration - 2008 -2,396 (declining) 

Source: Clark County Comprehensive Planning / NV Bureau of Health 

Planning & Statistics Preliminary '07 Annual Birth & Death Rates 

Annual Job Growth Rate Las Vegas- - 4 . 5 % (declining) 

Unemployment Rate - Las Vegas-Paradise MSA 10.1% (increasing) 

Source: Nevada Dept. of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (2/09) 

As of the 2000 census, approximately 1.4 million people resided in the county. 

Population estimates by Clark County for 2008 were 1,986,146 and growing. 

However, due to the economic recession, Clark County and Las Vegas have 

experienced a large number of home foreclosures and job losses. This has resulted 

in a drop in population. University of Nevada, Reno economist Tom Cargill 

estimated that there would be a declining population in Clark County due to the 

recession in 2010. 

However, this is disputed by the Clark County 2009 Comprehensive planning 

Demographer estimates which show increases in population through 2035. 

Described below are the results of the 2005 census estimates, combined 

with 2006 and 2009 data as provided by the County and State. 

The racial makeup of the county in 2005 was 54.5% Caucasian Non 

Hispanic, 26.1% Hispanic, 10.1% Black or African American, 1.0% 

Native American Indian, 6.7% Asian, 0.6% Pacific Islander, and 2.8% 

from two or more races (Figure 2.1 Clark County Racial Make Up). 


Clark County Racial Demographics 

Caucasian Non- 

Hispanic 

Hispanic 

African American 

Nativ e American 

Indian 

Asian 

Pacific Islander 

Two or More 

Figure 2.1 Clark County Racial Makeup 

Minorities make up almost half of Clark County’s population. 

(US Census, 2005) 

By 2005, there were 637,740 households of which 414,377 were family 

households (Figure 2.2 Clark County Household Demographics). Of the 

family households, 47% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 

There were 122,383 family households comprised of single parent 

households, with approximately two times as many single female parents 

as male parents. There were 171,314 households with individuals living 

alone. There were 132,561 households with one or more people 65 years 

of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average 

family size was 3.25 (US Census, 2005). 

Clark County Household Demographics 

Married-couple 

families 

Single male 

families 

Single female 

families 

Non-family liv ing 

alone 

Other non-family 

households 


Figure 2.2 Clark County Household Demographics 

There is a large family community and significant percentage of individuals living alone. 


The age demographics of Clark County indicate that 26% of the 

population is under the age of 18, 9% from 18 to 24, 31% from 25 to 44, 

23% from 45 to 64, and 11% who were 65 years of age or older (Figure 

2.3 Clark County Age Demographics). The median age was 34.4 years. 

Clark County Age Demographics 

Under 18 

18-24 

25-44 

45-64 

Ov er 65 

Figure 2.3 Clark County Age Demographics 


There is a fairly even distribution of age groups with a slight lean towards 

children and 25-44 yrs which supports the large 'family' demographics 

below. 

b. Las Vegas Demographics 

Las Vegas is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Clark County, 

Nevada. The demographics of the city of Las Vegas represent urban Clark 

County. 

Las Vegas is located at 36°10'34" North, 115°8'13" West (39.176, - 

115.137) (Wikipedia, 2007). According to the United States Census 

Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 340.0 km² (131.3 mi²). As of the 

census of 2000, there were 478,434 people, 176,750 households, and 

117,538 families residing in the city. The population density was 

1,630.3/km² (4,222.5/mi²). There were 190,724 housing units at an 

average density of 649.9/km² (1683.3/mi²) (US Census Bureau, 2000). 

The racial makeup of Las Vegas in 2005 was very similar to that of Clark 

County: 52.3% White, 28.5% Hispanic, 11.1% African American, 0.6% 

Native American, 4.7% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 3.0% from two or 

more races (US Census Bureau, 2005). 


Las Vegas Household Demographics 

Married-couple 

families 

Single male 

families 

Single female 

families 

Non-family liv ing 

alone 

Other non-family 

households 


Figure 2.4 Las Vegas Household Demographics; about a third of the households in Las 

Vegas are non-family. 

There are a slightly smaller proportion of families in the City of Las Vegas 

when compared to the demographics of overall Clark County. In 2005, 

there were 204,688 households of which 132,735 are family households 

(Figure 2.4 Las Vegas Household Demographics). Of the family 

households, 48% had children under the age of 18 living with them. Of 

these family households, 41,098 are single parent households with more 

than two times as many single female parents as male parents. There were 

56,733 households made up of individuals living alone. There were 45,667 

households with one or more people 65 years of age or older. The average 

household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.26 (US Census, 

2005). 


Las Vegas Age Demographics 

Under 18 

18-24 

25-44 

45-64 

Ov er 65 


Figure 2.5 Las Vegas Age Demographics 

In Las Vegas the population was spread out with 27% under the age of 18, 

8% from 18 to 24, 32% from 25 to 44, 22% from 45 to 64, and 12% who 

were 65 years of age or older (Figure 2.5 Las Vegas Age Demographics). 

Las Vegas demographics show slightly larger percentage of people under 

the age of 18 and over 65 than Clark County. The median age was 34.8 

years. 

c. Moapa Valley Demographics 

The City of Overton lies just under 20 miles from the park and resides in 

the Census Designated Place (CDP) of Moapa Valley. Census statistics 

also include the towns of Logandale and Moapa. 

As of the 2000 census there were 5,784 people, 1,934 households, and 

1,525 families residing in the CDP. Clark County’s estimate for 2008 was 

7,200. 

In 2005, there were 1,934 households out of which 38.8% had children 

under the age of 18 living with them, 69.8% were married couples living 

together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 

21.1% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of 

individuals and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age 

or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size 

was 3.43. 

In the CDP the population was spread out with 33.5% under the age of 18, 

6.7% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 


15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. 

For every 100 females there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 

18 and over, there were 98.2 males. 

The median income for a household in the CDP was $39,942, and the 

median income for a family was $47,575. Males had a median income of 

$42,348 versus $26,442 for females. The per capita income for the CDP 

was $16,696. About 5.7% of families and 6.9% of the population were 

below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of 

those age 65 or over. 

The Las Vegas metropolitan region augments the population of the Moapa 

Valley as a bedroom community to Las Vegas. Other future development 

in the area such as Coyote Springs to the North appears to be increasing 

use of Valley of Fire State Park by regional and local users. 

C. RECREATIONAL DEMAND 

1. Effect of Population Increases and socioeconomics and Demand 

Past rapid development in the Las Vegas, Moapa Valley and Clark County in 

general increases pressure on all recreation facilities in the region. Increasing 

populations raise demand for these facilities at all levels. City and County 

recreation providers continue to try to catch up and to keep pace with demand and 

use. Residents may apply increasing pressure on the State system to meet their 

needs. 

The recession that began at the end of the decade has reminded recreation 

providers that recreation areas continue to be in high demand during economic 

stress. There is a "stay close to home" need with less folks traveling as far to 

recreation due to cost. At this point, due to demand, the Nevada Division of State 

Parks (NDSP) is currently upgrading old facilities and has already added and 

upgraded the campgrounds at Valley of Fire. The lack of projected funding for the 

State in the next decade demands that maintenance is critical to our parks. The 

increasing proximity of Las Vegas development reduces travel time to the Park, 

making the park more accessible and increasing demands. International visitation 

is also increasing and the park is currently upgrading the visitor's center to help 

meet those demands. 

A number of data sources provide insight into the socioeconomic condition of 

regional residents and park visitors. This information can be used to help 

determine the ability of regional residents to participate in the full range of 

recreational activities available. The 2010 Census is getting underway and no data 

is available at present. The 2005 Census data for Clark County shows a slightly 

lower percentage of poverty level families and senior citizens than that of the rest 


of the United States. The population of the area leans towards families, and 

therefore affordable family and group activities areas are needed. Due to this 

demand, Valley of Fire is adding and upgrading camping facilities and other older 

facilities. The Park is also upgrading the trail signage and interpretive/education 

signage to meet these needs. 

The median income for a household in the county was $44,616, and the median 

income for a family was $50,485. Males had a median income of $35,243 versus 

$27,077 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,885 (U.S. 

Census Bureau, 2000). 

The U.S. Census Bureau described the national poverty line for 2005 as an 

individual income of $10,160 or less. A total of 10.8% of the Clark County 

population and 7.9% of Clark County families were below the poverty line which 

are significantly lower than the national percentages of 12.6 and 10.8. 14.1% of 

those under the age of 18 and 7.3% of those 65 and older in Clark County were 

living below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). According to Clark 

County data, the poverty rate in Clark County, Nevada has increased by 0.4 

percent from the levels reported in the Decennial Census of 2000, moving from 

10.8 percent to 11.2 percent in 2006. 

2. Visitation Characteristics 

Overall visitation to all Nevada State Parks has gradually increased between 1990 

and 2008 with relatively smaller fluctuations. Following its peak of 3,472,248 

visitors in 2000, overall visitation leveled off in the last few years at 

approximately 3,200,000 visitors, which is larger than the mean of 3,165,657. 

3. Activity Preferences and Demand 

The 2009 NDSP Statewide Visitor Survey Report listed the following outdoor 

activities as being the most popular in NV State Parks based on participation: 

relaxing outdoors, walking, both vehicle camping and tent camping, picnicking 

and hiking. Water-based activities are the most popular where water bodies and 

fishable streams are available. Past surveys from the 2003 Statewide 

Comprehensive Recreation Plan and the 2005 Nevada Trails Plan resulted in 

similar preferences: pleasure driving, picnicking, walking, wildlife viewing, and 

hiking. The trails plan brought forth biking and OHV use as two of the addition 

top five trail uses. 

The Nevada 2005 State Recreational Trail Plan Survey information on demands 

for trail activities was a statewide random sample of trail users was asked to select 

the activities that they engaged in during the twelve months preceding the survey. 

The percentage is of total survey respondents who indicated participation in each 


trail activity. Respondents could pick more than one activity; therefore, the sum 

of the percentages is greater than one hundred. 

Facilities Visitors Would Like To See Expanded 

showers 

restrooms 

campgrounds/campsite 

RV hook ups 

picnic shelters 

picnic areas 

grills/fire rings 

fishing piers 

trails/trailheads 

cabins/yurts 

boat ramps 

parking lots 

interpretive exhibits 

groups areas 

roads 

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 

Figure 2.6 2009 Statewide Survey 

Applying 2009 Statewide and regional data to Valley of Fire we can see that users 

are asking for renovated or updated facilities that provide for highly developed 

camping, picnicking, family gathering, hiking, scenic views photography and 

visiting historical, paleontological and archaeological sites. 

Valley of Fire surveys indicated a demand for more interpretation and protection 

of the Paleolithic sites and better signage for all trails. Users of the backcountry 

on the Logandale trails system asked for better signage on the trails and for the 

Park to consider the possibility of a dry campground for OHV/ATV's in the north 

end of the park. Separation of the generator vs. non generator campers is a 

continuing issue. 

D. RECREATIONAL SUPPLY 

1. Valley Of Fire 

Valley of Fire State Park provides the park visitors with the opportunity to escape 

the urban pace of Las Vegas and enjoy the unrestrained beauty of the Mojave 


Desert. Developed activities include camping, group camping, individual family 

and group picnicking, an events center, guided historic and nature tours, wildlife 

and nature viewing, and historic interpretation. 

a. Family Picnic and Group Use Areas 

Shaded picnic areas with restrooms are located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, 

the Cabins, near Mouse's Tank trail head and White Domes. There are three 

group areas, accommodating up to 45 persons. They are available for 

overnight camping and picnicking by reservation only. 

b. Visitor Center 

The visitor center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory, and 

history of the park and the nearby region. A gift shop is located within as 

well as restrooms and refreshments. The staff offices are located behind the 

visitor's center. 

c. Historic Attractions 

Petroglyphs and other Native American points of interest like Mouse’s Tanks 

offer visitors a view into the past of a people who first made the Desert their 

home. The CCC Cabin site and the Historic Arrowhead Trail and other 

historic markers provide historic sites for the public. 

d. Camping 

Two campgrounds with RV hookup sites, and three walk-in camp sites. 

Campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. 

Dumpsites and showers are also available. 

e. Trails, Access and Regional Connectivity 

Walking and hiking are popular activities for people visiting Valley of Fire. 

The park has 16 trails ranging from .1 mile to 6.8 miles in length. There is 

currently 24.9 miles of trail in the park. This includes sections of the 

Logandale trail which crosses into the north end of the park in several places. 

Connectivity outside the park is limited to the Logandale trails system. There 

is opportunity to create connectivity with the Moapa Valley Trails plan, the 

City of Overton and Clark County in the future in the north end of the park 

for non-motorized and motorized uses as the Moapa Valley trails and open 

space plans are completed. See Chapter 3 for details on each trail 

(Attachment 3.10 Circulation Map; 3.11 Core Trails Map; and 3.12 

Motorized Trails Map). 


2. Regional Facilities 

Other State Parks in the region are Spring Mountain Ranch and the Old Las 

Vegas/Mormon Fort. The Lost City Museum in Overton offers fine displays of 

Indian artifacts and reconstruction's of the original pit dwellings and pueblo found 

in the Moapa Valley. The Lake Mead National Recreation area is six miles away 

and offers a myriad of water based recreation opportunities. Other public 

recreation providers in the region include the incorporated cities of Las Vegas, 

North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Pahrump, Blue Diamond, and Clark 

County. Typical urban facilities provided by these groups include swimming 

pools, ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, open multi-use turf areas, golf 

courses, and picnicking sites. 

The federal government actively manages recreation areas in the region also. 

These include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Desert National Wildlife 

Refuge, the National Park Service at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the 

United States Forest Service at Mt. Charleston, and of course, the Bureau of Land 

Management in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Picnicking, 

boating, swimming, hiking, mountain climbing, hunting and other backcountry 

experiences are examples of activities available in these areas. 

E. REGIONAL LAND USE TRENDS 

1. Ownership and Land Use 

The Park boundary consists of two large areas separated by BLM and private 

lands. Lands administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management border the 

park on the west, north and south. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 

administered by the National Park Service, lies directly east of the park. The park 

is also bordered by lands managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and private 

property owners. (Appendix 1.2 Land Ownership Map) 

2. Patterns and Trends. 

Since 1980, the park has grown to encompass over 35,300 acres (Appendix 1.3 

Park Acquisition History Map). Land use surrounding the park is all outdoor 

recreation. In cooperating with the Clark County and the Moapa Valley trails and 

open space plans meetings and with the NPS and BLM in this process, there are 

no plans for changing any of these lands to non-outdoor recreation use. Plans 

include collaborative trail building and cooperation in management of the 

motorized trail system in the north. 

3. Zoning 


The park lies within the Northeast Planning Area for Clark County. The park is 

within the Public Facilities and rural open land districts. Therefore the park is in 

compliance with County zoning and no conflicts exist. 

4. Existing Access 

Two entry/rest stations are located at the east and west entrances into the park 

along State Highway 169. The main park road bisects the southern portion of the 

park from east to west. This main road is paved and well maintained. The second 

main road is the White Domes Road. There are also several secondary roads 

within the park including Atlatl Rock loop road, Beehives road, Cabins road that 

are open to the public. There are other tertiary roads for staff use only 

(Attachment 3.10 Circulation Map). 

There is a third heavily used entry point at the Logandale Trails area through the 

BLM lands on the north end of the park (Attachment 3.10 Circulation Map and 

3.12 Motorized Trails Map). The park also has a number of unofficial access 

points which are found mostly in the northern portion of the site. Most of these 

access points require 4WD vehicles and are difficult to traverse due to constant 

wash outs. 

F. SUPPLY/DEMAND ANALYSIS 

A supply demand analysis using uncertain demand and demographic data is 

difficult. However, the future of the State of Nevada, Division of State Parks 

General Fund Budget future which supports maintenance and operations is 

anticipated to be inadequate. It is anticipated that demand may increase while 

supply is going to remain constant, and operating and maintenance budgets will 

likely decrease. 

Economists are estimating that the State of Nevada Government budget and the 

economy may take a decade to recover. The same is being said for the nation. 

Worldwide impacts cannot be estimated at this point either. Because of this, it is 

only prudent to focus on maintaining current facilities as the priority of this plan. 

The National Parks Service Newsletter, January 2010, The Connections included 

an article from Rick Potts, Chief, NPS Conservation & Outdoor Recreation 

Division. In it he explained best a problem with nationwide park implications, 

including Valley of Fire: "You cannot love a park to death. When a special place 

has a constituency of people who personally know and experience it, their love of 

that place rises up to protect it when it is threatened. When people know and love 

a place, they protect it. For all their importance, physical connections between 

parks and the land or communities near them are not enough to protect the parks. 

Parks also need deep connections with the hearts of people all around them. 

Although love cannot kill an area, apathy and irrelevance surely can. " 


During 2009, the park saw a visitation increase of over 16% and set an all-time 

record number of visitors at 1,519,732. Therefore, we must anticipate continued 

increasing visitation impact and demand. The facilities, natural beauty and 

valuable archaeological resources within the park are the features that draw the 

users. Therefore, their upkeep, maintenance and protection will hold priority over 

that of redevelopment or new facilities. 

III. 

THE EXISTING PARK 

A. NATURAL RESOURCES 

1. Physiography/Slopes 

Valley of Fire State Park is located approximately 60 miles northeast of 

Las Vegas, Nevada in Clark Co. It lies in the Basin & Range 

physiographic province, with typical north-south trending valleys and 

ridges. The park possesses a series of rock formations which are unique 

to the basin area. The elevations of the park range from a low point of 

1320 and climb to an elevation of 3009 feet. 


Valley of Fire lies in the Muddy Valley and lies to the west of the 

Overton Arm of Lake Mead. The dominant Muddy Mountains lie to the 

south of the park boundary and rise to an elevation of 5363 feet at Muddy 

Mountain. The Muddy Valley along with the Virgin Valley is unique for 

Clark County in that it does not contain a central basin. These valleys 

drain into the Colorado River and are the only open drained basins in 

Clark Co. Two parallel ridges lie to the west of the park. These ridges 

are known as the Weiser Ridge and the North Muddy Mountains. 

Slopes range in the park from near level to near vertical relief. In some 

areas overhangs and land bridges are common. Limestone formations are 

often moderately high, steeply sloping ridges which are grey in color. 

The less resistant sandstone formations form low ridges or valleys; these 

units form the spectacular displays of color and interesting erosional 

features (See Appendix 3.1 Slope Map). The most striking formations are 

located within the core of the park and to the north. Visitor use areas are 

typically flat except in trail areas. 

2. Climate 

a. Temperature 

The park has predominately two seasons of summer and winter. Fall and 

spring are typically very short compared to areas in the north and north 

central portion of the state. The park’s location in the low-latitude desert 

is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. The southern 

subtropical desert region averages 20 degrees (F) warmer than areas in the 

northern portion of the state. Approximately half of this variation is due 

to latitude and the other half to elevation. Winters in the park may be 

cool but a zero degree (F) temperature has never been recorded. 

Summers in the park are very hot with a July mean temperature of 90 

degrees (F) and daily highs well over 100 degrees (F). The highest 

temperature set in Nevada of 122 degrees (F) was recorded on June 23, 

1954 near the park in Overton, NV. 

As in many desert areas where clear skies exist, there is usually a large 

variation in temperatures from day to night. In the park that range can 

reach as high as 24.4 degrees (F) in July. 

b. Precipitation 


Rainfall within the park is slight as is typical to most low lying southern 

deserts. The occurrence of rain within the park is infrequent with the 

majority of precipitation occurring in the winter months. Summer rains 

are in the form of highly localized thunder showers which may offer rain 

to portions of the park while leaving other areas dry. 

Due to the topography of the rock formations and soil characteristics, there 

is a high potential for flash floods. Flash floods may occur with even 

moderate rainfalls within the park. During flash floods erosion and silt 

damage may also occur. The largest recorded rainfall at the park was 

2.36 inches in November of 1987. 

c. Solar and Wind 

The park is in full sun approximately 83% of the time which makes it one 

of the sunniest locations in the country. June and September have full sun 

for 92% of the month. The least sunny month at the park is December 

which is sunny 73% of the month (Houghton, Sakamoto, Gifford, 1975). 

Surface winds in Nevada are governed primarily by the prevailing storm 

tracks and the basin-range topography. The highest wind speeds are 

generally recorded in May in the extreme southern portion of the state. 

The average high wind speed is 10.9 MPH. The lowest average wind 

speeds are recorded in November and December, 6.8 MPH. 

The prevailing wind direction is southwesterly from February through 

September and changes to westerly from October through January. The 

diurnal effects of wind result in calm morning winds with winds picking 

up in the afternoon. 

3. Geology of the Area 

The geologic evolution of Valley of Fire dates well into prehistory. The 

Cambrian period, 500 to 600 million years ago, provides a good starting 

point for the explanation of its unique geology. During the Cambrian 

period a large inland sea covered all of the Great Basin, leaving a thick 

deposit of limestone. Located above these formations were the deposits of 

red Kaibab limestone of the Permian period, which ended approximately 

200 million years ago. 

The visible geology of the park began with the Triassic period. Sediments 

including shale, sandstone, gypsum and marine deposits were known as 

the Moenkopi formation. These sediments were washed down from 

surrounding uplift areas to form layers called Shinarump Conglomerate. 

This layer was formed in the late Triassic period and after they were 

formed a layer of Chinle shales were deposited above them. 


Along the park borders, many petrified logs can be found and are a result 

of the extruded conglomerate. These petrified logs are the fossilized 

remains of a long extinct pine like conifer. 

During the Jurassic period, from 135 to 180 million years ago, most of the 

region underwent a period of drying. These desert-like conditions are 

evidenced by the thick layer of sandstone which was cross bedded by wind 

driven particles. The bright, brick-red layers are what give the park its 

unique core. This Aztec Sandstone is exhibited in low, rugged, lowland 

belts. As the formations are followed from the north boundary they bend 

to the southeast and east in response to the anticlinal uplift directly north 

of the Arrowhead fault. The anticline is broken by faults which cause irregularities 

in outcrops. The most striking natural formations are located 

on the north limb of this structure. 

Above the Aztec Sandstone that borders the park are thick Cretaceous 

deposits, made of conglomerate, sandstone, clay, and volcanic ash. The 

deposits were laid down after the initial disturbance of the older rocks but 

the Cretaceous beds were in turn highly tilted, and in a local area they 

were overridden by a plate of Aztec Sandstone (Longwell, Pampeyan, 

Bowyer, and Roberts, 1965). 

Mountain-building occurred after the Jurassic period and eventually 

created the Muddy Mountains. Materials which were displaced and relocated 

by water went to the formation of the Baseline and Willow Tank 

formations located in the eastern part of the park. 


4. Soils 

Seven Sisters 

In the early Cenozoic times about 70 million years ago, major uplifting, 

folding, and faulting resulted in the Willow Tank Thrust and the Glendale 

Thrust. The Glendale Thrust resulted in the highlands which were eroded 

on one side to produce huge alluvial fans. This produced the Overton 

Flaglomerate which is now displayed by the steeply tilted ridges along the 

park's eastern boundaries. From this point on, the primary geologic 

process at work in the valley has been erosion. Extremely low rainfall is 

typical to the area, however, even this small amount of rainfall over the 

millions of years has stripped off most of the upper layers from the 

Glendale highland and has cut deep canyons in the Aztec Sandstone. 

Along with the action of erosion, wind also has scoured the exposed walls 

of buttes and canyons, pockmarking and gouging them into strange textures 

and unusual shapes. 

(Appendix 3.2 Geology Map) 

a. Description 

Valley of Fire falls into a mapping unit known as a Bard-Colorock- 

Tonapah. This unit covers the entire site and is moderately deep and 

deep, well drained and excessively drained. The land is near level to 

strongly sloping on broad alluvial fans and old terraces. This map unit 

consists of large areas characterized by mountain ranges and by depressional 

areas consisting of drainage ways through mountains. Bard soils 

make up 36% of the unit and Tonopah soils about 10%. Arizo, Arrolime, 

Cave, St. Thomas, and Badland make up the remaining 30%. 

The Bard soils are found on old terraces and alluvial fans. These are 

shallow, have indurated, lime-cemented hard pan. These soils are well 

drained and are gently to strongly sloping. The surface layer is pink 

gravelly fine sandy loam about 5 inches in depth. The underlying 

material is pink sandy loam about 14 inches thick over an indurated, limecemented 

hardpan about 27 inches in depth. This layer overlies a light 

grey very gravelly sandy loam that extends to a depth of 60 inches or 

more. The vegetation which is supported by this soil type include; 

creosote bush, white bursage, cholla and other cacti, and annuals. 

Colorock soils are typically located on smooth, broad alluvial fans. These 

soils are generally shallow over hard pan. They are well drained and 

gently sloping to moderately sloping. A 3 inch layer of pink very gravelly 

clay loam make up the upper portion of the profile. The next layer is a 


pink very gravelly sandy loam about 12 inches in depth. Below this is an 

indurated, lime-cemented hardpan about 27 inches thick over light grey 

very gravelly sandy loam that extends to a depth of 60 inches or more. 

The vegetation on these soils is mainly creosote bush, white bursage, 

cacti, and annuals. 

Tonopah soils are alluvial fans and terraces. These soils are deep, 

somewhat extensively drained, and nearly level to strongly sloping. The 

surface layer is light brown gravelly sand loam about 6 inches in depth. 

The underlying material is light brown very gravelly sand and extends to a 

depth of 60 inches. These soils host several plants including; creosote 

bush, white bursage, and annuals (Soil Conservation Service, Virgin River 

Area, 1980). 

Another soil survey was completed in 1985 which covers the entire park 

boundary (Appendix 3.3 Soils Map). This survey was done by the Bureau 

of Land Management as part of an Oil and Gas Leasing Environmental 

Assessment. This survey of soil associations generally parallels the SCS 

survey in many areas especially those containing the Badland and Rock 

Outcrops units. The major differences occur within the valley itself 

which exhibits a far greater degree of alluvial fan soils. These soil 

associations include Weiser-Cave-Arizo, Weiser-Isom, Tencee-Weiser- 

Normud, Canutio-Elvada, and Canutio-Nickel-Cajon. These associations 

dominate the southern portion of the park and are considered deep, well 

drained soils occurring on alluvial fans (Valley of Fire, Environmental 

Assessment, 1985). 

b. Soils Constraints 

These soil units are not suited for crops and have only limited uses for 

livestock grazing. They provide limited food, water, and cover for wildlife 

species that normally inhabit the area. The location of facilities should 

avoid obvious dry washes and other drainage ways. These areas can be 

very erosive during localized heavy thunder storms (See Appendix 3.4 

Soils Map). 

5. Water Resources 

a. Watershed/Streams 

Most of the normal runoff in the Valley of Fire follows moderate to heavy 

rain which occurs on a sporadic basis and follows dry washes. The 

largest of these dry washes, Valley of Fire Wash, occurs in the southern 

part of the park and roughly parallels the main road from west to east. 

Another major wash, Overton Wash, occurs in the northern reaches of the 


park and runs from the southern edge of the Weiser Ridge to the Overton. 

In addition to these two main washes there are several secondary washes 

which also are prominent in the park, such as the Fire Canyon, Kaolin, 

Magnesite, Wieber, and Logan Washes. As with the other main washes 

these washes also run west to east where they eventually tie into the 

Overton Arm of Lake Mead. 

Typical of all desert areas with extremes of topography, runoff occurs 

rapidly in the form of flash floods as soils typically are non-permeable. 

The park contains no permanent, free-flowing streams within its 

boundaries. (Appendix 3.5 Hydrology Map) 

There are only three small springs located in the park. They are all low 

volume springs with little to no runoff. These springs are Charlie's spring, 

another just east of it in same wash, and one in Magnesite wash. 

b. Water Rights 

There are no known surface water rights in the park. There is one 

operating well with underground rights located at Atlatl Rock dump 

station. There are underground water rights at the reverse osmosis plant to 

be moved to the well in the future. 

6. Park Ecology 

a. Communities/Vegetation Types 

Valley of Fire State Park, with its location near the borders of Nevada, 

Utah and Arizona, lies in a broad transition corridor between Mojave and 

Great Basin Deserts. There are a large number of native species of shrubs, 

grasses, cacti, and wildflower/annuals which occur in the Muddy 

Mountains and surrounding valleys. 

Patterns of association within the park and the adjacent Muddy Mountains 

are complex, reflecting the effects of climate, substrate, and physiography. 

This highly varied geology, elevation and soils results in a large diversity 

of plants in what at first glance would be considered a desolate desert 

landscape. 

Community Types as described by the EPA Southwest Re-Gap database 

for Clark County include: 

 

 

Inter-Mt. Basins Semi Desert Shrub Steppe. 

Mojave Mid-Elevation Mixed Desert Scrub. 


North American Warm Desert: Badland, Bedrock Cliff and Outcrop, 

Pavement, Playa, Riparian Mesquite Bosque, Riparian Woodland and 

Shrubland, and Desert Wash. 

Sonora-Mohave Creosote bush-White Bursage Desert Scrub 

Sonora-Mohave Mixed Salt Desert Scrub. 

(Appendix 3.5 Vegetative Communities Map) 

B. Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan 

The Nevada Division of State Parks, as a partner in the Clark County 

Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), has agreed to 

implement a total of approximately 650 specific conservation measures. 

The conservation measures include: 

• Public information and involvement 

• Research 

• Inventory 

• Monitoring 

• Protective measures 

• Restoration and enhancement measures 

• Land use policies and actions 

The MSHCP incorporates agreements such as the Spring Mountains 

National Recreation Area Conservation Agreement, the Blue Diamond 

Cholla Conservation Agreement, the Las Vegas Bear poppy Memorandum 

of Agreement, and existing general management plans and land use plans 

and the recently approved BLM Las Vegas Resource Management Plan. 

The MSHCP provided a landscape-scale perspective for addressing the 

conservation needs of plant and wildlife species in the park and the 

habitats upon which they depend. In order to implement an ecosystembased 

approach to the conservation of biological resources in the Park, the 

plan area was organized by elevation and range into ecological zones and 

ecosystem types: 

ECOSYSTEM TYPE (MSHCP) 

Alpine 

Bristlecone Pine 

Mixed Conifer (White Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Ponderosa Pine/Mountain Shrub) 

Pinyon-Juniper (Mountain Shrub, Pinyon Pine, Pinyon Juniper, Juniper) 

Sagebrush (Sagebrush and Sagebrush/Perennial Grasslands) 

Blackbrush (Blackbrush and Hopsage) 

Salt Desert Scrub 

Mojave Desert Scrub (Creosote-Bursage and Mojave Mixed Scrub) 

Mesquite/Catclaw 


Desert Riparian/Aquatic (Lowland Riparian, including Muddy and Virgin River 

systems and Las Vegas Wash) 

Springs 

Other (sand dune, gypsiferous soil, rock outcrop, dry lake bed and playa, barren, 

agriculture, non-native grassland, urban) 

The MSHCP recommended that recreational land management decisions 

and mitigation be based on each habitat and its associated species needs. 

In addition to these major ecosystems that occur in the Park, several other 

assemblages of species with shared characteristics or habitat requirements 

may not be adequately addressed at the ecosystem level (as defined in the 

MSHCP). These include bats, Mojave desert lizards and snakes, 

butterflies, and species associated with rock outcrops, boulder fields, lava 

flows, sand dunes, gypsum soils, dry lake beds and playas, and boreal 

islands. 

Based on the criteria and analyses detailed in the MSHCP, for the entire 

Clark County area, there were 79 species included as Covered Species. 

Another 103 species are listed as Evaluation Species and 51 as Watch List 

Species. The general measurable biological goals for all species during 

Phase 1 of the MSHCP that are applicable to master planning for the Park 

are to manage the resource to allow for no net unmitigated loss or 

fragmentation of habitat and therefore maintain stable or increasing 

population numbers. 

Review of Valley of Fire State Park, by Nevada Natural Heritage resulted 

in the following habitats and/or species protected by Federal or State Law 

that will be considered in this planning document. 

c. Rare, Threatened or Endangered Plants 

With such a large and diverse park, the site is host for many uncommon 

and rare plants. These plants are found in very specific locations which 

are determined by a combination of soils, temperature, orientation and 

other physical factors which provide a very specialized growing environment. 

The following species were provided by Nevada Natural Heritage as 

At Risk Taxa Recorded near the Valley of Fire State Park Project Area. 

The list was compiled by the Nevada Natural Heritage Program for the 

Nevada Division of State Parks, May 2007. Note that all cacti, yuccas, and 

Christmas trees are protected by Nevada state law (NRS 527.060-.120), 

including taxa not tracked by this office. 

SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Plants 

Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus, 

Arctomecon californica 

COMMON NAME 

Three corner milkvetch 

Las Vegas bearpoppy 


Enceliopsis argophylla 

Helianthus deserticola 

Pediomelum castoreum 

Penstemon bicolor ssp. roseus 

Perityle intricata 

silverleaf sunray 

dune sunflower 

Beaver Dam breadroot 

rosy two-tone beardtongue 

desert rockdaisy 

d. Rare, Threatened or Endangered Animals 


Invertebrates 

Hesperopsis gracielae 

Megandrena mentzeliae 

Reptiles 

Sauromalus ater 

Gopherus agassizii 

Heloderma suspectum cinctum 

Birds 

Phainopepla nitens 

COMMON NAME 

MacNeill sooty wing skipper 

red-tailed blazing star bee 

chuckwalla 

desert tortoise (Mojave Desert pop.) 

banded gila monster 

Phainopepla 

Desert Tortoise: On April 2, 1990, the desert tortoise was listed as 

threatened by the USFWS (1990a), thereby bringing it under full 

protection of the Federal ESA of 1973. This listing was based on ongoing 

threats to the continued existence of the species, including loss of habitat 

to urban development and agriculture, potential degradation of habitat by 

grazing and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, illegal collection, spread of 

an upper respiratory tract disease, excessive predation of juvenile tortoises 

by common ravens, and other contributing factors. The April listing was 

preceded by an emergency listing of the tortoise as endangered on August 

4, 1989. In Nevada, the tortoise has been categorized as ―protected‖ 

pursuant to Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 501.110 and Nevada 

Administrative Codes (NAC) 503.080 and 503.090. 

Surveys for tortoise burrows and mitigation are completed on a case by 

case basis upon development or change of management in the park rather 

than at the master plan scale. 

e. Fish 

There are no streams or lakes that support fish within the park. The Fairy 

Shrimp (Apus Longicaudatus) has been observed in natural water holding 

tanks. These natural tanks hold water sporadically depending on available 

rainfall. 


f. Weeds and Non-Natives 

There have been many plant introductions within the park boundaries. A 

few shade trees have been planted near the staff housing area such as 

Chilean Mesquite and Palo Verde. The site is also host to several nonnative 

weed species which are distributed along existing road and 

disturbed areas: 


(Amaranthus spp) 

(Conyza canadensis) 

(Conyza coulteri) 

(Helianthus annuus) 

(Sonchus asper) 

(Capsella bursa-pastoris) 

(Cardaria pubescens) 

(Descurainina pinnata) 

(Descurainina sophia) 

(Malcolmia africana) 

(Streptanthella longirostris) 

(Atriplex semibaccata) 

(Salsola paulsenii) 

(Melilotus indicus) 

(Malva parvifolia) 

(Plantago lanceolata) 

(Rumex crispus) 

(Bothriochloa barbinodis) 

(Sorgham halepense) 

COMMON NAME 

Palmer Amaranth 

Canada Horseweed 

Coulter Horseweed 

Common Sunflower 

Spinny Leaf Sow-Thistle 

Shepperd Purse 

Whitetop (Noxious Weed) 

Pinnate Tansy Mustard 

Flixweed 

African Malcomia 

Long Beak Twistflower 

Australian Saltbrush 

Barbwire Russia Thistle 

Indian Sweetclover 

Cheeseweed 

English Plantain 

Curry Leaf Dock 

Cane Beardgrass 

Johnson Grass 

7. Perceptual 

Scenic views abound in this park, therefore, appendix 3.8 identifies those 

developed viewpoints separate from the Composite analysis. This map identifies 

areas which offer good views and vistas. (Appendix 3.8 Developed Scenic 

Viewpoints Map). 

a. Scenic Attributes 

The name Valley of Fire comes from the intense red color of the eroding 

sandstone located throughout the park. The dominant red sandstone 

formations are located in the southern portion of the park and run eastwest 

along the existing park road. Other isolated formations are located 

throughout the southern portion of the park. Another major concentration 

of these formations exists within the northern portion of the park. All red 


ock formations are best viewed when the sun is on a low angle such as in 

early morning and late afternoon. 

The red sandstone formations are carved into intricate patterns. Spires, 

serrate ridges, domes, and even anthropomorphic shapes have been carved 

into the sandstone by water and primarily wind. In the park area are also 

some mesa remnants capped with gravel. The most predominate mesa is 

Baseline Mesa which has a nearly flat top that extends for nearly one mile. 

Valley of Fire also has a large collection of petrified wood located just 

east of the Beehives. Although significant, there are not many full logs 

but instead a large number of fragments. This area has been fenced off to 

prevent the public from vandalizing the site and taking home pieces of 

petrified wood. One prime example of a petrified log is located along the 

main park road and west of the Cabins road. 

Along with the spectacular views of the park’s natural resources, the park 

also contains excellent petroglyphs which have national and international 

significance. The park also contains significant paleontological resources 

to interpret and protect. 

b. Location and Direction of Views 

The primary views are along the existing park road. The park is accessed 

by two main points of entry, one each on the east and the west side. Both 

entrances provide excellent views of formations as the visitor travels the 

main park road. The eastern entrance is most striking when entered in the 

early morning. At this time the early morning sun strikes the formations 

providing the most intense color. The western entrance is best for viewing 

the formations in late afternoon. Views of Lake Mead are also afforded 

while traveling to the east along the main park road. 

The park presently has two main vistas, Fire Canyon and Rainbow Vista. 

Fire Canyon is viewed to the south and Rainbow Vista looks out to the 

north. Both vistas are located near the end of the Mouse's Tank road on 

top of the main formations. 

This analysis indicates a potential location for an additional vista located 

on the northwest side of the park. This vista is accessed by a paved 

mining road which intersects Interstate 15 northeast of the Valley of Fire 

exit. This vista is highly desirable due to its location on top of the Weiser 

Ridge, accessed from the Byron Exit off of I15. The access crosses BLM 

lands and coordination to gain access is needed. 

The views looking to the east are expansive from Lake Mead to Rainbow 

Vista. This vista gives the visitor a unique view of the rugged and colorful 


ack country of the park. The road is presently used for mining operations 

and visitation is not allowed. However, the site may be of significance 

when the mining operations are completed. 

Views are also excellent within the formations of the northern back 

country. These views are primarily of smaller formations with a minor 

vista toward the Weiser Ridge. Access to these views is through another 

mining road which enters the park near Logandale, NV off Highway 169. 

The views are excellent within the tight confines of the formations but 

access is difficult, requiring a 4WD vehicle. 

Undesirable views within the park consist of road clearing scars in several 

locations, views of active mining claims, and existing structures within the 

park's residential area. The site is so large and remote that it has not been 

severely impacted by the encroachment of man. 

The southern portion of the park also offers views of interesting isolated 

formations. These formations include; Beehives, Atlatl Rock, Seven 

Sisters, and Elephant Rock. 

Beehive rock is located just off the main park road near the west entrance. 

This formation carved into a beehive is one of the most photographed 

rocks within the park. Its location also makes it extremely accessible to all 

visitors. 

Atlatl Rock is located across the main park road from the Beehives and 

offers excellent views of red rock formations as well as a large collection 

of petroglyphs. 

Seven Sisters is a collection of monoliths located on the south side of the 

main park road near the middle of the park. These monoliths have a 

nearly vertical relief and are located in the valleys which enhance their 

unique character. 

Elephant Rock is located near the east entry station and is a remarkable 

theriomorphic formation. The rock is not directly accessible to the main 

road and does require a short hike. This formation is also one of the most 

photographed by visitors. 

An area which has been largely unexplored is the Pinnacles located near 

the western entrance to the park. Located in a valley just north of the park 

maintenance complex, the Pinnacles are very striking with their near 

vertical relief, red color and isolated location. These formations are 

surrounded by the drab grey color of the desert limestone which helps 

accentuate their red color. Compared to other formations within the park 


the Pinnacles are not particularly large but their isolation from surrounding 

formations makes them particularly interesting. 

Also located in the southern portion of the park, are other points of interest 

including the CCC cabins and petrified logs. Throughout the park are 

located several theriomorphic rock formations which are a favorite of 

visitors. These formations are extremely varied and include spires, land 

bridges, caves, and balancing rocks. 

Proceeding northward on the Mouse's Tank Road, the visitor is taken to 

the top of the main formations where an interpretive trail takes them to 

Mouse's Tank through Petroglyph Canyon. Petroglyph Canyon is a 

narrow wash that contains several excellent examples of Indian 

petroglyphs. The interpretive trail terminates at the Mouse's Tank. The 

Tank is a natural basin formed out of the surrounding rock. The basin can 

hold water for months at a time and has other historical/cultural 

significance. 

North of the Mouse's Tank trail are two main vista/overlooks. Rainbow 

Vista, which provides excellent views of multi-colored rock formations to 

the north, is the terminus of White Domes road. Fire Canyon is located 

east of Rainbow Vista and provides a colorful view to the south. 

The areas north of Rainbow Vista offer exceptional views and recreational 

opportunities including White Domes, Duck Rock, and large expanses of 

red rock formations. White Domes is typified by large white dome 

formations and isolated canyons. 

The isolation and size of the park aid in its protection from unsightly 

views. There are a few less attractive views located on site including the 

park staff residences and abandoned roadways which cut through the 

desert landscape. Other potentially obtrusive views such as maintenance 

facilities are well screened by natural formations. 

c. Significant Areas Outside of Park Boundaries 

There are several areas outside of the park boundaries which offer 

excellent views and recreational opportunities. The Lake Mead National 

Recreation Area lies to the south and east of the park boundary. The 

recreation area is expansive and offers excellent views, natural springs, 

boat launches, and other recreational activities. Also located near the park 

are two scenic areas, Arrow Canyon and the Virgin Mountains which are 

managed by the Bureau of Land Management. 

A narrow hiking and climbing trail is located just east of the park 

boundary at the Overton Ridge. This wash is known as the Overton Wash 


and is a major water course during rain storms. The wash bisects two 

huge ridges and produces an extremely narrow passage between the two. 

Following this wash to the west will provide views into the north central 

portion of the park. 

Vehicular, access to this area is difficult since the existing road is washed 

out in several places. This road would be the only possible vehicle access 

to the park in the area, but the upper wash itself narrows in places to three 

feet. Overton Ridge and Wash are primarily located on BLM lands 

adjacent to the park. But, a Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) 

land transfer application is currently under review for the eastern portion 

of the park. 

An excellent vista is provided at an existing mining site located in 

northwest portion of the park. This mining operation is accessed from I- 

15 via the Byron exit and is a paved road which terminates at the top of 

the Weiser Ridge. The mine site looks out to the east at expansive red 

rock formations with Lake Mead in the distance. 

North of the existing park lies a huge area of red rock which is contained 

in another Recreation and Public Purposes application. This R&PP 

application contains areas of excellent scenic value. The northern red rock 

formations are typified by a long, continuous escarpment which runs from 

north to the south with a small scale interior valley. The other escarpment 

which frames this interior valley is located to the east but is broken in 

several locations and is not as unique as the western escarpment. 

The interior valley offers many interesting views and recreational 

opportunities. A large sand dune area is located at the north end of the 

valley. Extremely fine sand which has a slight red to orange color 

predominates in the dunes area. These dunes are located in a confined 

area which combined with orientation and wind direction has resulted in 

these formations. Also located in this northern valley are several narrow 

canyon views, minor land bridges or windows and echo effects against the 

escarpment. 

Proceeding south along this valley is a point of rock several hundred feet 

high separating the sand dune valley from the rest of the interior valley. 

This point is covered on its northern face by a huge wind driven sand 

dune. The views provided by this point are exceptional both to the north 

and south. 

Moving southward, a series of open valleys appear with excellent views of 

red rock formations. At the southern end of the interior valley lies an area 

known as Buffington's Pocket. There is an oasis like appearance to the 

pocket area which is a result of an abandoned dam structure. This dam 


which was originally built for water retention by ranchers has long since 

silted over and provides additional moisture for the desert environment. 

Additional moisture has allowed the growth of cottonwood trees which are 

found very rarely within the park and surrounding desert. These trees, 

which reach an approximate height up to thirty feet, provide shade and a 

welcome relief from the wide open desert. The pocket also encourages the 

growth of grasses and shrubs which are not seen in the surrounding desert 

landscape. In addition to its isolated quality Buffington's Pocket also 

offers several notable petroglyphs. 

d. Sounds, Smells, and Sources 

The park is essentially free of noise pollution due to its isolation. 

Although Nellis Air Force Base is located 50 miles to the south, low level 

jet operations do not normally occur above the park. The park has 

helicopter tours flying overhead every evening. Offensive odors are 

ordinarily limited to garbage placed in garbage bins or some smells 

associated with the pit toilets. Both of these instances are highly localized 

and occur only on a sporadic basis. 

e. Spatial Patterns 

Two camping loops are located at Atlatl Rock in the southern part of the 

park. These campsites are established within the rock formations, 

offering a degree of privacy and sense of enclosure. There are other manmade, 

spatially defining, elements throughout the park including picnic 

shelters and shade structures. Power lines within the park are primarily 

below ground and do not interfere with views. 

The park is defined primarily by basically two spatial types: wide open 

desert valley and broken rock formations. The valleys are flat with no 

defining vertical elements. In contrast, the rock formations offer a variety 

of enclosures and vertical scale. The sense of enclosure changes from 

"canyon like" to small scale with vertical sheer walls. Fire Canyon is an 

excellent example of the "canyon like" spatial pattern. 

Petroglyph Canyon, which leads to Mouse's Tank, runs along a dry wash 

which exhibits the vertical sheer walls typical of a small scale enclosure. 

These spaces defined by the formations provide a stark contrast to the 

wide open spaces of the valleys. 

B. CULTURAL RESOURCES 

1. ARCHAEOLOGICAL and PALEONTOLOGICAL 


The major users of the Valley of Fire area were the people of the Lost City. The 

Lost City was an enormous cluster of pit houses and pueblo villages which were 

located along the flood plain of the Muddy River, running east of the park. These 

Lost City residents (300 B.C. to 500 A.D.) used the valley primarily for hunting 

wild game with darts and atlatl. The Indians also would gather wild seeds from 

the park area. It is doubtful that any permanent residences were established 

within the valley due to its lack of water. This period of Lost City occupation by 

the Anasazi is called the Moapa Phase and is along the same period as the Basket 

maker II Period in Arizona and New Mexico. 

The succeeding period (500 to 700 A.D.) was known as the Muddy River Phase. 

During this phase the pit house dwellers gathered to form small villages where the 

inhabitants grew crops of corn and squash. During this period clay pottery was 

also being made. 

The Lost City Phase (700 to 1100 A.D.) was the next major phase which saw the 

river village grow enormously. The inhabitants moved from thatched pit houses 

into surface pueblos made of adobe and stone. The Indians also at this time 

exploited the mineral resources of the area including salt and turquoise. During 

this Lost City Phase the Southern Paiute began to filter into Lost City territory. 

The final period, Mesa House Period (1100 to 1150 A.D.) was very brief and 

populations dwindled as they moved to high ridges away from the river. The 

Anasazi finally abandoned the area to the Southern Paiute. 

Although no permanent pit houses have ever been located, several rock shelters 

show usage as temporary shelter during hunting forays into the park. Within the 

natural rock shelters artifacts such as pottery shards, projectile points, stone tools, 

and petroglyphs have been discovered. Pictographs are found at only one rock 

shelter within the park. 

By far the most striking archaeological finds have been the number and quality of 

petroglyphs throughout the park. One the best and largest examples of 

petroglyphs are found at Atlatl Rock. Both geometric and naturalistic designs are 

found within the park. 


The geometric designs include: straight lines, rectangles, zig zag lines, crosshatching, 

lines with pendant triangles, crosses, concentric crosses, stars, rakes, 

gridirons, circles, concentric circles, connected circles, dots, rows of dots, spirals, 

sundisks, wavy lines, and mazes. 

The naturalistic designs are both anthropomorphic and theriomorphic and 

included: hand and foot prints, human figures, rows of human figures with joined 

hands, mountain sheep, birds, lizards, snakes, and centipedes. The most popular 

naturalistic designs were humans and mountain sheep. 

The meaning of these designs is not fully understood, however it is not considered 

a written language. Some of the drawings may represent aboriginal doodling 

while others may have had important ceremonial significance. Many primitive 

hunters practice imitative magic by drawing the animals they wish to kill. The 

carvings are also believed to represent various clans within the Indians society. 

Of the 18 sites with petroglyphs, 10 sites have groups of outstanding petroglyphs. 

These petroglyphs are outstanding as to their form, number and variety. There are 

six Petroglyph sites which are considered exceptional. The petroglyphs at all the 

sites are slowly eroding away as the so-called desert varnish is shaling and falling 

off. Measures must be taken to save these carvings from natural forces as well as 

vandals. Continued partnerships in surveying, research and protection consulting 

with organization and institutions such as Dr. Kevin Rafferty, Department of 

Human Behavior, College of Southern Nevada is crucial to protection of these 

resources. 


2. HISTORICAL 

Valley of Fire does not contain a significant wealth of old or historical structures. 

However, there are several historical elements which should be included in the 

resource inventory. 

The Valley of Fire became a wagon road cutoff to Las Vegas in the latter part of 

the 19th century and early 20th century. In 1914 Clark County built a dirt road 

through the Valley to serve as part of the Arrowhead Trail between Salt Lake City 

and Los Angeles. Portions of this road still exist within the park boundaries. The 

Route was abandoned in 1925 when a more northerly route was established along 

present day Interstate 15. Before the trail was abandoned, an official of the 

American Automobile Association named the Valley after seeing it near sunset 

ablaze with red orange color. 

CCC “The Cabins” 

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed roads and buildings within 

the Valley from 1933 to 1935. Their work remains today in the form of the stone 

shelters known as "The Cabins". These structures are the only standing historic 

structures within the park. 

C. SITE ANALYSIS MAP/SUMMARY 

The Composite Site Analysis indicates the constraints and opportunities available 

within the park. The Composite Site Analysis also indicates areas which are and 


are not suitable for development. 

development are: 

The determining factors for restrictive 

Slope and Soils (Appendix 3.1 and 3.3) 

Soils Constraints (Appendix 3.5) 

USDA NRCS Soils database (online) 

FEMA flood and stream data (online) 

(See Appendix 3.8 Composite Site Analysis Map) 

a. Site Limitations 

Most site limitations are in the high slope and highly erosive areas of the park. 

These same areas provide the geological features and views which draw visitors 

to the park (Appendix 3.8 Composite Site Analysis). 

b. Development Opportunities 

The lower elevation and lower slope areas that make up the core development 

area of the current park can be seen on the map in Appendix 3.8. There are areas 

within the core that have slight limitations for all types of soil disturbing uses. 

However, there are adjacent areas that are slightly more fragile that should be 

avoided when placing facilities, trails or campgrounds.‖ (Appendix 3.7 Composite 

Site Analysis). 

D. Existing Facilities and Use 

The existing facilities at Valley of Fire State Park consist of two campground 

loops, restrooms, picnic sites, group use areas, an interpretive trail, scenic 

overlooks, a trailer dump station, entry stations, and visitor center. The park also 

has staff facilities including residences, a maintenance shop, and offices. The 

following is a more detailed inventory of these facilities and comments 

concerning their use (See Appendix 3.9 Facilities Map). 

1. Camping 

The camping facilities consist of two campgrounds. Atlatl Rock Campground has 

20 RV sites w/ water & electrical hook-ups,18 vehicle sites and 3 walk-in sites. 

These sites are serviced by two plumbed restrooms. One restroom contains 

showers and the other is a restroom only. 

Arch Rock Campground contains 29 vehicle sites with two restrooms. The 

restrooms in loop "B" contain no shower facilities and are pit/vault toilets. A 

trailer dump station services both loops and is located near the entrance to Atlatl 

Rock Campground. 


2. Picnicking and Day Use 

Picnic sites are located throughout the park's main core and contain various 

amenities. Atlatl contains 2 sites with approximately 14 tables, two shade 

structures, and one pit/vault restroom. 

White Dome's road, at Rainbow Vista turnoff, has one site with 4 picnic tables, 

one restroom and no shade structures. Also located on White Dome's road is the 

Mouse's Tank picnic area with 12 tables, one shade structure and pit/vault 

restrooms. A small picnic area with a shade structure and a pit/vault restroom is 

located at the White Dome's trailhead. 

The Cabin area contains one picnic site with a shade structure and pit/vault toilet. 

Seven Sisters, located just west of the Cabins, has 2 main sites and 6 secondary 

picnic areas. There are 5 shade structures and one pit/vault toilet. 

The Beehives is the only group day use area within the park. This area contains 3 

group sites which each have their own pit/toilet restroom, fire ring, outdoor 

kitchen, and large shade structure with approximately 6 tables. All three group 

use sites will accommodate from 12 - 15 vehicles each. (Appendix 3.8 Facilities). 

Picnic Site Parking/ADA Picnic Shelters Restroom 

Cabins X X X 

Seven Sisters X X X 

Atlatl X X X 

Arch Rock Campground X X X 

Beehives (Group Use 

reservation only) 

X X X 

3. Visitor Center/Offices 

A modern visitor center is located at the foot of Mouse's Tank/White Domes 

Road. The visitor center has recently been renovated and a newly designed 

interpretive display is under construction. The visitor center offers flush 

restrooms, drinking water, and a retail sales area. The park staff office is located 

behind the Visitors Center and was completed in 2009. 

4. Maintenance Shop 

The maintenance shop is located near the west entrance to the park and accessed 

off of the main park road. The maintenance area is well sited with a natural 

screen provided by a ridge. The maintenance facility includes an office, service 

bay, wood working shop, and restroom. The maintenance contains fuel pumps 

and a dry storage shed. 


5. Staff Residences 

Park staff housing is located near the park's west entrance and shares an access 

road with the maintenance shop. There are a total of five houses for full time 

staff. The residences are not visually obtrusive to visitors on the main park road. 

6. Roads and Circulation 

The main park road bisects the southern portion of the park from east to west. 

This main road is paved and well maintained. There are many secondary roads 

within the park including White Domes road, Atlatl Rock loop road, Beehives 

road, Cabins road. There are a number of other roads for staff use only (Appendix 

3.10 Circulation Map). 

The park also has a number of unofficial access points which are found mostly in 

the northern portion of the site. Most of these access points require 4WD vehicles 

and are difficult to traverse due to constant wash outs. 

Two entry/rest stations are located at the east and west entrances into the park 

along State Highway 169. The west entry station has a flush toilet and the east is 

a SST vault toilet. Both have open air pavilions which contains interpretive 

plaques. The west entry station has a fee/information booth, the east does not. 

The east entry station also serves as the trailhead for the Arrowhead to Elephant 

Rock loop trails. There is a third entry point at the Logandale Trails area through 

the BLM lands on the north end of the park (Attachment 3.10 Circulation Map 

and 3.12 Logandale Trails System Map). 

TRAILS: Since the 1990 plan, there have been a total of 16 trails and routes 

developed. Some of these trails have informal parking areas with no trailhead 

facilities. Some trails have development of facilities in progress (P). There is no 

water available on any trails. The west entry point, campgrounds and the Visitor 

Center have potable water. (Appendix 3.11 Trails Map). 

Use: These uses are recommended based on trail suitability. Motorized use is only 

allowed on trails designated for Motorized use (M). 

Mt. Bikes are not recommended on most trails in the park due to the deep sand 

and difficult access. H - Hiking, B - Mt. Biking, E - Equestrian, M - Motorized. 

Technical Rock Climbing routes are by permit only. 

Trail or 

Route 

Use 

Develope 

d 

Trailhead 

Parkin 

g 

ADA Restroom Picnic 

Shelter 

Route/not 

maintained 

Distance 

in Miles 


Elephant Rock 

Trail 

Arrowhead 

Trail 

Old 

Arrowhead 

Trail 

Natural Arch 

Trail 

Charlie's 

Spring Trail 

Balancing 

Rock - 

Visitors 

Center 

Mouse's Tank 

and 

Petroglyphs 

Rainbow Vista 

Trail 

White Domes 

Trail 

H X X X X .3 

H X X X X 1.2 

H, E, 

B 

X X 6.8 

H X X 

H, E X X 5.5 

H X X X .5 

H X X X X X .75 

H X X P P X 1.0 

H X X X X X 1.1 

Prospect Trail H, E X X 11.0 

Pinnacles H, E X X X X X X 4.5 

Trail 

Logandale M X (BLM) X X X 

Trail 

Duck Rock H X X .25 

Fire Canyon H P P P P X .1 

Cabins H X X X X X X .1 

Petrified Logs H X .1 

Logandale Trails 

The Logandale Motorized Trails System crosses through a small portion of the park at the 

northern end. This trail system was planned cooperatively with the Bureau of Land 

Management and completed in 2008. The majority of the trail lies on BLM lands with 

small sections that cross into the park boundary and back out (Attachment 3.10 

Circulation Map and 3.12 Logandale Trails System Map). 


IV. 

GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 

A. PROCESS FOR THIS PLAN UPDATE 

Data Inventory and Analysis - Staff collected site and regional area information for 

Valley of Fire State Park in the following categories: land use trends (ownership, land 

use, zoning, transportation, trails and utilities), natural resources (topography, geology, 

hydrology, vegetation, soils, slope, wildlife, climate, air quality and perceptual 

attributes), and cultural resources (existing facilities, archaeological and historical 

resources). This information was then analyzed to identify development limitations and 

site opportunities. User survey data from the past 5 years were analyzed and graphics 

were developed to present findings to the public at the first public workshop. 

Public Participation – An assistance grant was applied for and received from the 

National Park Service Rivers and Trails Assistance Program. Deborah Reardon from the 

Las Vegas office assisted in strategic planning, meeting facilitation and public 

participation planning through the entire process. 

Among the methods used to be responsive to existing and future needs were: 1) Survey of 

users, 2) Public meetings, 3) Continued liaison with community groups by staff, and 4) 


Monitoring of trends and actual park use, 5) An additional survey was completed to 

include the internet, mailing and hard copies which were handed out at the visitors center. 

The first rounds of public meetings were held June of 2009 in both Las Vegas and in 

Logandale. The 1990 Plan Goals and Issues were presented, as well as those brought up 

through surveys, staff and partners prior to the first public meeting. Maps, pictures, site 

inventory information, current demographics and trends, site analysis information and 

user survey results were presented at the public workshops. 

The public was asked to provide input on issues, goals and objectives. They were also 

asked to put forth opportunities and ideas that the staff could use in development of 

alternatives. 

An interdisciplinary team was gathered to include Partners in Conservation, Bureau of 

Land Management, Clark County, and the National Park Service to ensure that the public 

and private land owners adjacent to the park had ample opportunity to give input to the 

management plan development. Based on all available information, three alternatives 

were developed. 

These alternatives were then presented for public comment at a second public meeting on 

December 8 and 9, 2009. 

Participants 

Participants in the development of the first phase of data inventory and analysis and 

assistance with the gathering of initial data and public meeting input include but are not 

limited to: 

National Park Service, Rivers and Trails Assistance Program 

Bureau of Land Management 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area 

University of Nevada, Las Vegas Landscape Architecture and Planning 

Research Office 

Nevada Natural Heritage Program 

Clark County Parks and Recreation 

The Nature Conservancy 

Partners in Conservation (PIC) 

Nevada Department of Wildlife 

In 2009, four public workshops were held to discuss future development and 

management of Valley of Fire State Park. Together, with the public and partners, we 

looked closely at 15 of the main issues for the park. We developed three alternatives for 

each of the issues. These alternatives were based on "level of development" themes. 

They ranged from a low level of development/management through a relatively moderate 

level to a relatively higher level. The alternatives are provided in Appendix 4.1. The main 

park issues are provided to you below with the chosen alternative or management and 

development strategies for each. 


B. MANAGEMENT PLAN 

The new plan concept was developed by staff and the public in December, 2009. This 

park concept consists of five mission statements that will direct the park’s management 

for the next 15 years or until amended or revised. 

Park Concept 

The Valley of Fire State Park offers some of the most unique natural landforms, 

archeological and paleontological resources and scenic values in the state of Nevada. 

Sensitive areas in this desert ecosystem are protected for future generations while 

allowing for compatible recreational use; public access is controlled through 

designated trails, roadways and recreation areas. 

The Park provides extensive interpretation and educational programs and amenities 

with an emphasis on engaging youth. 

Valley of Fire State Park will continue to be an outdoor classroom through research 

partnerships that support the conservation and protection of resources. 

All facilities in the park, including signs and interpretation, are designed to be 

unobtrusive, visually compatible with the natural landscape and consistent with 

scenic highway aesthetic standards. 

1. General Management and Development Guidelines 

a. Design Guidelines: Examine ways to incorporate green technologies in 

new facilities. Create designs that are consistent with the "desert 

ecosystem and Paleolithic" theme. New trails or facilities will not impact 

rock formations and be consistent with the State Scenic Byway standards 

for aesthetics. 

b. Visitors Center: Continue updating existing visitor center to address 

current educational needs and environmental treasures of the park and 

region. Continue to provide informational and educational books, 

pamphlets etc. related to natural history. Continue collaboration with 

school groups and classes. 


c. Park Land Protection: The Park is encumbered under federal law which 

prohibits conversion of park lands into non-recreational/conservation use; 

therefore, non-conforming uses (i.e. cell towers) are not allowed. 

d. Geo-caching is allowed by permit only and is managed under statewide 

policies. 

e. Hunting is not permitted due to public safety concerns in the park’s many 

congested areas. 

f. Safety Improvements: Install public safety kiosks and signs at trails that 

are long-distance, flash flood prone or where other dangers are known. 

g. Park Entrances and Fee Collection: Add fee booth at east entrance and 

add public safety notice kiosks. 

h. System-wide Trail Enhancements: Define parking areas at all trailheads 

and scenic viewpoint to halt vehicle parking on undesignated, sensitive 

areas. Add trail signs and educational signs with safety messages, desert 

ecosystem and Paleolithic theme. Pursue partnerships grants and 

alternative funding sources to complete these projects. 

2. Issue Specific Guidelines 

a. Utilities and Park Infrastructure 

 

 

The utilities in the state park are mostly original. Many of the 

facilities for visitors have been upgraded or renovated but for a few 

restrooms. Constant maintenance with multiple delays in water and 

electrical service occurs. 

Due to the lack of projected general funding for the next decade, it 

has been determined that the renovation of the basic infrastructure 

to park utilities, with service the park staff and visitors is the 

priority of this development plan. (See Development Plan below). 

b. Natural Resource Management 

Continue to work cooperatively with the Nevada Department of 

Wildlife & US Fish and Wildlife Service to manage plants and 

animal habitats under the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat 

Conservation Plan. 

Continue weed abatement especially on tamarisk. 

Continue collaboration with Nevada State Parks Cooperative 

Association (NSPCA) on informational and educational books, 

pamphlets etc. related to natural history. Continue collaboration 

with school groups and classes. 

c. Protect and interpret the historic, cultural, archaeological and 

Paleontological resources 

Continue partnerships with professional groups and UNLV to 

complete comprehensive surveys. 


Continue interpretive planning and upgrade or add educational 

displays at all significant sites as determined needed and 

appropriate. 

In areas where the significance of the find, or the level of 

vandalism is extraordinary; management may include prohibiting 

access to resources with the use of barriers, fences, obscuring 

areas, or bury in situ if needed. Relocate resources or obscure from 

public view as needed. 

d. Northern Management Area - (NMA) - [Includes Logandale 

Motorized Trails within the State Park.] Motorized use and 

supporting facilities should be permitted in the north half of the park 

(This area includes the Logandale trails within Valley of Fire) 

Motorized use will be allowed on designated trails only associated 

with the Logandale trail system. Strive to find and designate one 

connector trail through north end of park through future 

cooperative efforts with BLM and Clark Co. 

Use of the area should be under annual state park permit, or park 

day use fee. 

Signage and public education must be significantly increased 

through partnerships with local clubs, BLM, and grants. 

With the exception of designated Logandale trails in the northern 

management areas, motorized use is limited to street legal vehicles 

on designated roads. 

e. Northern Management Area (NMA) - Special OHV Events 

The number and type of special OHV events to be permitted in 

NMA is contingent upon state park policy. 

Determine routes for current permits and special events and allow 

under permit only. 

Install signs designating exact route(s) for events. 

GPS these routes and make available for download from park 

website. 

Designate these same routes for use by general public (fee based). 

f. Northern Management Area (NMA) Includes Logandale area which 

crosses into the State Park - Equestrian and Pedestrian Trails 

Allow equestrian use on same trails as motorized OHV. However, 

there will be no official designations for equestrian trails or 

equestrian trailhead development on those trails. 

Investigate other equestrian and pedestrian - non motorized trails in 

the north that are separate from motorized. 

Identify equestrian parking/trailheads in collaboration with BLM, 

Clark County, Moapa Valley and Overton; work cooperatively with 

stakeholders to designate and sign these trails. 


g. Northern Management Area (NMA) - Camping 

Identify and designate primitive camp areas to be used by permit 

only and fee based. These would be dry camping sites/areas and 

fire rings and sanitary facilities would be installed if feasible. 

h. Southern Management Area (SMA) - Trails 

Formally design/build, designate and sign current trails shown 

below. 

Trail system includes both constructed trails and routes. 

Upgrade all trailheads to include interpretive and safety kiosks. 

Mediate problems with "migrating parking areas" with defined 

borders of rock/curbing and/or pavement where needed based on 

soils stability and natural environment. Install barriers where 

needed for protection of resources. Add the Duck Rock equestrian 

route and trailhead, Fire Wash trail and equestrian trailhead. 

Close road located past Fire Canyon Vista to motorized vehicles; 

open only for marathon, pedestrian and administrative use. 

Trail or Route Use Developed 

Trailhead 

Parking Restroom Picnic 

Shelter 

Route - 

marked but 

not 

maintained 

Distance in 

Miles 

Petrified Logs H X X .1 

Elephant Rock Trail H From East Entrance .3 

Arrowhead Trail H 1.2 

Old Arrowhead Trail H, E, B Three access pts, west, sisters, and East from 

6.8 

Arrowhead 

Natural Arch Trail H From East Entrance .5 

Charlie's Spring Trail H, E From Arrowhead X 5.5 

Balancing Rock Trail H From Visitors Center (VC) .5 

Mouse's Tank Trail H X X X X .75 

Rainbow Vista Trail H X X X X 1.0 

White Domes Trail H X X X X 1.1 

Prospect Trail H, E X X X 11.0 

Pinnacles Trail H, E X X X X X 4.5 

Logandale Trail M X (BLM) X X X 

Duck Rock H Combined with Equestrian .25 

Duck Rock Equestrian E X X Unknown 

(NEW) 

Fire Canyon H X X X X .1 

Cabins H X X X X X .1 

Fire Wash (NEW) H,E, B 1. Near campground loop and 2. VC Unknown 

Mt. Bikes are not recommended on most trails in the park due to the deep sand and difficult access. 

H - Hiking, B - Mt. Biking, E - Equestrian, M - Motorized. Technical Rock Climbing routes are by permit only. 

i. Biking and Marathon Use 


Expand shoulders where feasible to improve user safety. 

Define and mark pull-outs. 

Work with neighboring agencies to plan potential extensions of the 

bike lane in the future. 

j. Camping in Southern Management Area 

Maintain current sites. Add walk-in tent sites. Determine where to 

implement tent and car camping ―non-generator‖ sites at Arch 

Rock. 

k. Day Use Picnicking (SMA) and Group Use area 

Improve facilities including upgraded restrooms, interpretive signs, 

parking and roads, BBQ grills and shade structures. 

Redesign Group use area behind beehives to accommodate 

additional use and provide drinking water where feasible. 

Pave roads and parking areas where needed based on soils stability 

and natural environment. Install barriers where needed for 

protection of resources. 

If water development becomes feasible, upgrade water 

developments in all areas as affordable. Otherwise, manage as dry 

sites. 

l. Staging Area for Movies and Special Events 

Re-grade unpaved parking area and add drainage improvements. 

Design staging area to be lower than road, hidden from view of 

Visitors Center and scenic byway. 

If future water development improves the quality and quantity 

sufficiently, reconsider providing comfort facilities. 

m. Atlatl Rock Picnic Area and Proposed Amphitheater 

Upgrade/replace restrooms, signs and kiosks. Develop an 

amphitheater to seat 50-100 people based on architect’s design and 

redesign of parking area. Follow design guidelines to blend 

structures in with rock and natural environment. 

n. Weddings 

Specific areas for weddings by permit only. Four existing areas: 

Visitors Center, Rainbow, Seven Sisters and Cabins. 

Monitor sites for damage and close/rehab as needed. New areas can 

be opened to meet demand or increased per day with addition of 

permanent full-time staff needed to manage workload. 

o. Land Acquisition Plan 

State Parks continues to explore opportunities to consolidate 

management boundaries and connect park lands. Continually 


investigate opportunities for acquisition of private lands that link 

north end with south end. Dispose of or consider trades for 

outlying park parcels in order to consolidate park lands for 

increased recreation viability and management efficiency. 

p. Interpretation and Education - Level of investment for interpretation 

and education. 

Strive to find funding to increase interpretive/education. 

Increase focus on education of children in the outdoors. 

Strive to find funding to hire one FTE interpreter. 

Develop partnerships with local communities and regional partners 

to take Valley of Fire interpretive messages to the community. 

C. DEVELOPMENT PLAN 

Available funding and funding opportunities will drive the priority of 

implementing the upgrades and improvements in this plan. There are no 

improvements that must occur prior to or in support of another, therefore, 

there are no phases. 

Development Task 

Replace dilapidated electric line and conduit 

Replace dilapidated water line and tanks 

Replace dilapidated and outdated telemetry system 

Continue to explore water availability 

Design, layout and construct Fire Wash trail, trailheads, parking and signs. Add water source on the 

trail if feasible 

Design and construct equestrian trailhead in Fire Wash if water is feasible. 

Design and construct amphitheater at Atlatl Rock Picnic Area. 

Develop a new combined trailhead for Clark's Monument, Clarks Wash, and Arrowhead Trails. 

Maintain and therefore widen the main road shoulders to accommodate non-motorized traffic for 

special events and general public; runners, walkers and bicycles. 

Redesign parking areas at trailheads and scenic vistas and delineate parking areas with structures 

that eliminate undesignated parking. 

Renovate/replace old signs and kiosks 

Install public safety kiosks and signs at trails that are long-distance, flash flood prone or where 

other dangers are known. 

Reseed and naturalize social trails in all areas of the park that are no designated trails or routes 

Install signs, directional signage etc… and restore undesignated trails in the Logandale trails area 

on State Park lands 

Upgrade toilets were needed using green technology if feasible 

Redesign and re-develop Beehives parking area and road to group use area. 

Redesign and re-develop group use area. 


Designate or develop tent sites at Atlatl Campground 

Design and construct new trailhead parking at Duck Rock. 

Design and construct new parking area and interpretive kiosks at Fire Canyon Scenic Vista 

Place directional signage on all trails and routes as needed 

Reconstruct and maintain trails as needed 

Add fee booth at East Entrance 

Design and place protective barriers around paleontological and archeological sites. 

Valley of Fire GMP, 2010 Page 61 of 61

Valley of Fire GMP, 2010 Page 1 of 61 - Nevada State Parks

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