The Valley of Fire is 40,000 acres of vibrant red-orange sandstone rock formations, which are illuminated by the desert sun. Established by the state in 1935, this breathtaking place is Nevada‘s largest and oldest state park. The rock formations were most likely formed during the Jurassic period, when an inland sea receded. There is evidence that Ancestral Puebloan people were living in the area, as long as 11,000 years ago. Communities of the Basketmaker culture thrived there, followed by the Anasazi people. The beautiful petroglyphs, or rock carvings, of the Anasazi community can be seen at Atlatl rock and Mouse’s Tank, among other sites. By the time the Mormons arrived in the area in 1865, Paiute families were living there. As more white settlers and miners invaded the area, eventually the native people were pushed out to a nearby reservation. The federal government gifted 8,760 acres of the land to the state in 1931. Through efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps over the next few years, roads and camping facilities were constructed for public use.
