On our way to Zion National Park we stopped at the Valley of Fire State Park east of Las Vegas. We first went to the visitor center to get some recommendations on hikes and things to see. A European couple in front of us was getting directions to some out of the way place (not a main, advertised trail) that sounded interesting. I asked the ranger about it when our turn came. It turns out that there is a feature in the park recently popularized by a European photographer and so many Europeans have come to see it the park marked a use trail to it just this year. It is called the Fire Wave.
Fire Wave
It was late morning when we started at the trailhead and the temperature was already in the mid 90’s, and of course, for photography, the light was harsh. Much of the trail is over slick rock, and I lost the trail for a bit and ended up down in a featureless wash. We turned back, but then spotted some rock cairns leading further south. The alternating bands of light and dark pink with a background of yellow and brown were striking. It reminded me of Zebra Canyon. After a few photos, we headed back. Did I mention how hot it was?
Driving down the road just a bit farther we did a short hike at White Domes. There were lots more people on this trail. To me it was a typical desert hike in canyons and washes, although there was a bit of the set of the movie The Professionals (a movie I had just recently watched) left along the trail.
VEry cool. Love the shot of the horned toad too.